FEATURES
ERIC CLAPTON AND J.J. CALE
Blowin’ Down the Road…
Despite appearing onstage together only twice (at shows 27 years apart), they‘ve been collaborating continuously since early 1970. Their new album, Road to Escondido, is their first together. By Dan Forte
AMP-O-RAMA
Marshall’s 1962 JTM45
Jim Marshall’s amps were ultimately ripped from the belly of the late-’50s Fender Bassman, and it‘s fascinating to examine the seemingly subtle technical differences that make them sound so different. By Dave Hunter
RICKENBACKER ELECTRO BASS
When Rickenbacker debuted the Electro bass in 1936, it served as just another example of how the company blew away traditional concepts of design. Without the Electro, bassists might today still be playing upright. By George Gruhn and Walter Carter
HISTORY OF A MYSTERY
Kurt Hendrick and the Enigmatic Axes That Bear His Name
One of the least-understood brands of American guitars, they were built by the son of an aerospace engineer and luthiery school dropout. By Willie G. Moseley
DOITSCH HAWAIIAN GUITAR
Many fine guitars are overlooked simply because they don’t have the right pedigree. This guitar, made by Harmony, is a nifty example of better Depression-era guitarmaking, even if the name on the headstock is anglicized German for… “German”! By Michael Wright
BASS SPACE
The Robin Ranger
Introduced in 1983 and made by ESP, Robin’s Ranger series instruments had reverse headstocks, Fender-like control plates, and large pickguards. Its 32″ scale and retro-cool vibe made it stand out. By Willie G. Moseley
THE DIFFERENT STRUMMER
Semie Moseley: The Lost Interview, Part 2
Semie meets the Ventures, discusses his record label and how he fielded offers to buy his company, then contemplates what might have been if he’d accepted. By Michael Wright
DEPARTMENTS
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
Builder Profile
Grimes Guitars
Upcoming Events
Vintage Guitar Classified Ads
Dealer Directory
The Great VG 20th Anniversary Giveaway
Register to win your share of $35,000 in prizes!
Readers Gallery
FIRST FRET
Reader Mail
News and Notes
NMM harp guitar exhibit, New Faces in VG, Shaw/Blades new disc, Stolen Gear, In Memoriam, more!
Ronnie Lane
His Life and Music on DVD
By Dan Forte
Gil Parris
So You Think You’re Busy?
By John Heidt
Singing Cowboys
…and Beautiful Guitars
By Dan Forte
Ask Zac
By Zac Childs
VG Marks 20
Mag Hosts Players at Arlington Show
Stony Turns 30
Roots-Rock Label Marks Three Decades
By Eric C. Shoaf
Ray Mason
Odd Thoughts in a Pop Package
By John Heidt
Kelly Richey
Something to Say, Sans Words
By John Heidt
COLUMNS
Q&A With George Gruhn
Guitars With Guts
1908 Manuel Ramirez Double-Body
By R.E. Bruné
Acousticville
100 Up, 100 Down
By Steven Stone
Fretprints
Howard Roberts
By Wolf Marshall
“401K” Guitars
All For One, One For All
By Gil Hembree
TECH
Q&A With George Gruhn
Dan’s Guitar Rx
By Dan Erlewine
By Dan Erlewine
Guitar Shop
Amplified Acoustic Tones Worth Hearing
By Tony Nobles
Talkin’ Amps With…
Steve Dikun: The “Rock and Roll Doctor” Lessons From the Road
By David Jung
REVIEWS
The VG Hit List
CD, DVD, and Book Reviews
Dick Dale, Marah, Brian Setzer, Canned Heat, Tony Joe White, Dwight Yoakam, more!
Check This Action
Tower Records, 1960-2006
By Dan Forte
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Genz Benz Black Pearl, DST MarWatt/UV6, Reverend Charger 290, Mercury Magnetics Epi Valve Junior Mod
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!