In one of the most iconic scenes in film history, a Gibson ES-345™ Cherry Red guitar took center stage in the film Back to the Future—and today, it’s making history again. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the beloved Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment film starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, and in honor of October 21—officially recognized as Back to the Future Day—Gibson, the legendary global instrument brand, in partnership with Universal Products and Experiences proudly announces the Back to the Future Collection. Featuring limited-edition ES-345 models from Gibson Custom and Epiphone, as well as an exclusive apparel line, the Back to the Future Collection is designed to thrill both guitar enthusiasts and fans of the iconic film. Music and film fans can stop by the Gibson Garage Nashville and London locations to see the entire Back to the Future Collection in person, and worldwide via Gibson.com.
This summer, Gibson and Michael J. Fox launched a global “Lost to the Future” search for the original Gibson ES-345 Cherry Red guitar played by Fox in Back to the Future during the unforgettable “Enchantment Under the Sea” dance scene—a moment that inspired generations of musicians after Marty McFly’s electrifying performance of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.” Despite efforts to find the guitar during the filming of the sequel, the guitar’s whereabouts remained a mystery. Fans worldwide have been submitting tips at www.LostToTheFuture.com, and after thousands of submissions, Gibson has narrowed the search and is actively pursuing a handful of promising leads to locate and authenticate what may be the most significant guitar in movie history.
“Bringing this guitar to life has been a passion project for many years, and it’s incredibly exciting to finally see it become a reality,” says Mark Agnesi, Director of Brand Experience at Gibson. “We couldn’t be prouder of how these guitars turned out—they’re truly special. This is the guitar that inspired me, and countless others from my generation, to pick up playing in the first place.”
The Back to the Future 1955 ES-345 Collector’s Edition from Gibson Custom is limited to just 88 guitars worldwide, a nod to The Time Machine from the film, and features a stunning Cherry Red finish with exclusive design details. The Epiphone Back to the Future ES-345, limited to 1,985 guitars globally, celebrates the year the blockbuster film hit theaters and offers fans an accessible way to own a piece of cinematic and musical history. In addition to the guitars, there’s also an exclusive range of Back to the Future apparel and accessories, including tees, hats, collectible guitar pick tins, a guitar strap, and an AXE HEAVEN® mini guitar that will delight collectors and fans alike.
Back to the Future Gibson Custom Collection guitar case candy includes a flux capacitor, key to the Time Machine, a Casio watch, production still from the film, a guitar strap, picks, posters and a Certificate of Authenticity.
The new Epiphone Back to the Future ES-345 is a replica of the legendary Gibson ES-345 based on the model that Michael J. Fox aka Marty McFly plays in the film Back to the Future. A loving tribute to this cultural icon, the Epiphone Back to the Future ES-345 features a five-ply layered maple semi-hollowbody with a solid maple centerblock for enhanced sustain and improved feedback resistance. The top has four-ply binding with single-ply binding on the back. The mahogany neck has a comfortable Rounded C profile and is topped with a single-ply bound rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and is adorned with pearloid split parallelogram inlays that are a hallmark of the ES-345. The 60s Kalamazoo headstock is equipped with a Graph Tech® nut and Epiphone Deluxe tuning machines with cream Keyston buttons. The Epiphone logo and Gibson Crown are inlaid in mother of pearl. On the back of the headstock, in a nod to the 1985 film, you’ll find a Hill Valley Music store decal. The Back to the Future ES-345 has gold hardware, including an Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and a Bigsby® B70 vibrato tailpiece, and just like the guitar in the movie, the original Stop Bar studs are left in place. The Back to the Future ES-345 is powered by two of Epiphone’s acclaimed Alnico Classic PRO™ pickups, each with individual volume and tone controls. A mono Varitone provides even more tonal versatility. It even comes packed in a vintage-style hardshell case with Marvin Berry and the Starlighters graphics. The Epiphone Back to the Future ES-345 is limited to only 1985 units worldwide, and they’re sure to go fast, so unless you have a flux capacitor-equipped Time Machine so that you can go back in time to get one later, you’d better grab yours now while you still can.
Launching alongside the Epiphone and Custom Shop ES-345 guitars, Gibson’s apparel division will release a collection of exclusive, film-inspired merchandise. Ranging from AXE Heaven mini ES-345 Cherry Red guitars to guitar pick tins, straps, T-shirts, and hats inspired by the film, the Back to the Future collection promises to be an exciting addition to any fans collection.
Way Huge didn’t leave much to the imagination when it branded this fuzz the Doom Hammer. But that doesn’t mean it's without surprises. Jeorge Tripp’s latest design is based on an op-amp Big Muff that he modified for a client in the 1990s—primarily with the aim to tighten the low end. You hear Tripps hit that target when you play the Doom Hammer alongside other Big Muff types, which are massive in the low end and can sound comparatively sprawling in that frequency. But rather than merely heavy, the Doom Hammer’s combination of taut lows and the pronounced midrange one associates with op-amp Big Muffs is nasty, buzzy, punky, and brash. For all the desert-rock swagger in the name, the Doom Hammer is just as effective at lending contrast to heavy bass in a mix. And for any stoner rock power trio that has had to work against a wall of bottom-end sludge on stage or in the studio, it’s a practical and intriguing solution.
Fire Breather
Though it’s not hard to hear Big Muff lineage in the Doom Hammer, it can sound vastly different from most Muffs at identical fuzz, output, and tone levels. I didn’t have an op-amp Big Muff on hand for comparison, but in my experience with that circuit, I’ve found they have as much in common with other Big Muffs as they do differences. But Tripp’s recipe puts extra distance between them.
