Phil Weller
A freelance writer with a penchant for music that gets weird, Phil is a regular contributor to Prog, Guitar World, and Total Guitar magazines and is especially keen on shining a light on unknown artists. Outside of the journalism realm, you can find him writing angular riffs in progressive metal band, Prognosis, in which he slings an 8-string Strandberg Boden Original, churning that low string through a variety of tunings. He's also a published author and is currently penning his debut novel which chucks fantasy, mythology and humanity into a great big melting pot.
Latest articles by Phil Weller
![A photo showing a replica of Les Paul's Klunker #1, the first of his expermental solidbody guitar designs.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qWho7rgiZpGr5F3jiV3Q64-320-80.jpg)
Les Paul’s former guitar tech completes Klunker guitar replica to shine a light on the Les Paul guitar’s heritage
By Phil Weller published
Paul's former tech put 60 years of experience into his re-creation to underline its cultural significance
![A screengrab from the show Pawn Stars showing DJ Ashba's custom Gibson Les Paul](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NGdKkzkzVExFsT3hSNQf6X-320-80.jpg)
Her Gibson Les Paul was worth four times what she thought
By Phil Weller published
The one-of-a-kind custom guitar mysteriously disappeared years ago and resurfaced only recently
![Mark Tremonti of the American rock band Alter Bridge performs in concert during Resurrection Fest 2023 on June 29, 2023 in Viveiro, Spain.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/85k5u4gczjmEQpHpRwN9V5-320-80.jpg)
Mark Tremonti reveals how Dumble, Fender and Mesa amps factor into his Creed tour rig
By Phil Weller published
The guitarist says, “I’m all about the big, straight-ahead meat-and-potatoes sound"
![John Lennon D'Addario](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Sd5v9TxwQZ9U79GqDkRGcD-320-80.jpg)
D’Addario unveils commemorative John Lennon’s collection – including a replica of his 1972 Madison Square Garden solo show strap
By Phil Weller published
Replica straps from key moments in his career and picks celebrate the Beatles guitarist’s legacy
![Dweezil Zappa](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zvNPPqqQYGzrbKrHGGXoxP-320-80.jpg)
"You can't just 'be' a guy that can play Yngwie Malmsteen stuff. You have to do that for, like, 15 years just to play one of his songs.” Dweezil Zappa explains what most guitarists don't understand about shredding
By Phil Weller published
The guitarist virtuoso adds that it's vital not to worry about how you're perceived if you really want to achieve shred-level talent
![Robby Krieger plays the first Fender Telecaster made of cardboard](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hBbCwxxKLzbdPGAajhGHAA-320-80.jpg)
“The structural integrity is pretty amazing for cardboard. You can totally rock it.” Robby Krieger plays slide guitar on the world’s first cardboard Telecaster
By Phil Weller published
Made by Fender’s Custom Shop in collaboration with snowboard and packaging firms, the oddball six-string is a faithful take on an old blues classic
![Chris Garza seven-string Fender Stratocaster](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RFbr4GJterMipU9AWx8Hs8-320-80.jpg)
The world’s first seven-string Fender Stratocaster is here
By Phil Weller published
Chris Garza shows off the history-making extended-range Strat and says there may be more to come
![Rory Gallagher Stratocaster](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VbjMFcWeZhQpqKSv5tiWtj-320-80.jpg)
Rory Gallagher’s Strat sells for $1.16 million at auction before being donated to the National Museum of Ireland
By Phil Weller published
The iconic six-string was purchased by Live Nation Gaiety with the intent of keeping the guitar in Ireland
![Randy Rhoads recording Ozzy Osbourne's 'Blizzard of Ozz' album at Ridge Farm Studio, 1980.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wCU7NRdSzwkWrwWd2ivPy5-320-80.jpg)
Ozzy bassist Bob Daisley on his first memories of Randy Rhoads and how he knew he was special
By Phil Weller published
With one rehearsal, the guitarist shattered fears that he was too young and inexperienced to be Ozzy's guitar star
![Joe Bonamassa with Lowell George's Dumble Overdrive Special](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dbCEKJc9gKpCDcWQqvSUzj-320-80.jpg)
Joe Bonamassa explains why he sold all his Dumble amps – and why he’s now got more than ever
By Phil Weller published
After making some big changes to his live rig in 2014, the guitarist now owns eight Dumbles and isn’t looking back
![Myles Kennedy](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vXGoQpfCHkjLVyVQMbpCpf-320-80.jpg)
Myles Kennedy says an onstage disaster forced him to buy a PRS guitar he couldn't afford
By Phil Weller published
The guitarist felt obliged to write a check for the borrowed guitar, having previously been priced out of owning a PRS
![Kenny Wayne Shepherd performs onstage during the Jim Irsay Collection Exhibit and Concert at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on January 11, 2024 in Los Angeles.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8QCXEktmCjH4vMY9zC23WR-320-80.jpg)
“When you start with a crappy guitar, it begins the cycle of gear addiction.” Kenny Wayne Shepherd explains why every player should start out with a cheap guitar
By Phil Weller published
Shepherd also says Jimi Hendrix's gear reveals how he was ahead of his time
![PreSonus Studio One Pro 7](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gU9TpSVxDRitsy2ynwzET5-320-80.jpg)
