MONO has introduced the M80 Classic Ultra – the latest evolution of the company’s sleek, iconic gig bag, now enhanced with smarter storage, effortless mobility, and tougher protection.
Building on the innovation of the original M80, the Classic Ultra features a refined silhouette and thoughtful upgrades designed to make life on the move easier for gigging musicians, touring professionals, and everyday players alike.
At the core of the Classic Ultra is the patented Freeride® Wheel System, allowing users to attach wheels for seamless transport when navigating airports, sidewalks, or venues. The system is especially impactful on Dual models, lightening the load while moving two instruments at once. Storage has also been supercharged. A newly designed expandable front pocket offers more room for tools and gigging essentials, while built-in compartments help keep everything in place. For even more capacity, the Classic Ultra case is Tick-ready and compatible with the MONO Tick 2.0 and Tick+ 2.0 Accessory Cases.
Inside, the instrument is protected by the Headlock® neck suspension system, keeping it securely in place and shielded from impact. A discreet tracker tag-compatible pouch adds peace of mind for travel. The exterior is built tough with water-resistant 1680D ballistic nylon, waterproof zipper tape, and reflective strips for added safety.
Key Features of the M80 Classic Ultra:
The patented Freeride® Wheel System allows users to seamlessly attach wheels to the case, providing smooth and effortless mobility.
Expanded smart storage includes dedicated internal compartments and an expandable front pocket, offering ample space for tools and gigging essentials.
The case is Tick-ready, fully compatible with MONO’s Tick 2.0 and Tick+ 2.0 Accessory Cases for even greater storage flexibility.
The signature Headlock® neck suspension system keeps your instrument securely in place, now enhanced with a discreet pouch designed to hold a tracker tag.
The durable exterior is constructed from water-resistant 1680D ballistic nylon and features waterproof zipper tape and reflective detailing for added protection and visibility.
The Classic Ultra is available in versions for guitar, bass, dual guitar, and dual bass, ensuring a fit for every player’s needs.
The MONO M80 Classic Ultra carries street prices of $359.99 (Guitar/Bass) and $459.99 (Dual Guitar/Bass) and is available via monocreators.com and select authorized dealers worldwide.
In electric guitar terms, I’ve always thought the Beatles are pretty underrated as tone meisters. We all know how good the records sound as complete works. But you rarely encounter rabid enthusiasm for the guitar tones themselves. Holy cow, though, I adore them. The electric tones that shape their 1966-’68 LPs are among the most beautiful, thrilling, and influential forces in my life. Barcelona company Aclam shares my sentiments, apparently. To date, the company built the Dr. Robert, which honored the sounds of the Vox UL730s on Revolverand Sgt. Pepper, and the Mocker, which aped the fuzz circuit from that amp.
Aclam’s latest, the Go Rocky Go, pays homage to another Vox amp that graced Abbey Road in those groundbreaking years: the Conqueror. The Conqueror left a less distinct, less well-chronicled mark on the Beatles' work than the UL730s or UL7120s. But it was definitely a part of The Beatles recording sessions (you can clearly hear the amp’s “MRB” selector at the end of “Birthday”) and is the likely source of many sounds on Magical Mystery Tour. Aclam’s Go Rocky Go dishes many fantastic Conqueror tones, and it’s dripping with psychedelic-era Beatles-ness—especially if you enjoy the more aggressive and distorted sounds from that period.
Magical Mystery Re-Routes
Aclam say they reproduced the Conqueror’s preamp topology part-for-part using an original Conqueror specimen (serial number 2004) as reference. With the MRB switch and distortion, they recreated much of the Conqueror’s functionality. There are a few significant differences, however. Aclam recreated the 2-channel amp’s brilliant channel exclusively. They added a second gain stage called the crunch channel, which splits the difference between the standard and distortion channel’s gain profiles. Aclam also made the bass pot more linear and precise than the amp’s. And unlike the Conqueror, the distortion circuit has its own output-level control.
Heavy Tripping the Light Fantastic
Though the Go Rocky Go will summon compelling tones from any guitar/amp combination, its basic voice is a natural fit for humbuckers and an EL84 amp. And depending on where you set the tone controls, it adds midrange focus and top-end running from sparkly to vicious. Black-panel Fender amps are less easily flattered by the humbucker/Rocky combo, but those tones can be carved into very precise, high-mid rhythm and lead sounds. With Fender single-coils, too, EL84s are a more organic match, but I’d be psyched to record with many of the hyper-focused high-mid sounds from the Go Rocky Go and a Fender guitar-and-amp pairing.