The Ram’s Head and Sovtek Muffs I used to A/B with the Doom Hammer, for instance, each exhibited the creaminess in low-midrange frequencies that makes David Gilmour obsessives ecstatic—particularly with the tone control at more modest levels. The Doom Hammer, however, sometimes has a buzz-saw aggressiveness that evokes a 1960s transistor fuzz swinging on a wrecking ball. And at low output and advanced fuzz levels it can quite convincingly play the part of Tone Bender. More modest fuzz and tone settings strike a more even balance between classic, buttery Big Muff sustain sounds and buzzier ones. And here it’s great for cooking up Carlos Santana and John McLaughlin’s questing lead tangles and Robert Fripp’s snaky synth-like lines. Indeed, the Doom Hammer, for all its midrange emphasis, can be flexible and adaptable.
The Doom Hammer, however, sometimes has a buzz-saw aggressiveness that evokes a 1960s transistor fuzz swinging on a wrecking ball.
Playing a bit more in the spirit of the Doom Hammer’s name (with an SG in drop-D, ’natch) I was still struck by how much less bossy it is in the bass range than a Ram’s Head or Sovtek. But again, this can be an ideal recipe for adding punchy contrast to the bass bomb coming from your bandmate’s Rickenbacker 4003 and Orange stack. It lends snarling aggression to big dumb rock riffs and drones, and detuned guitars sound less buried in blunted, washy overtones.
The Verdict
Jeorge Tripps’ knack for spinning new magic around fuzz formulas—whether with the wild Way Huge Atreides or the more straight-ahead Swollen Pickle—is a gift to fuzz freaks. Because, let’s face it, sometimes ferocious barrages of distortion can start to blur when ears are tired and you’re on the hunt for a different path. The Doom Hammer’s tight bass, and the resulting more prominent midrange, offer a discernibly different texture to work with, however, all while retaining the essential mass and menace that draws a player to a Big Muff in the first place.
Introducing the Reverend Reeves Gabrels RG-SUS Mark II, reimagined with a new three-pickup layout. It features a 5-way selector for tone options galore. Fire up the acclaimed Sustainiac system for organic, controllable feedback and endless sustain. This system adds a whole new dimension to your playing, and it will pump up your creativity to a new level. If you’re a tone-shaping maniac, you need the Reeves Gabrels RG-SUS Mark II!
Reeves Gabrels has the unusual distinction of meeting David Bowie and forming a band with him – Tin Machine in 1989. He went on to work with Bowie in his solo career and a successful solo career of his own with his band Reeves Gabrels and His Imaginary Friends. He is currently the lead guitar player in The Cure, as well as involved with founding the project Gabrels/Kane/Parker-Wells.
The Reverend Reeves Gabrels RG-SUS Mark II is now available through any Reverend Authorized Dealer.
About Reverend Guitars:
Founded in 1997, Reverend Guitars has been at the forefront of creating instruments that are beyond the ordinary. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and the artistry of music, Reverend Guitars continues to inspire musicians worldwide. Each instrument is a testament to the brand's dedication to the craft, inviting players to explore new realms of sonic possibilities. Well played, indeed.
D’Addario introduces the Pick Holder 360, a sleek, fun new way to keep your favorite picks organized and visible, easy to reach, and ready to play.
Spin, Grab, Play
The Pick Holder 360 offers rotating, stylish, easy-access storage for guitar picks of all shapes and sizes. Designed for one-handed use, all you have to do is give it a spin, grab your pick, and play. It’s a quick, perfect buy for musicians, custom pick collectors, or anyone simply looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for the musician in their life.
Highlights
360° Access: Rotating design keeps every pick within easy reach
Stylish Storage: Sleek tabletop design fits comfortably in any setup
Universal Fit: Holds picks of various sizes and shapes securely
Gift Ready: Perfect for musicians and music lovers alike
Availability & Pricing
The D’Addario Pick Holder 360 will be available October 13, 2025, through daddario.com and authorized retailers
Mateus Asato, the Brazilian guitarist, composer, and musical innovator who is celebrated for redefining modern guitar artistry, has released his first official single, “Cryin’” today. The song will be on his forthcoming debut album, due out in early 2026.
About the release, Masato says, “‘Cryin’’is my emotional celebration of life — the first act of being human and the sound of joy, fear, and love all at once. It’s a reminder that life is full of emotions, vulnerability, and movement, and you’re free to feel it your own way.”
Born in Campo Grande, Brazil, Asato began playing guitar at age nine and quickly developed a soulful, melodic style that blends technical mastery with deep emotional expression. After moving to Los Angeles to attend the Musicians Institute, he graduated with top honors and received the Outstanding Guitar Player of the Year award.
His expressive playing and viral Instagram performances propelled him to international fame, earning millions of followers and recognition as one of the most influential guitarists of his generation. Asato has toured and recorded with global superstars including Tori Kelly, Jessie J, and Bruno Mars, performing at venues such as Tokyo Dome and the Grammy Awards as part of Mars’s Silk Sonic band.
Mateus has been named among Guitar World’s Top 10 Guitarists of the Decade and Total Guitar’s Top 3 Guitarists in the World Today. Beyond his technical prowess, he is revered for bringing lyrical storytelling to the instrument — bridging genres from pop and R&B to instrumental fusion — and inspiring a new generation of players worldwide.