FEATURES
IN DETAIL
Gibson’s 1953-’65 Firebird
A direct shot at Fender’s Jazzmaster and Jaguar rock guitars, it was an unexepectedly funky offering from the staid, traditional Gibson. And though it was unique in so many ways, it didn’t set the world afire. By Ward Meeker
BASS SPACE
Whooooo Wal You?
Wal started as a collaboration between two English gentlemen. Its output has always been small, and its client list has always included notable musicians. This one belonged to a rock legend. By Willie G. Moseley
JUDAS PRIEST
Return of the Metal Gods
After a 15-year hiatus, Rob Halford has re-teamed with the incomparable guitar tandem of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing. Together, they continue to yield a magical metal brew. By Lisa Sharken
GIBSON STYLE U HARP GUITAR
Its design may seem unique today, but it was not a new concept when it sat atop the Gibson lineup in the early 1900s, where it represented the highest level of expectation for a new and innovative instrument. By George Gruhn
ANDY SUMMERS
The Next Phase
Best known for his innovative playing in the Police, the English guitarist was into many genres of music before he flexed his versatility in the heyday of the innovative band. By Willie G. Moseley
TRAVIS BEAN TB500
Though often viewed with disdain amongst guitarheads, the ’70s was a decade of innovation. This guitar is the byproduct of the furtive mind of a motorcycle racer who, looking to make a more stable guitar neck, grabbed a slab of Reynolds T6061 aluminum. By Michael Wright
GREAT COLLECTIONS
The Collection of Jonathan Kellerman
A guitar player for 46 years, for the best-selling novelist, the instrument is not only a device for release and inspiration, but a true passion. And his collection reflects it, rating as one of the finest in the world. By George Gruhn
THE DIFFERENT STRUMMER
Larson Jumbos and Dreadnoughts
Recounted by many as two of the finest American makers of acoustic flat-tops in the early 1900s, the Larson brothers’ success among professional musicians stands as testament to their abilities. By Michael Wright
DEPARTMENTS
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
Builder Profile
Randy Wood Guitars
Upcoming Events
Vintage Guitar Classified Ads
Dealer Directory
The Great VG Giveaway
Vote, and you could win a Phantom/Bad Cat/George L’s prize package worth $2,000!
Readers Gallery
FIRST FRET
Reader Mail
News and Notes
DiPinto, Valley Arts build for Live 8, James Burton, Steve Mugalian benefit, Del Casher, Stolen Gear, more!
Steve Hackett
No Pigeonholes, Please!
By Willie G. Moseley
Higher Than the Moon
New Les Paul Bio Goes Deep into Archives
By Eric C. Shoaf
Charlie Baty
By John Heidt
Paul Gilbert
“How Pat Travers Saved My Soul!”
By Oscar Jordan
Ask Zac
By Zac Childs
Glenn Hughes
Of Loud Funk and Profound Prolificity
By Willie G. Moseley
Popa Chubby
By John Heidt
Sean Costello
Taking a Chance on Soul
By John Heidt
COLUMNS
Q&A With George Gruhn
Acousticville
The Rivera Sodona Lite
By Steven Stone
FretPrints
Joe Maphis
By Wolf Marshall
Gigmeister
The Roland ME-30
By Riley Wilson
Guitars With Guts
1875 Antonio de Torres
By R.E. Bruné
TECH
Dan’s Guitar Rx
Acoustic Crack-Up Fix Up
By Dan Erlewine
Guitar Shop
Perfection In Simplicity
By Tony Nobles
Amps
ow To Buy a Vintage Amp
By Gerald Weber
Ask Gerald
By Gerald Weber
REVIEWS
The VG Hit List
Music, Book and Video Reviews: Marty Stuart, The Morells, Richard Thompson, Frank Vignola, Ana Popovic, Rock Around The Clock, more!
Check This Action
Not Quite All That Jazz
Dan Forte
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Mesa-Boogie Lonestar Special, B.C. Rich Eagle/Bich 10 Supreme, Chicago Blues Box Kingston, Epi Valve amps, Roland GR-20.
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!