Prelude

FESTIVE FELICITATIONS FINE FAIR FOLK. Maybe it is just a little too late to celebrate Christmas (or alternative) and just a little too early to celebrate New Year but generous greetings nevertheless. To be honest, I don’t like winter and I’m definitely in the humbuggian camp (NB. “Bah! Humbug!”, an exclamation uttered by the character Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ novella, ‘A Christmas Carol’ (1843)). A brief lull in activity at the end of an arduous calendar year (atrociously called ‘Twixmas’ by some) is, though, an opportunity to take a temporary time out from seasonal periodic pecuniary profligacy and reflect on things that really matter.

So, you may ask, what really matters? The answer to that thorny little question is probably different for every soul on the planet. For me, it is a determined attempt to improve our shared communities and to reject all that is wrong with our society. We all have a duty to sustain the good and to dispel the bad. We must not abrogate our responsibilities by assuming that it is up to others to benefit us. Humanity definitely needs better humans and it is the duty of all (well, most) of us to realise that hope. How long will good people look on and do nothing?

I also cannot let this article or this year slip into history without the usual earnest plea to work relentlessly for a better world. We should look after our ecological environment by respecting nature in all its precious diversity. It’s the only one we’ve got. We should look after our crumbling civilisation through renewed integrity, honesty and by securing a determined path to peace, security and harmony. You may think these ‘big picture’ aspirations are pretentious hogwash or maybe not. They are, though, what I believe. Didactic sermonising over… for now.

All the quotes (bar the usual CRAVE quote at the end) this month are all drawn from the vast well of wisdom that is the teachings of the Buddha (Siddhārtha Gautama – c.480‑400BCE). After more than two millennia, there is still a great deal that we can learn from the Buddha to help us cope with the modern world. NB. Buddha literally means “the awakened one”. The quotes used are some of those that resonate with my personal cultural frame of reference and which suit the tone of the article. These words are not about religion or faith; they are messages of wisdom and truth.

“I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act” – Buddha

I know it’s predictable at this time of year and some may see it as an easy article to publish. However, it still takes a fair amount of time and effort to produce. As with previous years, the format of the article remains relatively static. If it ain’t broke ‘n’ all that. This is probably one for the list‑o‑philes out there. No AI was used in researching or writing this article. AI was, however, used to prepare The CRAVEman images – it is the only way I can bring him to an audience.

As the shutters of 2025 draw to a close, the door of 2026 is opening. Our friendly neighbourhood guitar god, The CRAVEman recognises that this is a time for change with, “The End (of the Year) is Nigh. Grunt!”

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly” – Buddha

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Some of those that left the building in 2025 (41):

It is that part of the annual review that is always a sobering and melancholy section. My goodness what a shockingly bad year 2025 has been for those departing this mortal coil. A horrendous amount of loss. Not only the sheer number of souls but also the immense contribution they made to our culture and society while alive and rocking.

“Even death is not to be feared by one who lived wisely” – Buddha

The inevitable obituary list comprises too many artists that have provided humanity with some truly great music over many decades. They were all with us at the start of the year and are sadly no longer with us at the year’s end. Our thanks, respect and admiration go to the following, may you Rock In Peace (RIP).

Also, notorious convicted paedophile Ian Watkins, former member of Lost Prophets, b.1977, was murdered on 11 October while in prison, aged 48.

These are just a few of the more famous/familiar names. There have been many other deaths in the music industry, far too many to mention. CRAVE Gutiars’ thoughts go out to all who have been affected by loss during 2025.

“Life is uncertain; death is certain” – Buddha

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CRAVE Guitars Vintage Gear purchased in 2025 (11)

It hasn’t been a great year for CRAVE Guitars’ acquisitions. The cause was partly threefold. The first was a general lack of funds in a challenging economic climate. I think most readers will have been negatively impacted to some extent by the on‑going economic ‘cost of living crisis’, low growth, high inflation/interest rates, etc. The second was simply a lack of space at home in which to keep the extended family of guitars, basses, effects and amps. The third is a limited supply of interesting candidates keen to obtain the CRAVE Guitars badge of honour.

“Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have” – Buddha

However, there was a modicum of ‘new’ old gear to celebrate in 2025 (with links to existing features where applicable at the time of writing – each opens a new tab).

