February 2005

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FEATURES

GRETSCH 6134 WHITE PENGUIN
One of the rarest Gretsch instruments, it was also one of the company’s dressiest guitars. Still, no more than a few dozen were made; in 1959 it cost $490 – when a ’59 sunburst Les Paul Standard could be had for $265. By George Gruhn

CURIOSITY OR COLLECTIBLE?
The Gipper Guitar
Essentially it’s just a “parts” instrument. But what sets it apart is President Ronald Reagan’s signature on the back, protected by a piece of plexiglas. By Willie G. Moseley

C.C. ADCOCK
The Future of Swamp Rock
He stands on one foot, then jumps straight up like a scared cat – his guitar squalling and shrieking accordingly. And this is in the recording studio. Doing an overdub. On somebody else’s album. By Dan Forte

JOEY SPAMPINATO
Short-Scale for the Long Haul
The music of the New Rhythm and Blues Quartet is truly eclectic. The band has evolved, and released more than 30 albums. Through it all, bassist/co-founder Joey Spampinato has held down the beat. By Willie G. Moseley

WILL ACKERMAN
Life After Windham Hill
At several junctures in his saga one could write “…and the rest is history” because of the nature of his story, which has grown and changed through 25 years of writing and playing music on the acoustic guitar. By Dan Forte

1983 MODULUS MONOCOQUE
An experiment inspired by aviation, the Modulus Monocoque guitar was made of futuristic, all-synthetic carbon fiber – a material known for its strength, stability, moldability, and uniform acoustic properties. By Michael Wright

THE DIFFERENT STRUMMER
Hey, Man! What‘s That Sound?
The late ’60s produced some amazing music. Sitting amidst the genius was Switched On Bach, featuring the Moog synth. Almost immediately, the race was on to apply the new technology to guitars. By Michael Wright

DEPARTMENTS

Dealer News

Vintage Guitar Price Guide

Builder Profile
Smith Custom Amplifiers

Upcoming Events

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The Great VG Giveaway
Win a Deering Vega valued at $3,100!

Dealer Directory

Readers Gallery

FIRST FRET

Reader Mail

News and Notes
Furry Dean guitars, Fender at Cleveland Guitarmania, Haynes Holiday Jam, New Column! “Ask Zac,” In Memoriam, more!

Executive Rock
The Guitars of Monterey Pop
By Willie G. Moseley

Jay Roberts
Son of a Dirty Guitar Player
By Ann Wickstrom

The Rockabilly Hall of Fame
Preserving an Artform
By Ward Meeker

New Twist on Pastorius
Jaco Box Set Focuses on Early Years
By Norman Harris

Nick Curran
Musical Anachronism
By John Heidt

Gibson Policy Raises
Eyebrows
By Ward Meeker

COLUMNS

Q&A With George Gruhn

Acousticville
Arlington Follies
By Steven Stone

FretPrints
Edward Van Halen
By Wolf Marshall

Gigmeister
Picking a Pick
By Riley Wilson

TECH

Guitar Shop
Water and Wood
By Tony Nobles

Amps
Troubleshooting With a Variac
By Gerald Weber

Ask Gerald
By Gerald Weber

REVIEWS

The VG Hit List
Music, Book and Video Reviews: Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Danny Gatton, Ford Brothers, Pete Anderson, Marshall Tucker Band, The Gourds, James Taylor, Guitar Effects Pedals: The Practical Handbook, more!

Check This Action
Money For Something
Dan Forte

Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Bacino BAC 18, Carvin CT6M California Carved Top, Martin D-18VE, Tech 21 Bronzewood/Trademark amps!

Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!

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