June 2004

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FEATURES

ERIC CLAPTON
Slowhand Meets Mr. Johnson
His new album pays homage to Robert Johnson, and he’s hosting two whopper guitar events in June. In an exclusive interview, Slowhand talks to VG for the first time. By Lisa Sharken
ICON CORNER
Eric Clapton’s “Blackie”
It may well be the most desirable Fender Stratocaster on the face of the planet. And it happens to be a beat-up mongrel assembled from parts taken from three 1950s guitars. By Willie G. Moseley

CLASSIC CONCERTS
Returning to the public eye after three years, two mid-’70s concerts showed an evolution in EC’s attitude and style. By Eric C. Shoaf
SALE OF THE CENTURY – AGAIN
On June 24, Christie’s auction house will offer for sale 56 guitars described by Eric Clapton as “the cream of my collection.” Anybody need a “parts” Strat? Plus, a look at Clapton signature models by Martin and Fender.

FRETPRINTS
Having already played in the Yardbirds, Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, and Cream, the question for EC was, “What next?” The answer; go solo. Here’s how to play three definitive licks. By Wolf Marshall

E.C. LISTENING
A Guide to Clapton Music and Video
In case you’re unfamiliar or if you’ve not kept up on the recordings and/or video output of the guitar legend, we have recommendations for how you can catch up.

PHIL VOLK
Forever “Fang”
Many mid-’60s “garage” bands were inspired by Paul Revere & the Raiders. Forty years later, Phil “Fang” Volk is still an active musician, and has many fond memories of his days in that band. By Willie G. Moseley

HALLMARK GUITARS
Then And Now
Among the more obscure brands of American-made guitars from the ’60s “guitar boom” was Hallmark. Best known for its Swept Wing model, the brand is poised for a comeback. By Willie G. Moseley

1968 NATIONAL MODEL N-720
Most acoustic guitar players show disdain for any instrument with a bolt-on neck. Though often associated with Japanse manufacturers, the principal purveyor of bolt-neck acoustics in the ’60s was Valco, maker of this model. By Michael Wright

1952 BIGSBY DOUBLENECK
Few instruments combine craftsmanship, historical significance, and memorabilia appeal as much as this Bigsby doubleneck guitar, made in 1952 for the late, great Nashville session player Grady Martin. By George Gruhn

THE DIFFERENT STRUMMER
Post-War Harmony Flat-Tops
When Harmony was founded in 1892, its guitars were flat-tops. And it was committed to that form until its end in 1976. They sound satisfying, but playing one can be a pain. By Michael Wright

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FIRST FRET
Reader Mail

News and Notes
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Johnson and Martin Donate, Djangofest San Francisco, Memphis Heroes, Stolen Gear, In Memoriam, new releases, more!

A Box of Bryant
By Dan Forte

Executive Rock
In Memory Of An Eccentric
By Willie G. Moseley

Gerald Weber‘s Next Phase
By Ward Meeker

Viewpoints
We’re Really Just Caretakers By Eric C. Shoaf

Gil Parris
By John Heidt
Remembering Jimmy Dempsey
By Jim Hilmar

COLUMNS

Q&A With George Gruhn

Acousticville
luegrass Band Scrambles
By Steven Stone

Gigmeister
Vox Valvetronix Tone Lab
By Riley Wilson

The Bitter Ol‘ Guitar Curmudgeon
Bull In A China Shop
By Stephen White

TECH

Dan’s Guitar Rx
How Critical Is “Coupling”?
By Dan Erlewine

Guitar Shop
The “Plankmaster”
By Tony Nobles

Amps
Gaining Tube Amp Knowledge
By Gerald Weber

Ask Gerald
By Gerald Weber

REVIEWS

The VG Hit List
Music and Video Reviews: Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris, Joe Bonamassa, Charlie Musselwhite, Los Lobos, plus Pat Metheny and Tal Farlow on DVD, more!

Check This Action
Rare Video
Dan Forte

Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Randall MTS RM50/RM100, Electro-Harmonix Pulsar and Double Muff, Blade guitars!

Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!

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