Guitars & Bass:
1966 Fender Electric XII
1984 Guild X‑79 Skyhawk
1983 Kramer ‘The Duke’ Deluxe Bass

Effect Pedals:
1990 DOD FX50‑B Overdrive Plus
1992 DOD FX52 Classic Fuzz
1991 DOD FX54 Attacker (compression/distortion)
1988 DOD FX65 Stereo Chorus
1988 DOD FX80‑B Compressor Sustainer
1980 MXR Micro Chorus
1975 MXR Noise Gate Line Driver
1977 MXR Phase 90 (‘Block Logo’)

Plus:
Non‑vintage guitar case for the 1966 Fender Electric XII
Vintage guitar case for the Guild X‑79 Skyhawk

“An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea” – Buddha

The keen sighted among you may notice that there are three additions to the CRAVE Effects family that date from 1990‑1992. This prima facie undermines one of CRAVE Guitars’ ‘rules of attraction’ that has, to‑date, relied on an arbitrary cut‑off of 1989 as ‘vintage’ for many years. This ‘rule’ is basd on the manufacturing techniques used for guitars, basses and amps, as well as to effect pedals. Automation introduced increased levels of consistency and accuracy that tended to dilute all the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make vintage gear so fascinating and desirable. In some ways, the ‘1989 rule’ has already been broken by many of the modern guitar cases that protect genuine vintage guitars in the absence of original hard shell cases.

However, as we move into 2026, I feel more and more inclined to re‑assess and stretch that 1989 rule, starting with the effects listed above. The ‘1989 rule’ still applies to guitars, basses and amps, although I anticipate that the rule may well be relaxed there too in due course. I certainly have some gear from the 1990s that feel ‘vintage’ to me. If one takes the 25‑year baseline for describing ‘vintage’, then everything from the 1990s could now be included. However, if one takes a 30‑year baseline, it would include gear from the first half of the 1990s but exclude the latter half of the decade. Both baselines are widely publicised as a means of determining what is or isn’t ‘vintage’. Irritatingly, there really is no definitive answer and this isn’t the place to resurrect that particular debate (yet again).

I think the answer to this particular conundrum is for CRAVE Guitars to evaluate the validity of ‘vintage’ gear on a case‑by‑case basis. This means that there will be no absolute ‘1989 rule’ going forward but it is way too premature to introduce a ‘1999 rule’. Personally, I detest such a lack of clarity, however one also has to be pragmatic and realistic. Let’s see how things go in 2026. I think that passing the milestone into the second quarter of the 21^st Century is an appropriate time to test CRAVE Guitars’ fundamental operating principles.

In the meantime, the feature articles accompanying the five DOD FX series effect pedals mentioned above aren’t on the website… yet. The features should appear under the CRAVE Effects part of the website early in 2026 when all the content has been prepared. Only some links to follow at the moment (see above). Keep an eye on the website in due course.

“Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind” – Buddha

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2025 album releases purchased (6):

There seems to be a trend to this article. Too many passed away, too little vintage gear and it continues with too few 2025 album releases purchased.

One of the weird outcomes from COVID‑19 (2020‑) is that there was a surge in creativity that seemed at odds with the pandemic’s effect on social and cultural affairs. That inspirational ingenuity lasted until last year, give or take a few months. This year, though, seems to have been the trough after the peak. Either that or I’m missing something important. The tangible result is that I only bought six 2025 albums. Of those, one was a remix album and another was a compilation of tracks from c.1970.

“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared” – Buddha

I keep looking for new music but this year, that search has been a bit of a thankless task. Perhaps you’ve fared better. I hope so. Anyhoo… the measly six were:

• The Cure – Mixes Of A Lost World Deluxe
• Cymande – Renascence
• Dub Spencer & Trance Hill – Synchronous
• The Mighty Rootsmen – The Mighty Rootsmen
• Omar Perry – Channelling Lee “Scratch” Perry
• Various Artists – Lee “Scratch” Perry & Friends – Land Of Kinks: The Jamaican Upsetter Singles 1970

Of course, quantity does not necessarily equate to quality. However, a healthy equilibrium is undoubtedly a preferred state of affairs, I think you’ll agree. I sincerely hope that 2026 is a more productive and fruitful year for new recorded music.

“Fashion your life as a garland of beautiful deeds” – Buddha

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2025 Gigs (2)

Well, this is getting tediously repetitive. It was also a bad year for attending concerts with only two notable gigs in 2025. Like many, I enjoy live music and it is generally being regarded as the saviour of creative music amid the blandness of corporate commercial crap put out by ‘the industry’. The choice of artist was largely down to my son, a die‑hard metalhead. I am always open to new music and new experiences so I happily went with the flow.

