Premier Guitar features affiliate links to help support our content. We may earn a commission on any affiliated purchases.

Gallery: Riot Fest 2015

Chicago’s other 3-day festival hosts an eclectic group of artists that span all of pop music.

Coheed and Cambria’s Claudio Sanchez

Claudio was barking at the moon during Coheed’s jammer “Devil in Jersey City” on Friday afternoon. He’s seen here with one of his beloved Gibson Explorers that’s been altered with a Bare Knuckle Nailbomb in the bridge and stock neck pickup. The finish is sanded off the neck for speed, the electronics are upgraded with sealed pots, and the headstock has been broken and fixed.

The Melvins' Buzz Osborne joins the party to talk about how he helped Kurt Cobain find the right sounds.

Read MoreShow less

Tube Amp Doctor has reissued one of the company’s mostsought-after products: the TAD 6L6WGC-STR Blackplate™ small bottle power tube is back inproduction after a 5-year absence.

Read MoreShow less

Our columnist’s collection of moon spruce, ready for inspection—with a view.

As players get older, our instrument needs change. Our columnist shares how he designed an acoustic adapted to arthritis.

For many acoustic guitarists, playing the instrument is one of life’s greatest joys. As a luthier, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply musicians cherish their guitars, something they look forward to playing not just weekly, but daily. As any guitarist knows, some guitars simply feel different. While some are more rigid and require extra effort to play, others feel smooth and effortless. With this in mind, as our playing needs evolve, so too may the instruments we choose to accompany us.

Read MoreShow less

In challenging times, sometimes elemental music, like the late Jessie Mae Hemphill’s raucous Mississippi hill country blues, is the best salve. It reminds us of what’s truly essential––musically, culturally, and emotionally. And provides a restorative and safe place, where we can open up, listen, and experience without judgement. And smile.

Read MoreShow less