Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Richard Fortus
Guitarist
|Summer 2019
<p>From antique Martins and golden-era Gibsons, to high-spec custom builds and mods, the Guns N’ Roses veteran talks hunting down guitars, nailing his tone and sharing a stage with Slash</p>
Richard Fortus is at his home in St Louis, Missouri. He’s recently returned from a spate of club gigs with electronic rock experimentalists Headtronics, and is currently in the midst of producing the new album for The Psychedelic Furs, before heading back out on the road again later this year for an arena tour around the United States and Mexico with Guns N’ Roses, with whom he’s been playing since 2002.
While being immersed in such a broad variety of gigs over the years, Richard has constantly strived to refine his tone and find inspiration with new sounds – often in the form of new guitars. After all, “We’re pushed and inspired by our own tone,” he reminds us. Guitarist swung by for a rare insight into some of his favorite instruments and was treated to a jaw-dropping collection that could rival the inventory of many a vintage guitar shop…
How did you amass such a great collection of guitars and amps?
“It just seemed to have happened. I guess I have a problem! But I figure it’s better to put your money into what you know, investment-wise. I follow Joe Bonamassa’s posts on Instagram and I’m just amazed at his collection. It’s staggering. How one person can amass that kind of collection is mind-boggling. I don’t have the resources to go for the big-ticket items; I try to turn Axl and Slash on to the stuff that I can’t afford.”
This story is from the Summer 2019 edition of Guitarist.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
RECENT STORIES FROM Guitarist
Guitarist
Silvertone 1446 Spruce-Up
Having survived the West Coast punk scene, this 1961 Silvertone is ready for a refurb
6 mins
February 2026
Guitarist
SUPER HERO
Long hidden in the shadows of Fender history, the early 60s brown-panel Super Amp has reemerged. Senior product manager, Rick Heins, talks us through its rebirth
7 mins
February 2026
Guitarist
JUNIOR HIGH
What on earth is the appeal of a single-pickup guitar and how can it help you to hone your modding skills? Dave Burrluck goes in search of a giggable 'Junior'...
8 mins
February 2026
Guitarist
FULL-FAT TONE
The history of Eric Clapton's guitars during Cream's brief but influential existence - from Fresh Cream to Goodbye - reveals an intriguing mix of instruments but also offers up a mystery or two
7 mins
February 2026
Guitarist
MIKE VENNART
The former Oceansize and long-time Biffy Clyro touring guitarist on his love of off-the-beaten-path six-strings, his disdain for acoustics, and why Japanese Squiers are the best bargain around
7 mins
February 2026
Guitarist
Action Plan
This month Alex Bishop gets forensic on lowering action, and explains how to get the best playability from your guitar
3 mins
February 2026
Guitarist
Newman Torn and Frayed Edition
Although unavailable for many years, the late Ted Newman's unique solidbody - originally conceived for Keith Richards back in the 70s - has made quite a return since the introduction of the 5 String in 2024, the first of an ongoing series of limited-edition models made in the UK under the stewardship of the Cream T Custom Shop.
1 mins
February 2026
Guitarist
Change Of Heart
Neville Marten revisits the Essex guitar store where he'd spied his 'Les Paul to die for', only to come away with something else entirely
3 mins
February 2026
Guitarist
Special Treats
Plenty of makers have used the classic Special and Junior recipes over the years. Here are six that nod to the late 50s
2 mins
February 2026
Guitarist
Golden Brown
Fender reaches into its archives to bring this lesser-known classic back to life. Let's see if it captures the original magic
4 mins
February 2026
MORE STORIES FROM Guitarist
New York magazine
Going to a Knicks Game
IN AN ERA of largely underwhelming professional sports in New York, the Knicks have emerged as one of the city's most consistently winning teams—and with that, as one of the most expensive tickets in town. Editor Jeremy Rellosa spoke to season-ticket holders and superfans about buying cheap tickets that aren't in the nosebleeds, the best time to get a hot dog, and the secret escalator for avoiding the throngs.
2 mins
February 23-March 8, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Your picks for the best L.A. films not on our list
When we decided to rank the best Los Angeles movies, we thought 101 titles would be plenty: room enough for undeniable classics, personal obsessions, even a guilty pleasure or two. Of course it wasn’t. You let us know, endorsing many of our selections but insisting we'd missed a few. Sifting through your responses, 14 films had the most passionate advocacy. You'll find them listed below in alphabetical order. Together they make up a perfectly valid alternate list, one that captures the glamour and romance of L.A. — as well as its lovable plasticity — just as well.
6 mins
February 22, 2026
Los Angeles Times
In Pasadena, a Black-led food community persists
SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED RESTAURANTS THAT CONTINUE TO RECOVER A YEAR AFTER THE EATON FIRE
7 mins
February 22, 2026
The Atlantic
The Madness of Lord Tennyson
The Victorian poet was startlingly modern.
5 mins
March 2026
The Atlantic
THE MYSTERY OF HENRY FORDHAM
How did my great-great-grandfather become a free man?
11 mins
March 2026
New York magazine
STAR STUDY
Keeping up with the next big thing in music can feel like cramming for a never-ending final exam. So we put together a colorful cheat sheet. Here, ten of our favorite rising acts talk personal style, artistic influences, and biggest wins to date.
6 mins
The Cut Special Issue - Spring 2026
Los Angeles Times
Kennedy Center president warns staff of cuts
As the Trump administration prepares to close the Kennedy Center for a two-year renovation, the head of Washington’s performing arts center warned its staff about impending cuts that will leave “skeletal teams.”
2 mins
February 13, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Pentagon blocked from punishing Sen. Kelly
Judge rules senator’s call to troops to reject unlawful orders is protected free speech.
3 mins
February 13, 2026
Los Angeles Times
'Blue Moon' was 12 years in the making. The wait was worth it
Star Ethan Hawke and screenwriter Robert Kaplow talk about the film's long journey and director Richard Linklater's 'mean' side
4 mins
February 12, 2026
Sports Illustrated US
TIMES ARE BOOMING
The success of the unit known as the Dark Side had people inevitably making comparisons to an earlier defense that left its mark on Seattle football history
6 mins
Super Bowl 2026 Commemorative