• Cattle Decapitation (support: Shadow Of Intent, Revocation, Vulvodynia) January 2025
• The Birthday Massacre (support: Lesbian Bed Death, Diamond Black) November 2025

The sentiment about new recorded music is reiterated here about live music in 2025. It is such an important component of the vitality and vibrancy that underpins the musical landscape. We need to support it, as well as enjoy it.

KEEP MUSIC LIVE!

“Through zeal, knowledge is gotten; through lack of zeal, knowledge is lost” – Buddha

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CRAVE Guitars’ Web Site

During 2025, there have been many changes to the web site. The visual aesthetic has not changed and I think the look remains fresh and stylish. The overall structure also hasn’t really changed either. However, the content is continually updated or new material is added when there is something new to include, improve or amend. Many visitors may not notice the changes but they are there. More to come in 2026.

CRAVE (Cool & Rare American Vintage Electric) Guitars

“Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others” – Buddha

I have been pushing CRAVE Guitars relatively hard for a part‑time amateur and that shows in the web site statistics. Visitors struggled to show an increase in traffic over the previous year (2024) but this year (2025) has shown a significant increase in visitors. I am not certain why this may be. I don’t think it is down to the many minor changes or new content on the site. I don’t think it’s because of the monthly articles, as they haven’t changed in frequency. I don’t think it’s because of social media activity, although that has been consistent and focused over the last 12 months.

“In the sky, there is no distinction between east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true” – Buddha

The total number of visitors (at the time of writing) in 2025 was 70,333, while in 2024 it was 43,176, an increase of 27,157 (38.6%). The number of visitors hasn’t changed significantly year‑on‑year but the number of views has. From my perspective, I don’t know if this is good or bad – it is just a number without comparable context. While 70,333 seems high to me, it only equates to just over 192 visits per day. I am, however, encouraged by the growth of interest in CRAVE Guitars as a ‘thing’ and what it stands for. I am also encouraged by unsolicited feedback, for which I am extremely grateful. One thing is certain, 2025’s achievements will be very hard to beat in 2026, especially without a lot more content and different ways of looking at it.

“I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done” – Buddha

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CRAVE Guitars’ Social Media

As mentioned above, social media output has been consistent across most platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Bluesky Social and Flickr). I vehemently refuse to use TikTok on political security principles. I post content most days with at least one each day. The exception is that I haven’t posted much on Tumblr during the year. Due to issues over copyright that arose in 2020, I now only post my own material and nothing off Google Images as others do. This is limiting but manageable.

“The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows” – Buddha

The newbie in CRAVE Guitars’ social media output is Bluesky Social, chosen as an alternative and competitor to X. I still post to X despite my anathema for its owner, simply because that is where CRAVE Guitars has its largest following. That following on X has remained largely static or even declining slightly, hovering at just over 6,500 all year, which suggests that social media interest isn’t growing in the same way as the website and there is little or no interdependence between the two. Bluesky Social, on the other hand is building followers from scratch on a relatively under‑used platform at the time of writing – CRAVE has less than 100 followers at year’s end (88 to be exact). There is also not a great deal of vintage guitar content generally on Bluesky Social as at the end of 2025, something that I’m working to improve.

CRAVE Guitars Blue Sky Social

“Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule” – Buddha

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Contact Update

The web site e‑mail address is constantly inundated with innumerable prospective messages from all sorts of ‘businesses’ offering the world. My blanket policy is never, ever to respond to such egregious unsolicited communications, even if I wanted such services – which I don’t! Their e‑mails are usually lazy and amateur at best. Even worse, they keep contacting me back, seemingly somewhat surprised and querying why they haven’t heard from me. Then, they start chasing me, like I owe them something. What the…?

The ‘contact’ page on the website is absolutely clear about my position…
“Please note that I will not respond at all to any unwanted spam or unsolicited messages from web design, SEO, sales or job speculators. While I am tolerant, I will not be taken in by such a crude and blatant lack of professionalism and respect. I won’t hassle you and waste your time, so please don’t do it to me.”

Judging by site stats, CRAVE Guitars seems to be doing very nicely without their questionable ‘expertise’. If they took just a few seconds to check my website (which they often suggest has been thoroughly evaluated and audited), they would be aware that I will not give them the time of day. If they can be bothered to get my e‑mail address, my contemptuous silence should be expected without question. To each and every one of these abhorrent time wasters, RTFM (of sorts) and [deleted] off!!! Genuine contact only, people.

