Guitar news - 18 may 2026. Jack Osborne says the planned Ozzy Osbourne biopic will feature the fallout from Randy Rhoads' death. Osbourne - who serves as a producer on the biopic - reveals that the film is now "full steam ahead", though fans may be waiting until 2028 for its release. "It's one thing to try to plan it, but the way we play together is something you can't really calculate": Backed by Fugazi's rhythm section, even guitarist Anthony Pirog can't signpost the turns in The Messthetics' avant-jazz sound. On The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis' latest collab, all bets are off on where Pirog will take his guitar next Gibson launches new 50s and 60s ES-335s - including one that should get Keith Richards fans excited. The guitars are said to deliver "decade-correct feel, look, and tone" while preserving the distinct ES-335 voice. "I got a Vox teardrop reissue for $500. I tore everything out and off except for the neck": Joe Perry on the weirder guitars in his collection. The Aerosmith guitarist shares the story behind his custom-made Dazzle guitars and his greatest gear modding mistakes "The world doesn't need another Tele or Strat clone - it just doesn't": Why Guitar Center is launching its own guitar brand that's "meaningfully better and differentiated" The retail giant caught heat last month when it revealed plans for a new guitar brand, when some took issue with it crowdsourcing ideas for limited remuneration or reward. "My ol' Red Special is all over it!": Brian May has added some epic guitar solos on the new Masters Of The Universe soundtrack - and he's not holding back. The Queen icon collaborates with composer Daniel Pemberton on the track Eternia, which features on the soundtrack of the new He-Man movie. "My newest creation": A luthier has made a headless version of Brian May's Red Special, and it's dividing opinions online. It's a Brian May tribute like no other Teaching Machines FuzzBillion review: is this the most ambitious and unique dirt pedal ever made? It looks like a relic from the Cold War, but this hugely unusual pedal promises billions - yes that's right BILLIONS - of possible sounds "The band wasn't pulling its weight as a venture - it became a committee": Why Ritchie Blackmore left Deep Purple. Ritchie Blackmore left the group in 1975 to avoid "stalemates" in relation to creative choices and tour scheduling. "This case could set a precedent, impacting countless other builders and musicians": Fender escalates legal campaign against S-style guitars, issues first cease and desist to US builder. Family-run LsL Instruments is seeking to raise funds for its legal battle against Fender, which has instructed the firm to stop making its S-style guitars "I was on tour, doomscrolling. I got a targeted ad, and it showed a picture of this guitar": The time Misha Mansoor found his lost Jackson Juggernaut signature guitar in a Guitar Center. "We did call, he just didn't answer": Alex Van Halen pushes back against the narrative that Michael Anthony wasn't told he was being replaced in Van Halen. "I love Mike," the drummer says. "He was important for the band too, his backing vocals. And he was my drinking buddy!" "When you go to this land, you understand Led Zeppelin in a way that goes deeper": Radiohead's Ed O'Brien on why moving to Wales reframed his love of the iconic rock band. "If you're sensitive to this stuff - and, as musicians, we tend to be sensitive souls - you feel it." Epiphone announces its first ever signature guitar for a Korean artist. Lee Seung Yoon is making history with the Epiphone LSY-200 Studio EC acoustic-electric "It's a bit of a mystery. I've found that at my age it's time to pull back on touring": Ritchie Blackmore issues health update - and explains how he'll get back to live gigs. The guitarist was forced to scrap touring plans last year, and ongoing health issues are forcing him to reconsider how and when he'll return to the stage Loading...

