This month in VG

We feature the 25 greatest guitar songs of the ’70s, as chosen via a poll at VintageGuitar.com. We also review the greatest guitar tracks of Gary Moore, along with previously unpublished interview with the Irish guitar hero who passed away February 6. We also tell you about an amazing exhibit of stringed instruments at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is highlighted by three particular archtop guitars. George Gruhn and Walter Carter detail how the Epiphone Soloist Emperor was created in a time when its builder was in a heated battle with Gibson to determine who made the biggest and best archtop. Then, Michael Wright talks about the unconsciously-retro Espana EL-31, Willie Moseley extolls the virtues of the Harmony H44 Stratotone, and Dave Hunter gives us an up-close and personal look at a 1982 Dumble OD Special played by Robben Ford.

We also remember famed lap-steel master Buddy Charleton, and then talk about new music with Kevin Eubanks, Gurf Morlix, Claude Hay, Frank Tanton, and
Robbie Calvo. Wolf Marshall breaks down three of the coolest licks ever recorded by Joe Perry, and we tell you who jammed with who at this year’s Deke’s Guitar Geek Festival.

If it’s time to upgrade your gear, take a look at our reviews of the Reverend Rick Vito, the Bluesman Vintage 3-Speed Coupe, K&K Meridian Pro, the Naylor Heads-Up Strap, MTD Kingston CRB/Saratoga basses, and the TC Electronic BH500.

All this and much more are in the May issue of VG.

FEATURES

The 25 Most Valuable Guitars
There are few collectibles in modern pop culture that are as cool as guitars. They’re functional, tactile art that inspires players and music fans alike. But beyond fond memories, for some, guitars serve as investments. Here’s a look at 25 guitars that, thanks to certain players, songs, and the laws of supply and demand, have become exceedingly valuable.

Pretty in Pink
Jay Jay French Aligns Industry Giants for a Cause
In 1999, guitarist Jay Jay French was forced to examine his priorities when his six-year-old daughter, Samantha, was diagnosed with uveitis. And he came up with a very cool way to raise awareness of the condition. By Ward Meeker

Lee Dickson
Three Decades with Clapton
For more than 30 years, he served as guitar tech and assistant to Eric Clapton. Directly responsible for the care and feeding of some of the most iconic guitars in rock music, his wards bore names like Blackie and Brownie, the Crashocaster, and others! By Will Kelly

Three Larsons
At first glance, these guitars appear to be a different sizes of the same model. However, when it comes to guitars built by the Larson Brothers, nothing is that simple. By George Gruhn and Walter Carter

The Veillette-Citron Shark
It’s not often a guitar is said to have been inspired by a TV show, but that is the case with this one… in a pretty roundabout way! By Michael Wright

One Fudged 335
Vinnie Martell’s ‘63 Gibson
When it entered the market in the spring of ’58, Gibson’s ES-335TD was designed to get “bite” while having a lighter weight. This one is special because Vinnie Martell used it to record Vanilla Fudge’s “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” and other tracks. By Willie G. Moseley

The Orange GRO100
Orange Amplifiers were born soon after Marshall and made a name for themselves with a hip image that was impossible to miss. The Graphic Overdrive, or GRO100, is one of the company’s classics. By Dave Hunter

DEPARTMENTS

The Great VG 25th Anniversary Giveaway
Win a b3 Metal-XS guitar and Two-Rock Studio Pro amp valued at $5,594, from Premier Builder’s Guild!

Vintage Guitar Price Guide

Builder Profile
Strobel Guitars

Upcoming Events

Dealer Showcase

Vintage Guitar Classified Ads

Dealer Directory

Readers Gallery

FIRST FRET

Reader Mail

News and Notes
Fretware Turns 40, Archtop Builders Exhibit, Mississippi Honors Wilder, Saint Blues Suspends Imports; In Memoriam, More!

Mark Sganga
Brazilian Trip
By John Heidt

John Cipollina on DVD
Quicksilver’s Stylish Animal
By Dan Forte

The Mike Eldred Trio
Ecletic Virtuoso
By Michael Dregni

Ask Zac
By Zac Childs

Steve Wariner
Hooked on Instrumentals?
By Willie G. Moseley

VG on Facebook

Jeff Berlin
The Father of Fast
By Willie G. Moseley

Dave Flett
By Pete Prown

NAMM 2011
Amped in Anaheim
By Preston Gratiot

COLUMNS

The (Way) Back Beat
Vintage Electric Adventures
Magnatone Moments, Part 3
By Peter S. Kohman

Q&A With George Gruhn

Acousticville
Instrument Marketing
By Steven Stone

Fretprints
Steely Dan
By Wolf Marshall

TECH

Shop of Hard Knocks
Shield Yourself!
By Will Kelly

REVIEWS

The VG Hit List
CD and DVD Reviews: Drive-By Truckers, Jinx Jones, The Grascals, The Doors with Albert King, Star Guitars, more!

Check This Action
Supercalguitarilistic
By Dan Forte

Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Epiphone SG, D. Allen pickups, Hoyer ERN Prestige, Leprechaun pedalboards, Seymour Duncan Mag Mic, Whirlwind effects

Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!