PreSonus launches Studio One Pro 7 – the latest generation of its DAW featuring AI tools, improved workflow and more accessible pricing
By Phil Weller published
New features include AI-powered stem separation, Global Transpose and tempo detection features, as well as integration with the Splice sound library
![Eddie Van Halen (L) and Alex Van Halen of Van Halen perform on stage at Sleep Train Amphitheatre on September 30, 2015 in Chula Vista, California.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XsJQYjm9hXoMwqXdjMsprd-320-80.jpg)
Hear the final track the Van Halen brothers worked on before Eddie’s passing
By Phil Weller published
"Unfinished" is anything but, and showcases a softer side of Eddie’s playing alongside his fretboard-burning feats
![Fender American Series Ultra II Series](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7WZNWdm7KTBudpEAEeTrwB-320-80.jpg)
Fender's new American Ultra II series boasts faster necks, advanced pickups and fresh contours to modernize its recipes
By Phil Weller published
Strats, Teles, Meteoras and a trio of bass guitars all get the “sports car” treatment as Fender looks to its sister firms to refine the speed and comfort of its instruments
![Bare Knuckle Polypaf humbuckers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c9mrRxUsGAstcX9eQStfBC-320-80.jpg)
“An addictively responsive gem of a humbucker.” Bare Knuckle releases a PAF-style humbucker set in collaboration with producer Adam ‘Nolly’ Getgood
By Phil Weller published
Inspired by classic PAF pickups but refined with a modern edge, the Alnico 5 pickups are made with 100% vintage correct parts
![Jerry Cantrell](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Mg2HeZB8G9mCMkECkCHP5n-320-80.jpg)
"I'm gonna live this for the next year." Jerry Cantrell on the future of Alice in Chains and his heavy new solo album
By Richard Bienstock published
Cantrell, who teamed up with Duff McKagan and other pals for his new record, tells Guitar Player, "It’s no secret where my loyalty lies"
![Steve Cropper](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Rz6eXnrJ9ZQwFS3J7bBqnS-320-80.jpg)
Steve Cropper says his guitar playing “sucks” — but he knows what sells
By Phil Weller published
Steve Cropper has worked with some of the world’s top musicians but believes it’s more important to be versatile than virtuosic
![Nuno Bettencourt photographed before a live performance with Extreme at The Forum in London, on July 9, 2014.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ppXKQN9YQ5j2J9yAUsADpK-320-80.jpg)
"it was stolen right off the stage while the lights were down. Somebody walked right out the door with it." Nuno Bettencourt reveals the mysterious journey of his lost Washburn double-neck guitar
By Phil Weller published
The Extreme guitarist’s beloved showpiece was the victim of an elaborate theft that took place while the band was onstage
![David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen perform at Sleep Train Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, California, September 30, 2015.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aJFBmPZpVRY8Je62eH7g3c-320-80.jpg)
Alex Van Halen talks his and Ed's secret jams with Chris Cornell, the Ozzy-fronted Van Halen album and why the David Lee Roth EVH tribute shows fell apart
By Phil Weller published
The Van Halen drummer unveils fascinating details about three failed Van Halen projects
![Ian Anderson and Martin Barre of Jethro Tull perform at the Grand West Arena, Grand West Casino November 7, 2007 in Cape Town, South Africa.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RTGFRDgW66FRhyPfH4VsUG-320-80.jpg)
Martin Barre talks about sharing stages with Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck after Jethro Tull took a "big risk" hiring him in 1968
By Phil Weller published
Barre explains how performing concerts with Hendrix, Beck and Jimmy Page made him a better guitar player
![Ernie Ball Silver Slinky strings](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oaeLwvwmzx4hykY3MNGPVo-320-80.jpg)
John Mayer reveals signature Ernie Ball string set with a unique gauge combination
By Phil Weller published
Years in the making, the 10.5–47 set meets Mayer’s exacting standards and has been thoroughly roadtested
![Ritchie Blackmore performs onstage with George Harrison on Deep Purple's Perfect Strangers World Tour at the Entertainment Centre, Sydney, Australia, December 12, 1984.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZFDdFXPydyrwJXkyTZqy5L-320-80.jpg)
Ritchie Blackmore on an “overwhelming” jam with Geroge Harrison – and marveling at the size of his feet
By Phil Weller published
Watch Harrison jam with the British hard rockers on an energetic version of Little Richard’s "Lucille" in 1984
![Dream Theater 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9ChxC9fxrvmKvVtHSvXoC3-320-80.jpg)
Dream Theater announces details of their first new music with Mike Portnoy in 15 years – release near ten-minute track, Night Terror
By Phil Weller published
The prog metallers' 'Parasomnia' comes out in February, nearly two years after Portnoy’s celebrated return to the band
![Steve Morse American Musical Supply](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/h2M9SKKDrCLW4a4NFmJizf-320-80.jpg)
Steve Morse pays tribute to Jeff Beck with Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers cover – and reimagines a jazz fusion classic with Angel Vivaldi
By Phil Weller published
In addition to covering the Beck tune, Morse reimagines a Jon-Luc Ponty jazz-fusion classic with prog-metal guitarist Angel Vivaldi
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