Future Publishing Limited, Quay House, The Ambury, Bath, BA1 1UA Telephone 01225 442244 Email guitarist@futurenet.com Online www.guitarist.co.uk Brand New Few guitarists are completely immune to the rock ’n’ roll heritage that is part and parcel of classic guitar brands such as Fender, Martin or Gibson. But, as this issue’s crop of review guitars highlights, the thrill of the new is still a vital part of what makes the world of guitar exciting. Choosing an entirely new model of guitar, such as the beautiful and adaptable PRS Fiore (examined in depth on page 74), also says something significant: you’re buying it purely because you think it will meet your musical needs in ways that older designs can’t – there’s no nostalgia in the decision to buy a new design, after all, just a solid focus on musical utility. The fantastic Eastman Romeo LA, reviewed on page 20 is a perfect case in point. The basis of the design is comfortingly familiar – two P-90s and a double-cut, mainly hollow body. What could be more Gibson-like? Well, quite a lot it turns out: the Göldo vibrato is lighter and less clunky than a Bigsby, as much as we love those at Guitarist; the rear-locking tuners make string swaps quick and easy, while the Seymour Duncan Phat Cat pickups have the toothy but mid-rich performance of P-90s yet offer a very cool styling difference with their humbucker-sized ‘Radiator’-style covers. None of this will change the world, but, in the case of the Fiore and the Romeo LA, it adds up to extra capability, usability, playability and distinctiveness. So if you’re a traditional-minded player, make time to try a brand-new design next time you’re in the market for a guitar – you may find the novelty never wears off… Enjoy the issue, have a great month of pickin’ and see you next time. Jamie Dickson Editor-in-chief Editor’s Highlights Nick Jonah Davis The British folk guitarist’s mesmerising, slide-infused acoustic playing is perfect summertime listening. We meet him on p66 COVER: ROBBEN FORD IMAGE BY MASCHA THOMPSON; MAIN BACKGROUND IMAGES BY XAMTIW & LOUIS KOO, GETTY IMAGES Universal Appeal Universal Audio’s first foray into the pedal market has yielded some seriously impressive results in the trio of effects on p114 Big Build Up Our search for Britain’s best amateur guitar maker is nearing its goal. Check out the incredible, shortlisted designs on p48 SUMMER 2021  GUITARIST 3