Fender, Jackson, Gretsch & more unveil 2022 gear

On the back of Summer NAMM - one of our favourite events of the year - we’ve compiled the most recent announcements from some of the biggest names in the guitar gear industry and selected our favourite picks that you can get your hands on at PMT.

We’ll be checking out an all-new Jim Root Signature Model by Charvel, a Limited Edition Jim Dandy Gretsch, a selection of extra-special EVH guitars, and much more.

First, let’s take a look at what Fender has to offer..

Fender are back with some incredible new releases this year, including a whole host of ukuleles and some awesome acoustic options for beginners.

Get the lowdown on some of the most exciting bits below and find the next piece of gear to add to your collection!

These all-mahogany American Acoustasonic models come equipped with the game-changing Fender and Fishman®-designed Acoustic Engine and are available in both classic Telecaster and Jazzmaster silhouettes.

Innovative and filled with tone - what’s not to love?

No matter which you choose between the Natural finish or Bourbon Burst, these guitars are sure to turn heads.

• American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster All-Mahogany, Natural
• American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster All-Mahogany, Bourbon Burst
• American Acoustasonic Telecaster All-Mahogany, Natural
• American Acoustasonic Telecaster All-Mahogany, Bourbon Burst

Fender amps are the choice of countless professionals, and for good reason. The brand is still innovating in 2022, and these two new models prove it.

A no-nonsense 15-watt all-tube tonal beast, you can’t go wrong with the latest iteration of the Pro Junior.

Straightforward and free from unnecessary extras, this amp takes you from clean to mean in no time at all - perfect for the player who prioritises a solid base to build their sound upon.

If you need effects and flexibility from your guitar amp then look no further than this addition to the Mustang amp family - the LT40S.

Boasting 40 watts of stereo power and a pair of high-fidelity, full range 4-inch speakers, this amp combines an easy-to-use interface with app integration and a ‘greatest hits’ of guitar tones from across the history of popular music.

For amp modelling made simple, the Mustang is the answer.

Fender have got you covered when it comes to their acoustic range, and their 2022 collection supplies beginner and intermediate players with a fusion of iconic design, high-quality construction, and enhanced playability.

Built for the stage, this lively axe sounds and plays at a level far above its price range.

Developing players will appreciate the extra-comfortable nato neck, whilst the modern Fender 3+3 headstock and Viking bridge ensure the tone is of a superb calibre - with the looks to match.

Find it in the following finishes:

• DE FA-135 Concert, Black
• DE FA-135 Concert, Natural
• DE FA-135 Concert All-Mahogany, Natural
• DE FA-135 Concert, Sunburst

If you’re just looking to get started on your musical journey then this Beginner Pack will get you going in the right direction.

In addition to the beautiful FA-115 dreadnought acoustic guitar - which features a spruce top, X-bracing, and compensated bridge saddles - you’re also treated to a gig bag, picks, a strap, a spare pack of strings, and a free 90-day subscription to Fender Play with access to hundreds of online lessons.

The FA-115 Pack is available in the following finishes:

• FA-115 Dreadnought Pack, Black
• FA-115 Dreadnought Pack, Sunburst

Similar to the DE FA-135 above, the single-cutaway FA-135CE model has all of the necessary features to give players versatility and playability where it matters most.

If you’re planning on plugging-in and playing live, this guitar has renowned Fishman® electronics - so you know it won’t fail you when you enter the world of live music.

Check out our favourite all-mahogany option above, then take a closer look at the specs and other finishes below:

• FA-135CE Concert, Black
• FA-135CE Concert, Natural
• FA-135CE Concert All-Mahogany, Natural
• FA-135CE Concert, Sunburst

If you’re on the hunt for a ukulele to add to your collection then you’ll be pleased to know that Fender have unleashed a rather large new selection for you to take your pick from.

Check them all out below!

A larger sibling to the ever-popular Venice Soprano model, the Avalon Tenor model gives you the best of both worlds when it comes to portability and tone.

The all-basswood construction and slim "C"-shaped neck profile offer a classic Fender playing experience, and with classic colour options and a painted 4-in-line Strat headstock this ukulele will bring joy to all.

Available in:

• 2-Colour Sunburst
• Daphne Blue
• Black
• Natural
• Surf Green
• Cherry

Striking and elegant, the Zuma Concert Ukulele grants players a natural tone that matches the beautiful looks and open-pore satin finish.

Our favourite feature is the no-tie bridge that allows you to make string changes with ease - meaning this little instrument is a perfect option for leisure and studio play.

Available in:

• Bocote
• Spalted Maple

This ukulele sings with a deep, rich, and wholly unique voice that brings style to the stage. Built entirely from Ovangkol, it takes its name from one of Southern California’s most loved surf spots.

Constructed from Acacia wood - a relative of Koa, which is an increasingly popular choice for all sorts of instruments - this uke takes its name from the chic California town that many celebrities call home.

Take the spirit of Venice wherever you go! Head to the beach, to a jam session, or down to the studio with this classic-sounding instrument.

Jackson are a firm favourite of ours at PMT, and we’re thrilled to see a trio of new offerings from the X Series - pick out your favourite below..

High-output humbuckers, a compound radius fingerboard, and a recessed Floyd Rose Special Series Tremolo unit - this guitar is built for riffs.

Slick and raw, the famous X Shredder body in Ferrari Red makes this Warrior WRX24M a must-have for the budding metalhead.

Combining modern Jackson features with a distinct look that borrows heavily from the bass guitars of yesteryear, the CBXNT DX V in Fireburst is truly stunning.

