FEATURES
In Detail
The Gretsch 1955-’61 White Walcon
When it came to fancy electric guitars in the ’50s, Gibson and its Super 400 were ensconced as the undisputed King of the Hill. Through the years, though, others did pose the occasional challenge. This hotrod designed by Gretsch and Jimmie Webster is one example. By Ward Meeker
Rick Derringer
Six-String Knight
His latest musical offering is an amazingly varied album highlighted by top-notch playing. And it reflects his attitude – confident moving forward and comfortable looking back. By John Heidt
George Fullerton (1923-2009)
Guitar Icon
In his decades-long association with Leo Fender, he helped design the Telecaster, Stratocaster, and Precision Bass, thus ensuring his place in history. By Willie G. Moseley
The Montgomery Ward 55 JDR 8437
Another of the creative alternatives from the days before the cement had dried in the template for “the guitar amplifier,” this head-turner is known variously as the Danelectro Commando, Ward’s Airline GDR-8518A, or as you see it here. By Dave Hunter
The Stromberg G-5
In the big-band era of the late ’30s and ’40s, Stromberg represented the ultimate instrument – in size, at least. But this smaller G-5 from the ’50s may be equally important, not only in Stromberg history, but the overall history of the guitar. By George Gruhn and Walter Carter
The España 6/12 Doubleneck
It’s not clear when the first doubleneck guitars were made, but more is always better, right? That’s the premise behind this remarkable instrument from circa 1970. By Michael Wright
Matching Mojo
Matching guitars and basses always have an extra “cool” factor, but G&L’s original SB-1 bass and SC-3 have interesting similarities beyond their looks. By Willie G. Moseley
DEPARTMENTS
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
Builder Profile
Schroeder Guitars
Upcoming Events
Vintage Guitar Classified Ads
Dealer Directory
Readers Gallery
FIRST FRET
News and Notes
James Burton Festival, Fender HoF, Guitar Club International, Brent Mason, Cheap Trick, In Memoriam, more!
Ian hunter
New Music and a Mott Reunion
By Willie G. Moseley
Otis Taylor
Not-So-Silly Love Songs
By John Heidt
Ask Zac
By Zac Childs
Michael Schenker
Acoustic Album, Electric Gear
By Pete Prown
Woodstock Turns 40
Twenty-Some Hours of Peace & Music
By Dan Forte
Thriller
The Guitarists of Michael Jackson
By Pete Prown
Drake Levin
The Good Fight
By Willie G. Moseley
COLUMNS
The (Way) Back Beat
Burns, Late ’60s: Baldwin and Decline
By Peter S. Kohman
Q&A With George Gruhn
Fretprints
Michael Schenker, The UFO Years
By Wolf Marshall
Guitars With guts
Mandolin Orchest
1904 José Ramírez I
By R.E. Bruné
“401K” Guitars
Mandolin Orchestra
By Gil Hembree
Acousticville
Wedding-Bell Blues
By Steven Stone
TECH
Talkin’ Amps With…
Andy Brauer: Sleeper Amps, Part 2
By David Jung
DAn’s Guitar Rx
Something Old, Something New
By Dan Erlewine
Shop of Hard Knocks
Top-Tier Tech Tricks
By Will Kelly
REVIEWS
The VG Hit List
CD, DVD, and Book Reviews: Richard Thompson, Rick Derringer, Little Richard, Wilco, Tennesse Bo Diddley, Robert Bradley, By The Time We Got To Woodstock, more!
Check This Action
An American Institution
By Dan Forte
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Carr Raleigh, Godin Kingpin 90, Fluxtone, Leslie G37, J.L. Smith electric mandolin, Peavey Sensation 20, Redentore Santissimo, Digitech Timebender
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!
