FEATURES
JOE SATRIANI
Finding Love In Space
Having achieved guitar hero status in the mid 1980s, he is recognized for his melodic style, flawless technique, and the success of former students like Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett, and Charlie Hunter. By Lisa Sharken
ICON CORNER
Brother Oswald‘s Dobro
The melodic warbling of a resonator guitar has for decades been a fixture in country music, and fans will tell you there’s one individual to thank for it – Pete “Bashful Brother Oswald” Kirby. By Willie G. Moseley
TAJ MAHAL
Eighth Wonder of the Music World
Whether performing solo, fronting an R&B band, or leading Hula Blues, Taj Mahal proves the blues is more than three chords, and is far from depressing. At 62, his energy hasn’t diminished a watt. By Dan Forte
D’ANGELICO PLECTRUM
John D’Angelico is regarded as one of the finest archtop builders who ever lived, building approximately 1,100 guitars – all strictly hand-made, and a very high percentage custom-made. This four-string plectrum guitar is a shining example. By George Gruhn
“BIG” AL ANDERSON
Nashville By Way of Connecticut
Ask people what they know about “Big Al” Anderson and you’ll hear very different responses. The driving force behind NRBQ was recognized as Country Songwriter of the Year, and he has a new solo album. By Tom Guerra
BARRY MELTON
Singluar “Fish”
Country Joe & the Fish was considered the most politically oriented “psychedelic” band. But the group’s guitarist doesn’t even consider “psychedelic” music a genre. By Willie G. Moseley
THE DIFFERENT STRUMMER
’80s Odds and Ends
Two curious instruments from the ’80s, both representing interesting attempts to apply innovation to the guitar. Both yielded great guitars, but alas, guitars whose time had not yet come. By Michael Wright
DEPARTMENTS
Dealer News
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
Builder Profile
Anderson Amplifiers
Upcoming Events
Vintage Guitar Classified Ads
Dealer Directory
Readers Gallery
FIRST FRET
Reader Mail
News and Notes
Djangofest NE and NW, New Peter Green Anthology, Robin Reunion, Harp Guitar Heaven, Stolen Gear, In Memoriam, more!
Dave Alvin
Blast Back to the Ashgrove
By Michael Dregni
Tinsley Ellis
On Luck, the Road, and The Hard Way
By John Heidt
Executive Rock
Time To Say “When”?
By Willie G. Moseley
Johnny Hiland
The Eagle Has Landed
By Ann Wickstrom
Scotty Moore
Can’t Keep a Good Man Down
By Kevin Woods
Viewpoints
Acquiring Musical History
By John Thomas
Davie Allan
The King of Fuzz, Yesterday and Today
By Dan Forte
COLUMNS
Q&A With George Gruhn
Acousticville
The Colorado Custom Guitar Fest
By Steven Stone
FretPrints
Paul McCartney, Lead Guitarist
By Wolf Marshall
Gigmeister
Body Positive
By Riley Wilson
Guitars With Guts
A Masterpiece by Santos Hernandez
By R.E. Bruné
TECH
Dan’s Guitar Rx
Careful Bridge Crossing
By Dan Erlewine
Guitar Shop
Getting to Know Guitar Wiring
By Tony Nobles
Amps
Rebuilding the Power Supply
By Gerald Weber
Ask Gerald
By Gerald Weber
REVIEWS
The VG Hit List
Tal Farlow, Duke Robillard, BoDeans, Vassar Clements, Leslie West, Rick Vito, Power Soul Hendrix tribute, Build Your Own Acoustic Guitar, more!
Check This Action
An Extremely Hot Winter
Dan Forte
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Hamer Monaco III, Girl Brand Crossroadsgirl, Maxon 9 Series, T.C. Jauernig Luxury Drive!
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!