Adding the MRB switch to the mix (by pressing both footswitches) boosts either the 500, 700, and 1k MHz frequencies, just like three positions on a wah. Ostensibly, this narrows the pedal’s range. But the single-coil/Rocky tones with both Fender and EL84 amps are fascinating, generating sounds that would positively pop in mixes. Humbuckers seemed to summon the best from the MRB settings in both amp types—coaxing uniquely focused and burly midrange tones.
“You might think you know this distortion from Beatles records, but in the flesh it’s something much more substantial.”
Given the Beatles’ legacy as masters of pop, it’s easy to forget how tough they could be, and the Go Rocky Go gleefully, colorfully embodies that facet of the band’s personality in the distortion section. With any guitar and amp combination these sounds are snarly, nasty, and biting, but also massive. You might think you know this distortion from Beatles records, but in the flesh it’s something much more substantial. And while 6L6- or EL34-type distortion might be more even and full-spectrum in harmonic terms, the Go Rocky Go delivers a wicked, room-filling punch.
For a specialized pedal, $348 is a big investment. Listen with open ears and mind, though, and you’ll hear scads of different and brilliant tone colors in this stomp, including many that—surprise!—would benefit and intrigue curious and intrepid studio artists. In my humble opinion, Go Rocky Go is a ripper. But ’66-’68 Beatles tones may not be everyone’s ideal, and though often muscular and hard-hitting, they dwell some distance from Marshall or Fender archetypes. That, however, is the beauty of the Go Rocky Go, and if it’s good enough for the Fabs, it’s good enough for me.
Ted in concert, gleefully pursuing the arcane roots of blues on an electrified diddley bow.
Drew Stawin
Ted Drozdowski considers his time at his favorite guitar magazine, his life in music and journalism, and what the future holds as he retires.
I’ve truly enjoyed sharing stories and ideas with you these past few years, and value the time I’ve been able to spend with every member of the Premier Guitar community. But—even though horses make me a little anxious—it’s time to ride on down the road. Not into the sunset, though. You can expect to see my byline in future issues and still drop me a line at my email address here. Or you can connect with me on social media and join me in my creative exploits, where I will continue to chase music and the adventures it brings.
I’ve been at Premier Guitar for a decade now, and have served as editorial director for most of the past three years, so this decision doesn’t come lightly. I’ve been able to do a lot of work here that I’m proud of, from interviewing artists ranging from Carlos Santana to the Messthetics, to writing odes to personal heroes like R.L. Burnside and Sonny Sharrock, to gently guiding the magazine in a direction that I hope has served you well and will continue to do so under the leadership of my colleague and friend Richard Bienstock. Rich and I met when I was writing for him at Guitar World and Guitar Aficionado years ago, and more recently he’s taken to writing for us here at PG. The wheel turns. Rich is an exceptional editor and I know you will enjoy what he brings.
“You can never have enough friends in this life. And the ones who inspire and encourage you are especially precious.”
Will I miss feeling the pulse of exciting new gear and music on a daily basis? Sure! But after 47 years as a music journalist, I won’t miss the perpetual deadlines—or the tyranny of the alarm clock! I have a long list of personal musical projects to shepherd and pursue—most prominently the feature film The River: A Songwriter’s Stories of the South, which I made with my cosmic roots band Coyote Motel. It’s a psychedelic musical cultural history that is plucked from the pages of my interests and life over the past 30 years. In a final shameless plug within these pages, it is available on several streaming outlets now and as a DVD, and I urge you to satisfy any curiosity you might have about me and my musical interests—think David Gilmour and Sonny Sharrock meeting R.L. Burnside, the Band, and Son House at the intersection of highways 61 and 49.
Speaking of community, which I value greatly, one of the most wonderful things my time at PGhas allowed me to do is reconnect with guitarists and other musicians I’d fallen out of step with during the years I was breathlessly freelance writing and ripping around the U.S. and parts of Europe with my earlier bands. Like touring, it’s also allowed me to make many wonderful new friends, from readers who‘ve exchanged emails with me and come to my gigs (you know who you are—thank you!) to artists whose art and personalities have inspired and delighted me, and with whom I’ve grown close. That is certainly something that I hope continues, because you can never have enough friends in this life. And the ones who influence and encourage you are especially precious.
