We stand unequivocally alongside the Black Lives Matter movement. The music we love as guitar enthusiasts was forged by black musical pioneers. There would not be any Guitar Nerds if it were not for the likes of Robert Johnson, Memphis Minnie or Little Richard.

It should be clear now that it is not enough to simply be non-racist; we must be actively anti-racist. We must take specific and coordinated steps to dismantle racism and prejudice, where it lives, both at home and elsewhere, all the way to the highest seats of power.

We have taken the past week to reflect on our own privileges and our place within this industry, and to contemplate how we as Guitar Nerds could do better.

It is clear that we have not been doing enough, so we’re making a commitment to increasing representation and diversifying the range of voices that you will hear on The Guitar Nerds Podcast, expanding our research and coverage of brands and artists throughout history and today.

We will also be donating to and championing new charities every month and using this platform to raise up the voices of those marginalised within the guitar community and the wider world.

Thank you for listening and for being a part of the guitar nerds community.

If you haven't already please check out the following charities that are supporting the Black Lives Matter movement across the world:

STAND AGAINST RACISM & INEQUALITY 

COALITION FOR RACIAL EQUALITY & RIGHTS 

BLACK LIVES MATTER UK 

BLACK LIVES MATTER US 

STOP HATE 

On this week's episode we're counting down all our favourite models from Squier's new range of Paranormal guitars and basses, plus Mark explains the subtle differences in Epiphone build quality between different Korean factories.

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