Use the tone-boosting active electronics and P/J pickups with blend control to nail your favourite tones no matter what style of music you’re playing.

Lead guitarists rejoice - this Soloist SLX DX model has been designed with speed and supercharged playability in mind.

Finished in the beautiful Manalishi Green, it’s sure to inspire your next epic solo.

Gretsch has spoiled us this year, with a selection of new finishes across their range - including the Streamliner, Electromatic, Roots, and Professional collection.

Looking for the sound and vibe of a semi-hollowbody in a solidbody package? Look no further than the Streamliner G2655.

Here, we have the hardtail version in two classy new finishes:

• Midnight Sapphire Metallic
• Forge Glow Maple Burst

When you mix a chambered spruce centre block with Broad’Tron Humbuckers you’re bound to get good things, and the huge, open tone of this axe proves it.

Now available in two new finishes:

• Stirling Green
• Brownstone Maple Burst

One of Gretsch’s most iconic instruments, you can now get the BT version in the following new finishes:

• Vintage White
• Black
• Ocean Turquoise

If you’re more a fan of the FT version of this legendary instrument, then you can treat yourself to these beautiful designs:

• Broadway Jade
• Fairlane Blue
• Firestick Red

If you’re a leftie then you can choose either of these colours - and take your pick from the BT and FT models too! These unique colourways are undoubtedly bound to be fan favourites:

• Natural
• Midnight Sapphire

The Jim Dandy model is an all-time bestseller, and these alluring new finishes prove that Gretsch has no problem giving the people more of what they want.

Check them out in all of their glory here - including the Limited Edition Nocturne Blue colour that we’ve fallen in love with:

• Frontier Stain
• Nocturne Blue

The Hillsong Music Director Nigel Hendroff brings us a selection of Signature Penguin guitars, available in two beautiful colourways.

Get the full specs on each model below:

• Amber Flame
• Dark Cherry Metallic

This one is for AC/DC fans, as Gretsch has painstakingly recreated the heavily-modified guitar that Malcolm Young used for much of his career with the band.

We’ve got 3 new guitars from EVH that are certain to inspire - so no matter how you choose to play, you’ll find something that Eddie would approve of.

Best known as the axe from the cover of Van Halen’s 1978 self-titled album, this is the guitar that Eddie played his mind-blowing ‘Eruption’ solo on - an undeniable icon in the history of guitar!

The Wolfgang Standard Exotic offers up some exciting new tonewood options to the EVH range, blending a raw, heavy character with boundary-pushing aesthetics that are designed for maximum comfort and playability.

Available in:

• Laurel Burl
• Poplar Burl

Lightning fast, articulate, and equipped with a pair of EVH Wolfgang Alnico 2 humbucking pickups, this guitar is engineered without compromise.

Complete with a unique killswitch to add a unique style to your playing, it’s the best of modern guitar tech with a throwback design that refuses to go out of style.

Charvel have contributed a few of our favourite new releases this year, with some particularly exciting Signature Models and a selection of gorgeous finishes with features to match.

Get the lowdown on the entire 2022 range here..

Finished in a jaw-droppingly awesome Sunburn finish, this Pro Mod San Dimas SD1 Ash is the culmination of all of Charvel’s innovation and legacy in a singular package.

The DiMarzio PAF and Super Distortion humbuckers ensure scorching tone, and the blisteringly-quick speed neck means you’ll find comfort and playability like no other.

This high-octane axe pays homage to the roots of Charvel and 1980s Southern California, with a workhorse guitar that is unparalleled in performance, tone, and style.

It’s kitted out with some epic modern enhancements though, with Floyd Rose 1000 Series components and a 12"-16" compound radius for complete control of your solos.

The unassuming Pro Mod DK22 in Natural Walnut hides a plethora of awesome tones beneath its quietly alluring finish.

With 3 unique Seymour Duncan Custom pickups, a sculpted shredder’s cut heel, and Gotoh Custom 510 tremolo bridge, you can expect a full-spectrum of sounds to suit the versatile modern player.

This incredible axe is finished in one of our favourite colourways of the year - Sin City Sparkle.

You’ll be glad to hear that the Limited Edition Pro Mod SD1 has the tones to match the looks too, with a mixed pair of Seymour Duncan Humbuckers and a graphite-reinforced Maple neck with a Floyd Rose 1000 Series Locking Tremolo System.

Charvel has managed to pack every ounce of Jim Root’s unhinged metal tone into this new signature model for the Slipknot legend.

Equipped with Dual MG Jim Root Signature Daemonum Open-Coil Active Humbucking Pickups - and complete with Active Electronic circuitry - this thing is a total riff machine.

This guitar is available in the following finishes:

• Satin White
• Satin Black

A signature model befitting of the technical genius that is Marco Sfogli, this EMG-equipped axe comes in a luxurious Transparent Purple Burst finish.

It also comes complete with some awesome appointments such as a caramelised Maple hand-rubbed satin urethane Speed Neck, rolled fingerboard edges, and Floyd Rose 1000 Series Double-Locking Tremolo System.

Anthrax legend Frank Bello is renowned for high-energy and hard-hitting thrash tones. The SoCal Bass IV is set-up to deliver a blend of Precision and Jazz flavours, with signature EMG pickups and active electronics that give you access to contemporary and classic sounds.

Want to learn more about the latest gear releases from the biggest guitar brands in the world? Need help picking out your next instrument? Call us on 0151 448 2089 or check out your local store to speak to one of our Experts about your needs.