Finally, I’d like to compliment my colleagues in every department of this magazine. They are a tight-knit bunch with myriad skills, and it’s been a pleasure working with them. Many of them are damn fine guitar players, too. Premier Guitar is not part of an international publishing conglomerate. It is an independent business that has stood the test of time, the challenges of Covid, and now the economic uncertainties that each day’s headlines seem to bring. It’s been an honor, my friends—and for me, a beautiful way to bring my journalism career to a crescendo. Although, once again, not a finale.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m heading to the beach.
Inspired by Third Man’s raw, gritty aesthetic and strikingly vibrant yellow-on-black colour palette, the Fender x Third Man Hardware Collection embodies the unmistakable style that has defined Jack White’s artistry from his time as founder of the White Stripes, all the way through to his work with The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather and more recently, his ventures as a solo musician.
With products ranging from a tee and hoodie to a gold-etched harmonica and Mini Jack Rack inspired by the Pano Verb™ Amp, the collaboration showcases Jack White and Third Man’s boundary-pushing creativity and innovation.
“Our co-branded apparel and accessories collection brings a vintage flair that speaks to Jack White’s storied legacy and continued creativity,” said Jordan Gruver, Senior Product Manager of Accessories at Fender. “It’s been a pleasure tapping into Third Man’s bold image to create a collection that amplifies the timeless appeal and vibrant style of the iconic label and record store.”
“This collaboration with Fender is more than just accessories — it’s a meeting of legacy and style,” said Christina Inman, Director of Merchandising at Third Man Records. “Third Man Hardware is proud to inject our signature style and look into tools that speak to the hands of creators everywhere.”
The Thirdman Hardware™ Mini Jack Rack is wall-mounted and turns your keychain into part of your rig. Comes with real 1/4” input-style keychains that plug in just like a guitar cable – perfect for the studio, the jam room, or anywhere you want a little more tone in your home.
The Thirdman Hardware™ Lapel Pin set brings the raw, analog energy of Fender® and Third Man Hardware™ into your everyday fit. Featuring bold designs inspired by the iconic Pano Verb™Amp and signature Jack White Triplecaster™Telecaster®, these pins are built for fans who live and breathe the sound.
Add retro-inspired style to your guitar with the Fender® x Third Man Hardware™ Leather Strap. Made from premium full-grain leather, this 2.5” wide strap features ample padding for maximum playing comfort. Drawing inspiration from Third Man’s iconic aesthetic, the strap’s bold yellow trim and Third Man Hardware logo deliver a vintage flair and timeless appeal. Whether you’re on stage or in the studio, this strap brings a touch of Jack White’s legendary look to your performance.
Add retro-inspired style to your sound with the Fender® x Third Man Hardware™ Harmonica. Designed for everyday players, this 10-hole diatonic harmonica features phosphor bronze reeds for bright, bold tone and a moisture-resistant ABS comb for long-lasting reliability. Drawing inspiration from Third Man’s iconic aesthetic, its sleek gold-etched casing, and Third Man Hardware logo deliver vintage flair and timeless appeal. Bring a touch of Jack White’s legendary look to your performance with the Fender x Third Man Harmonica.
The Fender® x Third Man Hardware™ 30’ Coil Cable combines high-performance design with retro-inspired style. Featuring spiral shielding and durable nickel-plated connectors, this cable delivers reliability in the studio or on stage. Drawing inspiration from Third Man’s bold aesthetic, the cable features a striking yellow PVC jacket and custom ends featuring the Third Man Hardware logo, adding a vintage flair to your setup.
The Fender® x Third Man Hardware™ Strap Blocks deliver the ultimate in strap security with unmistakable style. The most reliable and hassle-free instrument strap lock system ever devised. No need to remove or replace existing strap buttons on your guitar; just slip a Strap Block over the existing strap buttons and that’s it - you’re ready to go, with your strap locked securely in place.
Each package includes two complete sets: one in classic black and one in bold yellow, giving you the freedom to mix, match, or outfit two Instruments.
