FEATURES
THE BASS SPACE
Mosrite “TV” Model Ventures Bass
Many consider custom-color Fenders the definitive surf instruments, but Mosrite and the Ventures formed the preeminent ’60s band/brand association, even if the relationship was brief. By Willie G. Moseley
ROCKIN’ ON BOBO
Aerosmith Returns to Its Roots
Aerosmith’s new album, Honkin’ On Bobo, is its rootsiest, most rockin’ record in years. High-energy blues-influenced rock, it features 11 blues classics and a new original that capture the band’s essence. By Lisa Sharken
1939 MARTIN D-45
From 1933 to ’42, Martin produced 91 D-45s, the most deluxe and highest-priced flat-top guitar in its line at the time. Today, it’s among the most soughtafter steel-string flat-tops, and highest-priced vintage American-made acoustic. By George Gruhn
THE VENTURES
And Counting
For most budding guitar players in the early 1960s, the “fab four” were Don Wilson, Nokie Edwards, Bob Bogle, and Mel Taylor – the classic lineup of the Ventures. By Willie G. Moseley
’31 SUPERTONE BRADLEY KINCAID
Guitarmaking has a long history of artist “endorsements.” But the Supertone Bradley Kincaid was the first media-driven guitar, built by Harmony and sold primarily through Sears beginning in 1929 – and it was the first “cowboy” guitar. By Michael Wright
AL CAIOLA
Private
Guitarist and arranger on radio, TV, and dozens of jazz and easy-listening albums, he has played sessions with everyone from Sinatra to the Coasters. He’s also one of the guitar’s most influential ambassadors. By Dan Forte
THE DIFFERENT STRUMMER
In Praise of Pointy Guitars
If you were 15 years old in 1980, it’s time for you to savor recollections of the “good old days.” So give in to the moment and wax nostalgic about the “pointy” aspect of ’80s guitars! By Michael Wright
DEPARTMENTS
FIRST FRET
Reader Mail
News and Notes
Tampa Hard Rock’s 41-foot PRS, Frampton Meets Gorby, Hiland on PHC, LOC Honors Parton, Clapton U.S. Tour, In Memoriam, more!
Steve Sechler
Roadwork and “Rose Colored Glasses”
By Willie G. Moseley
Executive Rock
In Praise of Non-Reverse ’Birds
By Willie G. Moseley
John Pizzarelli
By John Heidt
Heavens to Mergatroid!
Jimmy Thackery’s ’64 Strat rides again
By Bob Dragich
Classic Concerts
ZZ Top
By Eric Shoaf
COLUMNS
Guitars With Guts
Ramon Montoya’s “La Maravilla”
By R.E. Bruné
Q&A With George Gruhn
Acousticville
Messing Up a Fine Instrument
By Steven Stone
FretPrints
The Ventures
By Wolf Marshall
Gigmeister
Line 6 Variax
By Riley Wilson
The Bitter Ol’ Guitar Curmudgeon
Bull In A China Shop
By Stephen White
TECH
Dan’s Guitar Rx
The “Nashville” Tune-O-Matic
By Dan Erlewine
Guitar Shop
Polishing Your Axe
By Tony Nobles
Amps
The Triode Preamp Gain Stage
By Gerald Weber
Ask Gerald
By Gerald Weber
REVIEWS
The VG Hit List
Music and Book Reviews: The Stratocaster Chronicles, Jackson Browne, Sam Bush, Bottle Rockets, Biller & Horton, Matt Rae, The Subdudes, Stanley Brothers, Martin Guitar Masterpieces, more!
Check This Action
Confessions of a Folkoholic…
Dan Forte
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Phantom Teardrop Deluxe/BW Bass, Gator Twin Guitar Case, Parker Nitefly Mojo Flame, Crafters Mark Taylor mandolin, Planet Waves Trim Tuners!
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!