Gibson J-45 Inducted in 2007 Martin's "dreadnought" flat-tops were big and dominated the guitar market of the 1930s. By the early '40s, Gibson knew it needed a big flat-top to compete, and he J-45 ("J" for Jumbo, "45" indicating its price in dollars) was it. A 16" round-shoulded flat-top, even in the tough times of its launch, it received a very warm welcome and has ever since remained one of - if not the - most popular Gibson guitars.
Vox AC15 Inducted in 2007 Dick Denney built it in his own shop before hiring on at Vox and perfecting it. It proved a godsend to the burgeoning rock-and-roll scene, being the first amp that allowed a guitarist to be heard alongside a drummer and bass player. For the first time, small groups using just guitar, bass, and drums, could effectively fill a club or dance hall with their sound.
Fender Jaguar Inducted in 2006 Jumping on the speeding Fender bandwagon in 1962, it helped the company stay on top throughout the decade, with its fancy new vibrato tailpiece, sophisticated electronics, and (usually) a funky custom color. If you played instrumental rock at the time, you either had one of these or you were probably ignored!
Gibson ES-5 Inducted in 2006 One of the first guitars built after Ted McCarty took charge of Gibson, it helped solidify the company's position as the world's preeminent electric archtop maker. Today, its late-'50s variant with three PAF humbuckers and Switchmaster tone control is one of the most collectible of its ilk.
The original snakeskin-tolex Mark I Boogie. Photo courtesy Randall Smith.
Mesa-Boogie Mark I Inducted in 2005 The first amplifier with a cascading gain stage (a.k.a. master volume), it introduced players to "high gain" guitar tone without deafening sound pressure levels. It rose to prominence after being used by Carlos Santana to record Abraxas.
National Tri-Cone series Inducted in 2005 Its warm, sustaining tone emanates from three aluminum "resonators" designed to help guitarists stand out in big-band or orchestra settings. But, soon after being introduced, Nationals were adopted by Hawiian and blues players. Today, the Tri-Cone produces what many consider the ultimate acoustic blues tone.
PRS Custom Inducted in 2004 The first production instrument from a company that has become the guitar's preeminent modern success story.
Gretsch White Falcon Inducted in 2004 Like many great guitars, it has evolved through several versions. But it has been a classic since day one, for both it sound and utterly unique aesthetic.
The 1954-'56 Gibson Les Paul Custom Inducted in 2003 Can you say "Black Beauty?" Though Gibson didn't give it the name, Les Paul himself chose black as the secondary color for the guitar bearing his moniker. Gibson did, however, use it to experiment with a three-pickup configuration and to introduce its famed Alnico-magnet pickup.
Marshall Super Lead 100 Inducted in 2003 Hendrix, Townsend, and Page played through it. 'Nuff said.
Fender Jazzmaster Inducted in 2002 Designed and marketed by Leo to cut into Gibson's jazzer market, it supplanted the Strat at the top of Fender's line in 1958. And though its sound kept it from catching on with jazzers, garage surf bands of the day ate it up. It is one of the most copied solidbody designs of all time.
Gibson SJ-200 Inducted in 2002 A landmark amongst acoustic flattops, the SJ-200 was designed for cowboy guitarist Ray Whitley, and any cowboy worth his salt played one. Its popularity carried over to other genres, and never faded. From its jumbo-sized, sunburst-finished body to its ultra-fancy pickguard, bridge, and headstock, it was considered the consummate flat-top. Just ask Emmylou!
Vox Wah Inducted in 1999 The one that introduced the sound to the masses! Despite being developed for trumpet player Clyde McCoy, this new voice became a must for funk and rock guitarists in the '60s. The foot motion on the pedal coupled with a player's touch on the fretboard created a complete physical synergy between musicians and the sounds they made.
Gibson ES-150 Inducted in 1999 Gibson's first electric Spanish guitar was also the first good-quality electric to hit the market. Favored by Charlie Christian, it housed Gibson's first pickup, which is still in high demand and considered a classic.
Martin D-45 Inducted in 1998 Originally the fanciest of Martin's innovative dreadnought line. If you had one of the 96 made in the 1930s and early '40s, your net worth would be considerably higher than it is now.
