FEATURES
50 YEARS OF CRUNCHY, CLEAN DIRT
Gibson advanced electric guitar technology with the introduction of the humbucking pickup in 1955. Patented in ’59, it changed the world of popular music and the electric guitar. Plus, a new PAF shoot-out! By Gil Hembree
THE BASS SPACE
Carvin DN640K
Doubleneck instruments have always been a unique niche in the guitar market, and even carried an air of superiority. Carvin’s DN640 is special in part because its bass neck is on the bottom. By Willie G. Moseley
JEFF CARLISI
Goes to Camp
It has been close to a decade since he departed .38 Special, and he has since played with many other notable musicians and been involved in other musical ventures. By Willie G. Moseley
THE FENDER JAGUAR
When Fender’s Jaguar was introduced in 1962, Telecasters and Stratocasters were considered “outdated.” So even though it cost more than the “old” models, it and its predecessor, the Jazzmaster, sold better thanks to musical tastes of the time. By George Gruhn
ALLISON ROBERTSON
Propels One Riffin’ Rock Unit
Armed with an assortment of Gibson solidbodies – from Les Pauls to an L6-S to a Spirit – she is using The Donnas’ new album, Gold Medal, as proof positive that good-time party rock can survive. By Ward Meeker
1983 ELECTRA LADY
In 1983, Costello was out, Ratt was in, and guitarists built their images around the weird guitars they played. Naturally, guitar builders tripped over themselves trying to put out unusual designs like this Electra Lady XV1RD. By Michael Wright
MARSHALL CRENSHAW
Rock and Roll Renaissance Man
The press calls his style “pop,” but he’s nothing if not an enigma – which is ironic, since his music (whether played and sung by him, or covered by other artists) is so infectious and accessible. By Dan Forte
THE DIFFERENT STRUMMER
’80s Charvel Guitars
Kramer was the biggest guitar company in the age of the pointy headstock. But Charvel was also an innovator, and today has a devoted following among collectors. Its saga has yet to be fully elucidated. By Michael Wright
DEPARTMENTS
Dealer News
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
Builder Profile
DeTemple Guitars
Upcoming Events
Vintage Guitar Classified Ads
Dealer Directory
Readers Gallery
FIRST FRET
Reader Mail
News and Notes
PRS Turns 20, Harrison SG Sells, Nokie Nominated, Notable New Releases, In Memoriam, more!
Executive Rock
Leap Before You Look
By Willie G. Moseley
Dimebag Darrell Abbott 1966-2004
Heavy Metal Icon
By Pete Prown
Redd Volkaert
Noodler With a Telecaster
By Michael Dregni
“Ask Zac”
By Zac Childs
Classic Shots
A Hendrix Fan’s Dream
By Dan Forte
Classic Concerts
Bo Diddley
By Ron Courtney
Supersuckers
Goldtops Across the Globe
By Ken Johnson
COLUMNS
Q&A With George Gruhn
Acousticville
How Much Does Finish Matter?
By Steven Stone
FretPrints
Stevie Ray Vaughan
By Wolf Marshall
Dan’s Guitar Rx
Fixing Tuffy, Part III
By Dan Erlewine
Gigmeister
Schecter Omen 6
By Riley Wilson
TECH
Guitar Shop
Nuts and Cones
By Tony Nobles
Amps
Keys to Safety
By Gerald Weber
Ask Gerald
By Gerald Weber
REVIEWS
The VG Hit List
Music, Book and Video Reviews: Sonny Landreth, Tommy Castro, David Lindley, Santana, Billy Joe Shaver, Crossroads Festival on DVD,
Hippie, more!
Check This Action
Pure & Unfiltered
Dan Forte
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Speedster 25 Watt and Class A 40, Guyatone FR3000V and Micro Effects, Peterson StroboStomp, Snider New Jersey amplifier!
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!