Third Man Hardware™ and Fender® join forces on this standout tee, showcasing the notable Pano Verb™ Amp graphic up front and a co-branded logo across the back. Built for the stage, the street, or the studio. Sizes: S – XXL
Third Man Hardware™ and Fender® join forces on this standout hoodie, showcasing the notable Pano Verb™ Amp graphic up front and a co-branded logo across the back. Built for the stage, the street, or the studio. Sizes: S – XXL
Bay Area thrash metal icons TESTAMENT returns this Fall with their fourteenth studio album, Para Bellum. The album which will be released on October 10th via Nuclear Blast Records stands as both a battle cry and an observation of humanity's uneasy alliance with its own creations. As technology accelerates and disconnection grows, Para Bellum sees TESTAMENT reflecting the modern chaos through music that’s urgent, sharp, and unflinchingly human.
Photo by Fred Kowalo
Today, TESTAMENT deliver one of their most intense songs they've written to date, 'Infanticide A.I.'. Lead by the blinding speed of their new drummer Chris Dovas, the band shows off its musical talent far beyond their expected norms. Watch the music video for 'Infanticide A.I.'' directed by Joey Durango, here: https://youtu.be/Gtw3lcQvyPU
TESTAMENT's Chuck Billy comments, "The new album Para Bellum consists of some fast, heavy and melodic tunes. Once again Peterson has found a way to keep the song writing fresh and modern sounding. It’s gonna be hard to choose what songs to play live cause to many to choose from."
TESTAMENT's Eric Peterson states, "It’s been 5 years since our last record Titans Of Creation was released. Since then, we all waited to get back to it and we all did in a big way! Now our long over due new record Para Bellum is upon us and about to be released in October. We are super stoked and excited to release new blood and fury to you all! With our first single 'Infanticide A.I.' we’re coming out swinging! But with new velocities of fury, while maintaining a balance that we all love and know from a Testament track, enjoy!"
Para Bellum Tracklisting 1. For the Love of Pain 2. Infanticide A.I. 3. Shadow People 4. Meant to Be 5. High Noon 6. Witch Hunt 7. Nature of the Beast 8. Room 117 9. Havana Syndrome 10. Para Bellum
Para Bellum is now available for pre-order in the following formats:
Yellow, Black & Brown Splatter (Band/King's Road Exclusive - Limited)
Copper (Mass Market Retail (US/EU))
Bone & Brown Marbled (NB Europe Exclusive)
Black and Orange Swirl + Splatter (NB Europe Exclusive)
Orange & Black Swirl (NB U.S. Exclusive)
Para Bellum was recorded with Juan Urteaga, mixed by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, and was mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios. The album is extremely polished and operating at full throttle. The band once again enlisted Eliran Kantor tocreate the album artwork. In an era flooded by AI-generated imagery. the hand painted creation encapsulates the album’s essence: a serene angel made of missiles, an explosion turned halo, surrounded by shovel-bearing cultists with books strapped to their faces.
From first note to last breath, Para Bellum is an album by warriors—crafted in chaos, and built to outlast the wars to come!
TESTAMENT live dates:
Latin America Tour 08.21.2025 BR Brasília @ Toinha Brasil Show 08.23.2025 BR Rio De Janeiro @ Circo Voador 08.24.2025 BR São Paulo @ Carioca Club
US Festivals 09.21.2025 US Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life 2025 10.03.2025 US Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock 2025
European Tour 10.05.2025 DE Hannover @ Capitol 10.07.2025 UK Bristol @ Beacon 10.08.2025 UK Birmingham @ O2 Academy Birmingham 10.09.2025 IE Dublin @ Olympia Theatre 10.10.2025 UK Manchester @ Manchester Academy 10.11.2025 UK London @ O2 Forum Kentish Town 10.12.2025 BE Antwerp @ Trix 10.13.2025 DE Stuttgart @ LKA Longhorn 10.14.2025 DE Hamburg @ Große Freiheit 36 10.16.2025 CH Pratteln @ Z7 Konzertfabrik 10.17.2025 DE Wiesbaden @ Schlachthof 10.18.2025 IT Milan @ Live Club 10.19.2025 DE Saarbruecken @ Garage 10.21.2025 SI Ljubljana @ Media Center 10.22.2025 AT Vienna @ Arena 10.23.2025 PL Wroclaw @ A2 10.24.2025 DE Munich @ TonHalle 10.25.2025 DE Oberhausen @ Turbinenhalle 10.26.2025 NL Utrecht @ Tivoli Vredenburg - Ronda
TESTAMENT is: Chuck Billy | Vocals Eric Peterson | Guitar Alex Skolnick | Guitar Steve DiGiorgio | Bass Chris Dovas | Drums