Fender Bassman Inducted in 1998 As Dave Hunter wrote in VG (January, '07), "Any guitarist ever tagged as a tonehound has gigged or recorded through a tweed Bassman at one point or another."
Rickenbacker 360/12 Inducted in 1997 It was good enough for George Harrison and gave us the "jingle jangle" of Roger McGuinn. That's more than enough for the 360/12 to be the only 12-string in the VG HoF.
Marshall JTM 45 Inducted in 1997 The first production Marshall amp, its great sound launched a generation of tone-conscious guitarists.
Gibson Flying V Inducted in 1996 One of the most distinct guitar designs ever created, but it wasn't a hit when it came out in 1958. Rock and rollers discovered it the late '60s and the V still makes a unique statement today.
Gretsch 6120 Inducted in 1996 If you play rockabilly, you better have one of these! Introduced as the Chet Atkins Hollowbody in '54, the 6120 soon shed the "G" brand and western inlays of the early versions, but never lost the Western Orange finish or the cool twang.
Fender Jazz Bass Inducted in 1995 With its two specially designed pickups, offset waist, and slimmer, narrower neck, the Jazz Bass was intended to be the more tonally diverse, slicker-playing descendant of the Precision. The fact it was available in Fender custom colors (often with matching headstock) makes it all the more cool.
Fender Twin Amplifier Inducted in 1995 Whether it's the 1952 model with Fender's then new wide-panel tweed cabinet and innovative dual tone controls, or the '60s black tolex Reverb model, the Twin has seen action backing up many of the great rock, jazz, and country artists.
Gibson L-5 Inducted in 1994 Introduced in 1922 and with a design guided by the legendary Lloyd Loar, the L-5 was the first modern archtop guitar. Initially a non-cutaway acoustic, the L-5 went through many changes, ultimately becoming a single-cutaway with two humbuckers.
Vox AC-30 amplifier Inducted in 1994 The first amp honored in the VG HoF. If a band was British it rocked in the '60s, they played through a Vox AC-30.
D'Angelico New Yorker Inducted in 1993 George Gruhn said of it in the March 2000 issue of Vintage Guitar, "The New Yorker is significant due to its superb quality and aesthetic artistic appeal," and is "one of the finest guitars in the history of the instrument."
Gibson Super 400 Inducted in 1993 Introduced in 1934, with its 18" body and deluxe features, the Super 400 was the largest and most expensive guitar in the Gibson line. Its influence was soon apparent in the designs of many of the great archtops built by others. Whether the earlier non-cutaway acoustic version or the later double-pickup cutaway, it remains a true work of art.
Fender Precision Bass Inducted in 1992 The first bass in the VG Hall, and why not, it only forever revolutionized how the bass was played. One of the most innovative ideas in modern music history.
Gibson ES-335 Inducted in 1992 Born during Gibson's "golden era," the semi-hollow body ES-335 wedded archtop looks with solidbody performance. Whether it has dot inlays or blocks, it remains one of the coolest designs in guitardom.
Martin D-28 Inducted in 1991 The first acoustic in the VG Hall, the D-28 launched Martin's line of incredible big and loud dreadnoughts in 1931. The D-28 has inspired many guitarists and builders, and remains one of Martin's most popular models.
Fender Telecaster Inducted in 1991 Leo Fender's timeless classic is about as simple as an electric guitar can be, but still has the magic to appeal to guitarists playing just about any style of music. Every guitar player has a Telecaster (or should). Along with the Strat and Les Paul, the Tele is among the most popular designs around.
Fender Stratocaster Inducted in 1990 The VG Hall of Fame was started in 1990 and we had little doubt the Strat would be among the first instruments selected for inclusion by our readers. Three single-coils, a vibrato (usually), and that great contoured, offset-double-cutaway body. Some 50 years after its introduction, it is still one of the most popular designs.
Gibson Les Paul Standard ('Burst) Inducted in 1990 Also an easy first-year selection, LP Standard was introduced with a sunburst finish in 1958, and the '58 to'60 models are the most valuable vintage solidbody guitars. The Les Paul Standard is a classic no matter what finish it bears.
2370
disclaimer | privacy policy
All content copyright 2008 Vintage Guitar, Inc. All rights reserved.
Vintage Guitar is a registered trademark of Vintage Guitar, Inc.
designed and programmed by inet technologies
