FEATURES
EARL SLICK
Zig Zag Back to the Top
Earl Slick landed a dream gig in ’74, playing with David Bowie on three monumental albums and tours. With a new solo album, Slick and his memorable tones are again in the spotlight. By Lisa Sharken
RICKENBACKER “FRYING PAN”
The brainchild of George Beauchamp, Rickenbacker’s A22 lap steel was the first commercially available electric guitar, and it was an extraordinarily fine-quality instrument, suitable even today for professional use onstage or in the studio. By George Gruhn
MARTIN BARRE
Tull Axe Man Solos Again He’s still firmly ensconced in the lead guitar slot of Jethro Tull, and recently released his third solo album. We caught up with him to discuss his active lifestyle and busy schedule. By Willie G. Moseley
DOBRO “DB”
The Dobro name originated in 1929, and the company’s resonators have one of the most storied – and confusing – histories in the annals of the guitar. None are more representative of that tradition than this early-’60s “db” model. By Michael Wright
THE YARDBIRDS RETURN!
Chris Dreja on the Band’s Past, Present, and Future The band’s co-founder talks about its history and the decision to return to active duty after 36 years. And yes, we touch on the band’s succession of “Guitar Heroes.”
By Dan Forte
FROM CLAPTON TO BECK TO PAGE TO GYPIE MAYO
New Yardbirds Guitarist Fills Legendary Shoes Though unknown to American audiences, Chris Dreja had no doubt he was the ideal player to further the tradition established by the band. By Dan Forte
THE BASS SPACE
The Hondo II H 1181Longhorn Introduced circa 1978, it and its guitar equivalent were exemplary of Japanese instruments that looked very similar to American-made models, but were actually vastly superior. By Willie G. Moseley
THE DIFFERENT STRUMMER
Those Rockin’ Robin Guitars The granddaddy of Texas guitar builders is a small company that has been devotedly making fine guitars for more than two decades. Like the ad said, it’s one of “America’s best-kept secrets.” By Michael Wright
DEPARTMENTS
Reader Mail
First Fret: News and NotesRobben Ford, Johnny A., Rocky Athas, Harp guitar jam, Martin’s #1,000,000 guitar, more!
Dealer News
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
Builder ProfileBertoncini Stringed Instruments
Upcoming Events
Vintage Guitar Classified Ads
Dealer Directory
The Great VG Giveaway 2004Win an Epiphone Elitist Sheraton valued at $2,153!
Readers Gallery
COLUMNS
Executive Rock
Another Southern Cemetery Sojourn
By Willie G. Moseley
Viewpoints
The Guitarist’s Affliction
By Robert A. Gable
Q&A With George Gruhn
Acousticville
Gibson’s L-7C
By Steven Stone
FretPrints
Yardbirds’ Jimmy Page
By Wolf Marshall
Gigmeister
The Squier Mini
By Riley Wilson
TECH
Dan’s Guitar Rx
Tune-o-Matic Tuneup
By Dan Erlewine
Guitar Shop
Cables, Les Pauls, and Parts
By Tony Nobles
Amps
Assemble Your Own Tube Amp
By Gerald Weber
Ask Gerald
By Gerald Weber
REVIEWS
The VG Hit List
Music, Video, and Book Reviews: Concert For George on DVD, Larry Carlton, Asleep at the Wheel, Dan Reeder, Tony Rice, Steve Howe, Danny Gatton:Unfinished Business, more!
Check This Action
Mack Attack! By Dan Forte
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Alessandro Working Dog amps; Xotic AC Booster/RC Booster/Robotalk; Tradition Guitars; DR Black Beauty strings!
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!
