Super freak

During its long history, Fender has navigated several tricky turning points, but 1965 marks for some the start of a decline from the standards set by Leo’s original company. Is that view still justified?

THE ULTRA AND Ultra II succeeded Fender’s Elite range as the manufacturer’s highest-end California-made production six-strings, with its most contemporary specs, including neck heel and rear body cont

NOW, LET’S BE clear — although this 15-watt combo is technically advertised as a practice amp, it can churn out some serious sonic damage and is capable of keeping up with metal drummers at rehearsal.

Not only does this 1969 Tele illustrate Fender’s slowly changing post-Leo period, it also documents a lot of modding. Dave Burrluck should know – he was there!

IT TAKES A brave soul to take on Boss in the modeling-amp arms race, and an even braver one to do so explicitly. After all, the Japanese firm’s Katana range — now on its third iteration, following a m

Blackstar created this fire-breathing signature head for guitar icon Doug Aldrich. But does it rock our world?