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth” – Buddha

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The Distortion Diaries Update

There has been little material progress since the August article. Follow the link below for the most recent published update (opens in a new tab).

August 2025 – ‘The Distortion Diaries’: A Teaser Trailer

Having said that, there is certainly a very strong determination to bring Terry Wilder’s story to the world, as well as that of his band, The Imaginary Transtemporal Affair (TITA) and the Women in his gravitational field. Terry really wants to jump off the page and meet y’all.

Work on the book’s narrative is on‑going, not necessarily as a coherent approach. I write notes every day for possible inclusion in the final version. I am certainly not short of ideas or material. It just needs sustained intense focus, which is not very easy fitting in on a day‑to‑day living basis. However, I am resolute to undertake a major edit/rewrite of The Distortion Diaries in 2026 and, hopefully, get it out there for everyone to judge. All two of you! Lol! Still, the point is that I must try harder.

“The secret of happiness is not in doing what one likes, but in liking what one does” – Buddha

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State of the Music Industry and the Vintage Guitar Market

Commensurate with other observations concerning 2025, I am sad to report that there appears to be a continual and irrevocable decline overall. Well‑known retailers in the UK have gone to the wall and the outlook for those that remain looks bleak. Almost every week, some relevant business goes to the wall. Many sellers seem to have abandoned physical outlets and have retreated to the Internet for sales in order to cut the operational costs of bricks and mortar retail property. This trend is deeply disappointing and potentially terminal for many businesses trying hard to eke out a living. Tragically, the best one might hope for in 2026 might well be a low plateau of stagnation. Not a good place to be.

“There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting” – Buddha

One recent stark example: Long‑standing guitar manufacturers are not immune to the harsh times. Sadly, the German company Höfner recently filed for bankruptcy. Höfner was founded in 1887 by German luthier Karl Höfner in what is now the Czech Republic. Unfortunately, longevity doesn’t ward off inevitable decline. Sigh.

In the UK, names like Professional Music Technology (PMT), Guitar Amp & Keyboard Centre (GAK) and Black Dog Music all went out of business in 2025 and that’s just the tip of the very precipitous iceberg.

“Everything changes, nothing remains without change” – Buddha

The state of the vintage guitar market remains unpredictably volatile. Over the last decade, there has been very little in the way of supply and what there is attracts undeservedly high prices – the unfortunate consequence of economic supply and demand. Collector interest seems staunchly conservative with the safe ‘classics’ attracting constant value (and therefore investment) increases, while the rest (i.e. the ones in which CRAVE Guitars is most interested) vary significantly with quality and values all over the place. It looks like 2026 is going to be another unpredictable year.

It isn’t just vintage guitars affected, the impact also covers vintage basses, effects and amps, as well as for parts and accessories. Not only have I been forced to buy less due to funding constraints but also there is less good quality product available at a reasonable price to tempt buying activity. I cannot see this changing any time soon.

“Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace” – Buddha

The UK market has shrunk into insular isolation. Disastrous Brexit consequences have pretty much prohibited purchasing anything from the EU. Trade uncertainty and restrictions (yes, you, USA) mean that transatlantic purchasing is simply no longer economic. So the story goes onward. If the negative effects impact CRAVE Guitars, it is far, far worse for businesses trying to make a living.

As mentioned above, the recording and performance side of the industry seems to be going through a patch of post‑COVID creative doldrums. No‑one wants another pandemic.

Clearly a ‘perfect storm’ of global trade instability, pointlessly destructive military conflict, political mayhem, social insecurity and cultural conservatism are just some of the interweaving impactful influences going on here.

Strategically, businesses will face a very challenging operating environment as we move into 2026. Moreover, it is going to be difficult to evaluate and implement options for a successful medium‑long‑term future strategically, tactically and operationally. I know that sounds depressingly negative. I don’t want it to be. However, it is hard to see much in the way of light at the end of the current tunnel.

“Change is never painful, only the resistance to change is painful” – Buddha

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Seasonal Greetings from The CRAVEman

The CRAVEman wishes all readers a belated Merry Christmas and a premature Happy New Year. The CRAVEman has issued two portraits for you to end the year, one for each seasonal celebration. Grunt!

