"This HSS Strat features an alder body, a Sunset Metallic finish, a compound-radius rosewood fretboard, two new N3 noiseless pickups, and a DH-1 humbucker."
Ernie Ballis proud to announce that two of its most celebrated signature string lines are now available in single packs: Papa Het’s Hardwired Master Cores and the Slash Signature String Set. Giving players more flexibility and easier access to their preferred artist tones, these offerings represent a milestone for fans of both Metallica’s James Hetfield and guitar legend Slash.
Papa Het’s Hardwired Master Cores Signature Strings – Now In Single Packs
Papa Het’s Hardwired Master Cores signature string packs have been co-developed with Metallica’s James Hetfield over the past decade to best meet his demanding performance requirements. This signature set consists of James’ preferred 11–50 gauge combination using thicker Paradigm core wire wound with nickel-plated steel wrap wire and a proprietary Everlast nanotreatment. Ideal for James’ aggressive style and technique, the strings offer a heavier sound with extra pitch stability. The plain strings consist of Paradigm core wire with brass reinforcement at the ball end for added strength and tuning stability.
“With all the companies we’re with, we’re super proud to be with Ernie Ball! For them to take on the challenge of, hey I got an idea, can you do this… they have stepped up to the challenge! I’m super proud!”
Enhanced corrosion resistance and longevity via Everlast nanotreatment • Heavier core to wrap ratio for added pitch stability
Brass reinforcement at ball end on plain strings for tuning stability
Papa Het’s Hardwired Master Core Signature Strings in single packs are available now at ernieball.com
Slash Signature Slinky Strings – Now In Single Packs
Slash’s signature string packs are the culmination of over three decades of Slash and Ernie Ball’s ongoing pursuit to create strings that provide more durability and tuning stability without sacrificing tone or feel. These new packs feature Paradigm core wire wound with nickel-plated steel wrap wire and a proprietary Everlast nanotreatment, while the Paradigm plain strings use a heavier brass reinforcement at the ball ends to improve tuning stability and strength.
Key Features:
Superior strength and durability
Enhanced corrosion resistance and longevity via Everlast nanotreatment • Heavier brass reinforcement on plain strings for improved tuning stability • Gauges: 11, 14, 18, 28, 38, 48
Slash Signature Slinky Strings in single packs are available now at ernieball.com.
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announces the John Osborne Telecaster® in collaboration with the Grammy®-winning guitarist John Osborne. A highly customized signature model inspired by his personal, road-tested 1968 Telecaster guitar, the John Osborne Telecaster is designed for expressive, dynamic playing; this instrument blends classic Fender craftsmanship with innovative performance features, including the signature B String Bender. Launching as part of Fender’s celebration of the Telecaster’s 75th anniversary, the John Osborne Telecaster honors both the enduring legacy of this iconic guitar and the distinctive artistry of one of the most influential players in modern country music.
“There are a lot of amazing guitars in this world, but none are as versatile as the Telecaster,” said John Osborne. “It just works with every song, works with every genre; I want someone to pick it up and take this instrument that I’ve played for so long, and blaze their own trail with it.”
John Osborne is a Grammy-winning guitarist and songwriter best known as one half of Brothers Osborne, the multi-platinum duo behind numerous Top 10 hits and fan-favorite anthems like ‘Stay a Little Longer ’ and 'It Ain’t My Fault.’ With multiple ACM and CMA Awards to their name, MCA’s Brothers Osborne have helped redefine modern country music with a sound that blends raw authenticity and rock energy. Widely regarded as a “player’s player,” Osborne has earned a reputation for his expressive bends, soaring solos and tone-driven approach that puts guitar craftsmanship at the forefront of today’s country landscape.
“Working with John Osborne was really about honoring the way he plays and finding a way to bring that into a guitar other players could connect with,” said Max Gutnik, Fender’s Chief Product Officer. “We began with his original ’68 Tele and collaborated closely with him to shape a signature model that feels true to who he is as a player. From the B-string bender to the road-worn feel, it’s unmistakably John’s guitar, but it’s built to inspire anyone who wants to explore that sound and make it their own.”
The John Osborne Telecaster centers on its Fender B String Bender, a signature mechanism that raises the B string a full step, unlocking the pedal steel-inspired bends and sweeping lead lines that define Osborne’s sound. As Fender's first-ever in-house designed B-bender, this feature is a standout for players seeking that signature pedal steel-style expression. Built on a balanced alder body with vintage-inspired aesthetics, the guitar delivers professional-grade tone and sustain. Custom-voiced pickups cover everything from shimmering cleans to growling overdrive, making the guitar as versatile in the studio as it is on stage.
Key Features:
Fender B String Bender mechanism – Allows players to achieve pedal steel-style bends and expressive lead lines, a signature element of John Osborne’s playing.
