FEATURES
PETER FRAMPTON
Fingerprints on the Fretboard(s)
The guitarist/vocalist and world-record holder for the most popular live album ever recorded sits down to discuss his new guest-heavy instrumental album and his laudable collection of guitars. By Willie G. Moseley
GIBSON TRINI LOPEZ
In the ’60s, Gibson’s artist roster included heavyweight names like Smith, Farlow, and Kessel. But the most successful signature artist of the decade was a young Mexican-American named Trinidad “Trini” Lopez III. By George Gruhn and Walter Carter
JOHNNY WINTER
Givin’ The Devil His Due
His playing has influenced rock and blues guitarists since the ’70s. After decades of addiction and mismanagement, his career is experiencing a resurgence similar to the comeback Winter engineered for Muddy Waters. By Tom Guerra
GIBSON MARK 53
Gibson’s Mark guitars are some of the remaining evidence of a time when hopeful dreamers thought science could improve the guitar based on principles of physics; in other words, science could trump art! But the jury is still out. By Michael Wright
HAMMER OF A HONKEY-TONK GOD
Bill Kirchen’s “Customized” Tele
An ode to the workhorse of solidbody electrics, Bill Kirchen’s Fender Telecaster is the model of versatility, and the fact that he’s played it for 37 years is the ultimate testament to its durability. By Dan Forte
BASS SPACE
Fender Jazz Bass Special
When CBS sold Fender in 1985, the new owners used instruments from Japan to fill gaps in the company’s lineup as they mounted a comeback. This Precision/Jazz Bass hybrid was one example. By Willie G. Moseley
THE DIFFERENT STRUMMER
Engineering Art: German Guitars, Part Three
Most American vintage guitar enthusiasts focus on guitars made in the U.S. But European builders have made significant contributions, including Germany’s Roger Rossmeisl, as well as Höfner and Framus. By Michael Wright
DEPARTMENTS
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
Builder Profile
Petros 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
Electric Git turns 75, Fender Custom Division, Schoenberg marks 20 years, New Releases, Stolen Gear, In Memoriam, more!
Mike Stern
Cat Comes Out to Play
By John Heidt
Chris Smither
The Sum of All The Parts
By John Heidt
Futuristic Primitives
By Michael Dregni
Ask Zac
By Zac Childs
William Lee Ellis
Traditional Instruments, Used Non-Traditionally
By Willie G. Moseley
Lil’ Ed
Chip Off the Old Block
By John Heidt
Kenny Vaughan
By Zac Childs
Helping Each Other (And Everyone)
Star-Studded Katrina Benefit on DVD
By Dan Forte
COLUMNS
COLUMNS
Q&A With George Gruhn
Acousticville
The iPod and Your Guitar
By Steven Stone
Fretprints
Jimmy Nolen
By Wolf Marshall
TECH
Dan’s Guitar Rx
Kay Spray
By Dan Erlewine
Guitar Shop
Flat-Top Realteration
By Tony Nobles
Amps
Building a Two-Stage Power Attenuator
By Gerald Weber
Ask Gerald
By Gerald Weber
REVIEWS
The VG Hit List
Robert Cray, Gov’t Mule, David Grisman, Anson Funderburgh, Jeff Beck reissues, The Sadies, more!
Check This Action
Legacy In a Box
By Dan Forte
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Martin Peter Frampton D-42, King Amplification Uptown 33, Stellartone ToneStyler, Bari-ToneStyler, Browntone Electronics Hoochee-Mama
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!
