FEATURES
GRETSCH GUITARS
The Artful Icon
Gretsch guitars reached their prominence in a time when guitars were made for the average man to play his average tune. Yet, they have become an icon. Who do we thank? Plus, Brian Setzer! By Billy Murphy
BASS SPACE
1960s Gibson Melody Maker
A caught-in-the-middle ’60s rarity that was around for only three years, the Melody Maker bass was squeezed between Gibson’s student and mainline instruments. By Willie G. Moseley
THE MARTIN C-3
Martin’s archtops were the up-and-coming stars amongst orchestra instruments when they were introduced in the late 1920s. Today, they’re “sleepers” among collectible guitars, priced far less than equivalent Martin flat-tops. By George Gruhn
IN DETAIL
Gretsch’s 6120
In production for just six years, the single-cutaway hollowbody instantly became not only the archetypal rockabilly guitar, but also the most easily recognized Gretsch. By R.J. Klimpert
GEORGE LYNCH
One of the premier guitarists in the ’80s heyday of power ballads and blitzkrieg solos fesses up to his role in the “more notes, bigger hair” craze, then gets serious about his collection of vintage guitars and amps, as well as his latest work with Randall Amplifiers. By Ward Meeker
1957 HARMONY NEWPORT H-42/1
Whether or not the ’50s really were “Happy Days,” they certainly were an age of great industrial design aided by moldable materials. The Harmony Stratotone Newport is a prime example; with its colorful presentation, it was a sign of the times. By Michael Wright
BILLY ZOOM
Silver Guitars, Punk Style
One of the best guitarists to emerge from the nascent ’70s punk scene, he sported a blond pompadour and bemused smile while putting his Gretsch Silver Jet through its considerable paces. By Willie G. Moseley
ANDY FRASER
Finally Free
A prodigous musician in a stellar lineup, he experienced the ups and downs of being in a world-class rock and roll band, and wrote songs performed by pop music heavyweights. By Tom Guerra
THE DIFFERENT STRUMMER
Slaves, Circuses…
When the Beatles played Ed Sullivan in dapper matching suits, they probably had no idea they were participating in a tradition that went back more than 150 years. By Michael Wright
DEPARTMENTS
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
Builder Profile
Custom Guitars
Upcoming Events
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Dealer Directory
The Great VG Giveaway
Win a Eastwood Guitars/Gator Cases package worth $2,000!
Readers Gallery
FIRST FRET
Reader Mail
News and Notes
Paisley, Burton record instro, B.B. King Museum, Mark Knopfler, Roky Erickson, Stolen Gear, In Memoriam, more!
Ian Hunter
Guitar Prognosticator
By Willie G. Moseley
Domenic Troiano 1946-2005
Hometown Hero Rocked the World
By Danny Marks
Falcon
Twisted Metal Influences
By Ken Johnson
Catchin’ Up With Johnny A.
By Ann Wickstrom
Ask Zac
By Zac Childs
Tom Bukovac
Gibson Guy in a Tele Town
By Zac Childs
Rainbow Quest
Pete Seeger’s Seldom-Seen ’60s Landmark
By Dan Forte
“ACL” on DVD
Complete, Unedited Episodes From the Vault
By Dan Forte
COLUMNS
Q&A With George Gruhn
Acousticville
The Stanley V-5 mandolin
By Steven Stone
FretPrints
Jim Hall
By Wolf Marshall
Gigmeister
Who’s On First?
By Riley Wilson
The Sourcerer
Redd Volkaert
By David Hamburger
TECH
Dan’s Guitar Rx
Dissecting a Silvertone
By Dan Erlewine
Guitar Shop
Boning Up!
By Tony Nobles
Amps
Ten Tips For Great Tone
By Gerald Weber
Ask Gerald
By Gerald Weber
REVIEWS
The VG Hit List
Music, Book and Video Reviews: Popa Chubby, Martin Taylor, Tinsley Ellis, Les Dudek, 50 Years of Gretsch Electrics, more!
Check This Action
Due South
Dan Forte
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Tony Nobles 006 and Exhibition, Peavey HP Signature guitar/amp, Benedetto Bravo, Vox AC30CC!
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!