“Teach this triple truth to all: a generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things that renew humanity” – Buddha

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Final Thoughts on 2025 and Looking Forward to 2026

While many of my layman observations seem negative, it is with deluded confidence that one has to look forward to the New Year and the potential opportunities it provides. If only irrational optimism and positivity was a self‑fulfilling prophecy, then we’d all be in a much better place. Hope springs eternal (NB. An idiom that derives from the poem, ‘An Essay on Man’ (1733) by Alexander Pope (1688‑1744)).

I would like to take this opportunity to say a big “Thank You” to everyone who has had anything to do with CRAVE Guitars over the last 12 months. If it wasn’t for y’all, there wouldn’t be a CRAVE Guitars, there’d be no point. So, it seems, we must now welcome in the New Year. We can’t avoid it, so we might as well go with the flow and take 2026 as it comes. As American poet Ogden Nash (1902‑1971) once said, “Duck! Here comes another year!”

Given the tonal balance that this yearly review has set out, I shall not make things any worse by continuing with the negativity. Nuff said then. Bring on 2026!

“Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. Some suffer too much, others too little” – Buddha

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CRAVE Guitars’ ‘Album of the Month (and Year)’

Last year, CRAVE Guitars’ ‘Album of the Month’ was also the ‘Album of the Year’. Despite the paucity of material from which to draw, I am going for the ‘sequel’ to last year’s pick. This year’s Blue Riband award (NB. An accolade given to the passenger liner that achieved the fastest recorded crossing of the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to America – held by the SS United States (1952). Now a term more widely used to signify distinction and excellence) goes to…

The Cure – Mixes of a Lost World: After far too long without a studio album, 2024 saw the long‑awaited release of ‘Songs of a Lost World’. While it wasn’t quite up with ‘Pornography’ (1982) or my favourite all‑time studio album, ‘Disintegration’ (1989), it was a monumental achievement for Robert Smith and the band.

While many decry ‘remix’ albums, I actually appreciate the best of them, albeit being a mixed bag overall. The 3‑CD deluxe edition of ‘Mixes of a Lost World’, released in June 2025 on Universal, comprises 24 remixes of tracks covering 148 minutes. The original album tracks have been remixed by a wide variety of credible artists including Four Tet, Paul Oakenfold, Orbital, Daniel Avery, Craven Faults, 65daysofstatic, The Twilight Sad, Mogwai and many others. Some of these are traditional variations on a theme, while several take a more radical approach of genre‑shifting immersive soundscapes. To be honest, it was a far better album that it could have been, so kudos to The Cure for being bold and not resting on well‑earned laurels.

In addition, all royalties from the sale of the album, go to War Child, a charity supporting children directly affected by war and conflict. They also challenge the unethical and unscrupulous tactics of ‘dynamic pricing’ for live concert tickets and despicably immoral scalping outlets. Thank goodness there are still some sincere philanthropic artists in the industry. Well done The Cure.

There is also a live version, ‘Songs of a Live World’ and a cinematic version of the live concert, ‘Show Of A Live World’. The album goes to prove that The Cure is a band still innovating, challenging preconceptions and delivering the goods. Thanks Robert.

BELIEVE IN MUSIC!

“The world indeed is like a dream and the treasures of the world are an alluring mirage like the apparent distances in a picture. Things have no reality in themselves but are like heat haze” – Buddha

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Tailpiece

Well, I think we can all probably agree that 2025 was generally a mix of ups and downs for everyone, so let us bid adieu to it. It seems that the worst of the Covid‑19 pandemic is behind us; largely gone but not forgotten. Hopefully, though there has been an opportunity to value and appreciate the good fortunes that we are able to enjoy. We should not underestimate just what the benefits of peacetime and freedom mean in our culture.

“Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace” – Buddha

Let us look forward to 2026 and make it the best 2026 that we can achieve. To build a safe, secure and prosperous civilisation, we have to unite to eradicate hatred, conflict and division. Nobody is saying it is easy but it is worth it and good only comes from unwavering endeavour. For me, I’m already thinking about CRAVE Guitars’ article content for next year. No peace for the wicked (NB. A phrase derived and adapted from the Book of Isiah in the Christian Bible). Rock on 2026!

“What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow: our life is the creation of our mind” – Buddha

Truth, peace, love, and guitar music be with you always. The CRAVEman, signing off for now. Until next time…

CRAVE Guitars’ ‘Quote of the Month’: “Great music cleanses one’s spirit, washes away one’s pain and removes the dirt that obscures one’s harmony with the universe”

© 2025 CRAVE Guitars – Love Vintage Guitars.

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