As his peers in other rock bands of the ’80s donned superstrats, Billy Duffy stuck to what worked for him – a Gretsch White Falcon. We ask him why, and talk about the new album from The Cult. Then, we talk about why a Gretsch 6120 in sunburst is such a cool diversion, as is the super-rare Gretsch Stereo Chet. Speaking of funk(y), have you ever heard of the Epcor brand? How about the Gruggette Stradette? If not, you’ll want to read up on these two unusual basses, and check out Michael Wright’s rundown of the Yamaha SBG-3000, as well as Michael Dregni’s look at the Echoplex EP-2. For shredders and those otherwise interested, Wolf Marshall lays out some background and three key licks from the catalog of Yngwie Malmsteen.
We also talk new music with Steve Howe, Nick Moran, Lollo Meier, and Rodrigo Sanchez, take a look at the forthcoming sale of guitars and gear from the estate of Les Paul, and remember the greatness of Jim Marshall and Earl Scruggs.
On the gear front, we tell you about the PRS P22, the Mike Lipe Virtuoso, Laney’s L50 amp and L412 cab, Laney’s, Saint Blues Bluesmaster, Blindsier, and Delta Blues Box guitars, Resonant Electroncis’ Manifold Drive and Acceleron Fuzz pedals, and the GFI Student Model S-10 pedal steel!
Horse of Another Color
A Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120 in something other than orange was, to most, unthinkable. But there are always those who prefer the road less traveled, and for them, the company created – on a custom-order basis – a 6120 in something other than Amber Red. By Edward Ball
Billy Duffy
Weapon: Chosen
As his peers in rock bands of the mid ’80s fell in line to play modified “superstrats,” he stuck with his trusty Gretsch White Falcon as his band, The Cult, scored international fame. Ironically, though, the guitar was at first more a solution than a choice. By Ward Meeker
The Gretsch Stereo chet
Gretsch caught audio’s latest technological wave in 1958, introducing stereo output on two production models. Curiously, it did not offer it on its most popular guitar – the Chet Atkins 6120. But that didn’t stop one guitarist from custom-ordering this in one ’63. By George Gruhn and Walter Carter
The Yamaha SBG-3000
Yamaha introduced its first SG model in late ’73, and a bewildering variety of them appeared over the next decade, including this upscale rendition introduced in ’82, with similar looks, but significant changes under the hood. By Michael Wright
Basses From Bakersfield
The history of guitar manufacturing in the Bakersfield area of California includes names like Mosrite, Hallmark, and Standel. Two of the more unusual were the Gruggett Stradette and Epcor. By Willie G. Moseley
The Fender 5f4 Super amp
Amp-head folklore says the 2×10” tweed Super Amp of the late ’50s was Leo Fender’s favorite among his tube-powered creations of the time. Here’s a close look at why. By Dave Hunter
The Echoplex EP-2
With its arrival circa 1959, tape echo became accessible to the masses. Suddenly, any player could rock like Elvis or take sonic adventures like those of Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd. Today, its sounds are still the subject of heavy experimention. By Michael Dregni
Reader Mail
News and Notes
Petty, Heartbreakers Recover Stolen Guitars; McCartney Signs Bass for MusiCares; Team Josie Set for Relay For Life, Fender Produces Film on Strat Construction, More!
Steve Howe
Yes: In The Present
By Oscar Jordan
Nick Moran
All About the Band
By John Heidt
Ask Zac
By Zac Childs
Meier, lafertin, Rosenberg – and Marvin
Following Django’s Path
By Michael Dregni
VG on Facebook
Rodrigo Sanchez
Cuban Orchestra Helps Create Area 52
By Oscar Jordan
Earl Scruggs
1924-2012
By Walter Carter
James Charles Marshall
1923-2012
By Dave Hunter
Les Paul Gear Sells For Charity
By Wolf Marshall
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
Builder Profile
GuitarKitsUSA
Dealer showcase
Vintage Guitar Classified Ads
Dealer Directory
Readers Gallery
The (Way) Back Beat
Half-Forgotten Fretted Makers
By Peter S. Kohman
Q&A With George Gruhn
Acousticville
New Rules for “Bootleg” Recording
By Steven Stone
Fretprints
Yngwie Malmsteen: The Classic Years
By Wolf Marshall
Dan’s Guitar Rx
Leilani Love, Part 2: The Cleanup
By Dan Erlewine
Shop of Hard Knocks
Inlaid Upgrade
By Will Kelly
The VG Hit List
CD and DVD Reviews: John Pizzarelli, Marty Stuart, Alabama Shakes, Mud Morganfield, Tab Benoit, Regal Musical Instruments: 1895-1955, more!
Check This Action
Funeral for a Friend
By Dan Forte
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
PRS P22, Laney L50/L412, Mike Lipe Virtuoso, GFI Student Model S-10SM, Resonant Electronic Manifold Drive/Acceleron Fuzz, St. Blues Bluesmaster/Blindsider/Delta Blues Box
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