Road Worn® Olympic White finish – Captures the authentic wear and character of a gigging musician’s trusted instrument, combining vintage aesthetics with a broken-in feel.
Custom-voiced John Osborne Telecaster pickups – Designed to deliver shimmering clean tones, growling overdrive, and the tonal versatility John relies on for studio and stage.
’68-Style Maple Neck With Maple Cap Fingerboard – Smooth playability and classic Fender feel, providing comfort and precision for long sets or recording sessions.
3 Compensated Brass Barrel Saddles – Ensures perfect intonation across the strings while retaining signature snap and twang.
Custom Pickguard – Tailored specifically for John Osborne’s signature look and style, completing the aesthetic of a road-tested, performance-ready instrument.
Beyond Brothers Osborne, John Osborne has continued to expand his creative footprint in recent years, emerging as a sought-after producer known for his instinctive musicianship and artist-first approach in the studio. His production credits include acclaimed projects such as the Grammy-nominated album Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville, as well as recent work with rising talents including Grace Bowers and Caylee Hammack, further cementing his reputation as a trusted collaborator across generations of artists. John is currently in the studio with Brothers Osborne working on new music set for release later this year, continuing to evolve the duo’s signature sound while pushing his own musical boundaries even further.
John Osborne Telecaster® (MSRP: $2199.99 USD, £1,849 GBP, €2,199 EUR, $3699 AUD, ¥330,000 JPY) Grammy-winning guitarist and songwriter John Osborne has shaped modern country music with his expressive playing and distinctive tone, earning multiple top 10 hits and accolades from both the Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association. The John Osborne Telecaster® is closely modeled on his personal, road-tested instrument, translating the guitar he relies on night after night into a production-ready signature model. Its Fender B String Bender allows players to achieve the pedal steel-inspired bends and lead lines that define Osborne’s sound, while the Road Worn® Olympic White finish and custom pickguard capture the authentic look and feel of a gigging musician’s trusted instrument. Custom-voiced John Osborne Telecaster pickups, a ’68-style maple neck with maple cap fingerboard, and 3 compensated brass barrel saddles deliver the tone, precision, and playability that Osborne demands, from shimmering cleans to growling overdrive. Every element of the guitar reflects Fender’s commitment to artist-driven design and Osborne’s personal style, offering players a professional-grade instrument built to perform in the studio, on stage, or anywhere inspiration strikes.
EMG Pickups announces the release of new special edition finishes for each of the Metallica signature sets in celebration of its 50th anniversary. These finish options will only be available during 2026, making each of these sets limited edition collectors’ items that provide the performance EMG users expect.
In collaboration with James Hetfield, the JH “Het” Set is now available in a custom sandblasted stainless-steel cap. This set is known for its cutting attack and open headroom and is perfect for creating a vintage look while providing the articulate response expected from an active EMG pickup set.
Kirk Hammett brings a mystifying new look to his popular KH-BB “Bone Breaker” Set with the all-new spectrum finish. The KH-BB Set is based on the classic 81/60A setup that Kirk used for years, now with a multicolored metal cap that is sure to turn heads in any guitar.
By popular demand, Rob Trujillo’s signature RT “Rip Tide” Set will now be available with gold metal caps. When this set was initially released, it marked the release of the first jazz bass pickup in a metal cap, and now it is available in an impressive gold finish that will make a statement tonally and visually.
Celebrate 50 years of active EMG innovation with one of these limited-edition pickup sets.
MESA/Boogie is proud to introduce the 90s Triple Rectifier® Solo Head, the high-power sibling to the legendary Dual Rectifier® and one of the most influential amplifiers in modern guitar history. Since its original release in 1992, the Rectifier family has dominated—and in many ways reinvented—the sound of rock and heavy music, powering walls of crushing high gain for detuned crunch rhythms and bass lines that became the soundtrack for a generation. Now, more than three decades later, and on the heels of the 90s 2Channel Dual Rectifier’s return to production, MESA reintroduces the mightyTriple Rectifier: the model that’s always been perfect for when excess is barely enough. The MESA/Boogie 90s Triple Rectifier Solo Head is now available worldwide at authorized dealers and on MESA/Boogie.com.
Built in Petaluma, California, with the world’s finest materials, the 90s Triple Rectifier delivers the layered harmonics, tight low end, and percussive mid hit that defined the original 90s build—now in a solid new construction backed by MESA’s comprehensive five-year warranty.
This limited run is dressed in one of the most popular Custom Configured options: a blackout aesthetic. With a blackout chassis, black Speed knobs, and black Diamond Plate, this most powerful of Rectifiers looks as menacing as it sounds. Around back, a wall of glowing glass—created by the additional rectifier and power tubes—forewarns of the sonic impact about to be unleashed with a flick of the Standby switch, reaffirming the Triple Rectifier’s status as a bona fide rock icon built in the same tradition of craftsmanship that produced the first run of Triple Recs over 30 years ago.
