Nick Guppy

There's a general perception that because the Americans started the whole 'boutique' amplification market, they're better at it than anyone else, and, to be fair, they usually are.

We're looking at a new brand from the UK that threatens to upset the US boutique applecart with a heavyweight reputation that's already attracting international interest.

Blackstar's popular and award-winning ID: series started off as affordable programmable amps with high-quality sounds and effects and up to 100 watts of power.

Among those lost amplification brands returned from retirement in recent years, there's none more welcome than Supro.

Two-Rock has always represented the pinnacle of acquisition for a certain type of guitar player.

In 1962, a young, upwardly mobile pop group called The Beatles became proud owners of a set of Vox amplifiers, thanks to a canny endorsement deal struck by their manager, Brian Epstein.

In 1962, a young, upwardly mobile pop group called The Beatles became proud owners of a set of Vox amplifiers, thanks to a canny endorsement deal struck by their manager, Brian Epstein.

Peavey released revamped its much-loved Classic series, and the Delta Blues has much in common with the Classics.

Very few heads include built-in features to make recording easier. Happily, Laney has spotted this and provided a proper solution for the 21st century home recordist, in the shape of the L5-Studio

Point-to-point tweed tone - at an old-school price!

After almost two decades on the fringes of Fender's catalogue, Guild is now under new ownership, and the signs are that the legendary American brand is set to return to the top

Peavey's long-running Classic Series has always been a popular choice in the highly competitive upper-mid price amp market, with good looks, reliable electronics and a versatile tone set.

The Peavey Classic range was introduced back in the early 1990s, coinciding with the end of the rack era, and a rekindled interest in simpler, vintage-styled amps.

An ultra cool combo from North Carolina

Here comes an impossibly cool combo

Italy has a place in history as one of the world's top guitar and amp manufacturers, although it's often unfairly overlooked.

The innovative IRT range has captured many players' imaginations, with features that often work as well at home or in the studio as they do on stage

The first Orange stompbox since the 1960s, the wonderfully named Bax Bangeetar is built in the UK and a substantial pedal in every sense of the word

Boutique tone from the Black Country

Making its debut at this year's Frankfurt Musikmesse, Orange's new Rockerverb MKIII range builds on its popular two-channel format, adding some significant improvements to the package

Classic looks, modern features, killer tone

Marshall shrinks its flagship Silver Jubilee

A new combo from Mesa's Mark Five range

We're in the middle of a vintage amp revival at the moment, and you don't get more vintage than the 1950s Fender tweed models.

That Brown sound