Waka-Waka rock: Fender unveils Limited Edition PAC-MAN Player II Telecaster. Level up with the Fender x PAC-MAN Player II Telecaster. This limited edition mashup pairs pro-grade specs with iconic arcade style for the ultimate high score. Fender levels up its iconic lineup with a retro-gaming collaboration that sounds as good as it looks. Here is everything you need to know about the new Fender x PAC-MAN Telecaster. Fender has officially announced a high-score partnership with Bandai Namco, merging the world of legendary arcade gaming with world-class craftsmanship. The result? The Limited Edition Fender x PAC-MAN Player II Telecaster. Priced at £949.00, this isn't just a novelty item for a display case. It is a high-performance machine built on the foundation of the recently launched Player II series, designed to satisfy both professional musicians and hardcore collectors. Arcade legend meets Fender legacy. The collaboration aims to bridge the generational gap. While the vibrant graphics of PAC-MAN chasing Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde across the black Alder body will undoubtedly appeal to millennials and retro gaming enthusiasts, the "under the hood" specs are pure Fender. The guitar features the classic PAC-MAN game screen graphic on the front, while the iconic yellow PAC-MAN logo adorns the back. To round out the custom look, it features a custom 3-ply black/white/black pickguard and a 4-bolt neck plate stamped with the Fender "F" logo. Built for playability: The Player II edge. This limited edition isn't just about the paint job. It benefits from the significant upgrades found in the Player II Series, making it one of the most playable Telecasters in its price bracket. * The Neck: A "Modern C" profile maple neck provides a fast, comfortable feel for any playing style. * The Fingerboard: In a move praised by purists, it features a Rosewood fingerboard with a 9.5" radius and - crucially - rolled edges. This "broken-in" feel is usually reserved for much more expensive models. * The Tone: It is equipped with two Player Series Alnico V Single-Coil Tele(R) pickups. Expect the signature Fender "twang," characterized by crystalline highs, punchy mids, and a tight low end. Hardware and reliability. Fender has ensured that this guitar stays in tune even during the most frantic solos. It features ClassicGear(TM) tuning machines and a 6-saddle string-through-body bridge with block steel saddles, offering superior intonation and sustain compared to vintage-style 3-saddle bridges. Product specifications at a glance. * Body Material: Alder (Gloss Polyester Finish) * Neck: Maple, Modern "C" Shape * Fingerboard: Rosewood, 22 Medium Jumbo Frets * Pickups: 2x Player Series Alnico 5 Tele(R) Single-Coils * Bridge: 6-Saddle String-Through-Body Tele(R) * Included Accessories: Deluxe Gig Bag FAQ: Fender x PAC-MAN Telecaster. How much does the PAC-MAN Telecaster cost? The guitar is retail priced at £949.00 inc. VAT in the UK. Is this a limited release? Yes. As part of the Limited Edition series, once the production run is finished, it will likely become a sought-after collector's item. Does it come with a case? Yes, the guitar includes a Fender Deluxe Gig Bag. Is the PAC-MAN graphic a sticker? No, the graphic is professionally printed and finished with a gloss polyester coating for durability and a premium look. What makes the "Player II" version better than the original Player series? The Player II series introduces rolled fingerboard edges for better comfort and returns to Rosewood fingerboards, along with upgraded ClassicGear tuners. The verdict. The good. * Stunning Aesthetics: The PAC-MAN graphics are vibrant and nostalgically perfect. * Pro-Grade Specs: The Player II upgrades (rolled edges, Alnico V pickups) make this a serious instrument. * Collectability: Limited edition collaborations between Fender and major brands like Bandai Namco tend to hold their value well. The bad. * Price Premium: You are paying a slight premium for the licensing and graphics compared to a standard Player II Telecaster. * Polarizing Design: The bold graphics might be "too much" for traditionalists who prefer a classic Sunburst or Butterscotch finish. Final score: 7.5 / 10. Web exclusive. The Fender x PAC-MAN Player II Telecaster is a rare example of a "graphic guitar" done right. It doesn't sacrifice quality for kitsch. Underneath the ghosts and power pellets lies a rock-solid, professional-grade Telecaster that sounds incredible. Whether you're a gigging musician or a collector, this is a "Power Pellet" for your gear collection. # Fender x PAC-MAN Telecaster This article may contain affiliate links to Andertons, DeathCloud, Donner, Fender, Gear4Music, Guitar Center, Positive Grid, Stew Mac, Sweetwater, and Thomann that help finance the running costs of GuitarBomb. Guitar Bomb will receive a small commission if you buy something through these links. Don't worry; you pay the same price, and it costs you no extra to use these affiliate links for your purchases. Jef Stone. About Jef Stone Jef is the founder of Guitar Bomb and a certified gear fanatic. Growing up with a luthier father, Jef's obsession with tone started early and led to a lifelong career as a sound engineer and pro-audio specialist in the UK. He has set up recording rigs for world-famous facilities like Air Studios and even ran his own London recording studio. A massive hoarder of pedals, valve amps, and guitars (some of which he builds himself), Jef has owned everything from Klon Centaurs to Parker Flys. He also runs the UK's Analogue To Digital music show and the Vintage Guitar Fair. Share the Post: