Guitar Player Magazine to Ax Print Edition on Digital Shift

Just two years before her 60th birthday, Guitarist The magazine will stop publishing its print edition and go digital only, its publisher has announced. The 58-year-old magazine dedicated to guitars, the tools and the musicians who play and love them, publishes its latest edition this week with Jimmy Page on the cover. “What better than to complete our story [the rock legend] help us do what we've always done best — bring you the best interviews with your favorite players,” he wrote Christopher Scapellitiwho will remain as a digital editor.

Founded in 1967 by Bud Eastman, Guitarist was the first publication devoted exclusively to all things guitars. It went on to inspire other magazines with special emphasis such as Bassist and Keyboardas well as ax-specific competitors such as Guitar world, Premier Guitar, Guitarist and Guitar for the practicing musician (RIP). The magazine is owned by Future US, a New York-based publisher of other titles PC Gamer, Electronic Musician and Guitar world.

In his final editorial for the magazine, Scapelliti acknowledged the challenges facing print, citing advertisers' seismic shift in favor of online platforms as a key factor.

“The 'why' will be obvious even if you don't keep every issue tucked away chronologically on the shelves,” he wrote. “These increasingly slim volumes demonstrate our near-heroic efforts to persevere in an era where advertisers are finding greater opportunities online. Through all the ups and downs of these years, we appreciated the support of readers and advertisers who kept Guitaristits print version is ongoing.

He also expressed his gratitude to readers and advertisers who have supported the magazine through its ups and downs and said subscriptions will automatically transfer to Guitar world unless a refund is requested.

Scapelliti also thanked colleagues including managing director Stuart Williams, content director Scott Rowley and head of design Brad Merrett, as well as art editor Philip Cheesbrough and music editor Jimmy Brown, and expressed deep appreciation for the writers and publishers who contributed to the printing. magazine longevity.

“While longtime readers will mourn this change, there is much more to come Guitaristhis future,” Scapelliti said. “As for this final issue, what better way to wrap up our story than to have Jimmy Page help us do what we've always done best — bring you the best interviews with your favorite players.”