“Following the excitement around last year’s Chrome edition of the ’90s Dual and Triple Rectifier Solo Heads, we wanted to honor one of the most iconic Custom Dress options in our history with a limited run of stealth-inspired ‘Blackout’ Triple Rectifiers,” says Doug West, Director of Tone Lab for Gibson Amplifiers and MESA/Boogie.
“These coveted heads feature the original black chassis, replacing the polished aluminum diamond plate and grille vent with black anodized versions, and swapping chrome speed knobs for sleek black ones. Back in the 90s, these upscale, blacked-out models dominated stages behind some of the biggest names in rock. Today, finding one on the pre-owned market usually means heavy wear from years of touring—so this is a rare chance to own one in pristine, brand-new condition.
Built in limited quantities, these amps are for players who dream of owning a true icon. The Triple Rectifier remains one of the most sonically and stylistically impactful amps we’ve ever created, and revisiting it in this beloved Custom Dress option is inspiring for us. It reflects our design, where instruments look as impressive as they sound and sound as impressive as they look. That’s exactly what these limited-run Triple Rectifiers deliver.”
At its core, the 90s Triple Rectifier is a 150-watt, Class A/B, all-tube head running 6x MESA 6L6 power tubes, with a maintenance-free fixed-bias design and a bias switch that supports alternate power tube types (6L6 or EL34). It features three 5U4GB rectifier tubes and selectable Tube or Silicon Diode rectification, alongside a two-position BOLD/SPONGY power switch to tailor feel and response. Cooling is handled by a fan, and the rear panel includes speaker outputs of 8 Ohm x2, 4 Ohm x2, and 16 Ohm x1, plus a Slave Output for expanded routing options.
Two fully independent channels deliver classic 2-channel Rectifier flexibility with Channel Style/Cloning voicing options and independent Gain, Treble, Middle, Bass, Presence, and Master controls on each channel. Channel 1 “Orange” (LED) offers Clean or Variable High Gain (“Vintage”) modes, and with the Channel Style/Cloning switch, can also be set to Modern High Gain (“Red”). Channel 2 “Red” (LED) offers Vintage High Gain mode, and with the Channel Style/Cloning switch, it can also be set to Variable “Vintage” High Gain (“Orange”). A tube-driven, series FX loop is on board, with a global output level control active when the loop is engaged, and external switching supports Channel and Loop control. Footswitching is handled by a compact, 1-button footswitch for Channel 1/2 switching.
The 90s Triple Rectifier is available in head format and measures 10” H x 25 ½” W x 9 7/8” D (25.4 cm H x 64.77 cm W x 24.77 cm D), weighing 48.6 lbs. (22.04 kg). The chassis is steel, and cabinet construction utilizes marine-grade Baltic birch, finished in Black Bronco vinyl with a black Diamond Plate grille, black chassis, black handle, and leather corners; a fitted slipcover is included for protection on the road.
Adding a new dimension to the company’s product line, Laney has introduced the Prism-Mini portable stereo multieffects guitar amp and Bluetooth speaker. The compact amp delivers a full spectrum of sound with 100 presets, Bluetooth® control, and stereo depth.
The Laney Prism-Mini packs a full-featured digital effects engine, Bluetooth® connectivity, and rich sound in a portable desktop amp that you can take anywhere. With 100 presets (50 factory / 50 user) and six simultaneous effects, it’s ideal for practicing and recording, and includes a bright 1.77" full-colour screen and intuitive volume and parameter controls to make it easy to quickly dial in preferred sound.
You can jam along to your favorite tracks via Bluetooth® 5.3, practice in tune and on time with the built-in tuner and drum machine. The Prism-Mini’s rechargeable battery provides up to 14 hours of continuous operation. Available in Black or Blue - it’s the modern mini amp that feels unmistakably Laney.
With USB Type C power, true stereo 3-watts per channel output, and dual 1.5” woofers, the Prism-Mini delivers detailed tone from a remarkably compact body. The Prism-Mini is partnered with the new Laney Tone Wizard mobile app, which makes it easy to edit patches, manage presets, and control your amp directly from your phone or tablet. The Tone Wizard app supports Android and iOS Platforms.
You can import and export preset files, store your Prism-Mini patches and even load third party IR’s. It also has a built-in drum machine.
Key Prism-Mini features include:
100 presets, 17 amps
6 effects at once
Bluetooth capable
Built-in tuner and drum machine
Free Tone Wizard app (to control the amp)
Rechargeable battery offers 14 hours continuous playtime per charge
Laney’s Prism-Mini carries a street price of $149 USD. For more information visit www.laney.co.uk.