REVEALED: Watkins org | Vintage Vibes

“The guy in the support band was playing a Jazz Bass. We agreed to swap instruments… That guy was Ian Hunter who went on to form Mott the Hoople”: Leo Lyons on the bass that appeared at Woodstock, has been played by Hendrix, and is on three UFO classics

The Ten Years After bassist’s 1962 Fender Jazz Bass is one of the coolest four-strings you will ever see, with buckle rash on the back that any Fender Master Builder would kill to recreate

Guitar World · Sep 27, 2025

“I never get to discuss guitar in most interviews!” Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos reveals his obscure vintage gear obsessions, how Peter Green was a huge influence on his playing, and why the thrill of guitar is undeniable

The Franz Ferdinand leader rarely gets to talk guitars. He shares his love of vintage Japanese instruments, explains the process of demoing, looping and mic’ing on new album The Human Fear – and reveals why the secret to studio success is that there’s no secret

Guitar World · Jan 17, 2025

“Once modded, it can take you from delicately sparkling cleans to ferociously thrilling crunch”: The Watkins Westminster Mk II is the affordable vintage tube amp you can turn into the best little Marshall you’ve never heard

It's old, British and cool, and you might even be able to pick up one for 500 bucks. But with its edgy Vox, underpowered Marshall voicing, this lesser-celebrated tube amp might just be the studio powerhouse you've been waiting for

Guitar World · Nov 28, 2024

Rapier 22 and Saffire review

Rapier launched in 2022 with the well-received 33 model. Can the ’60s stylists hit the target again with these two new additions for 2023?

Guitar World · Apr 19, 2023