FEATURES
BRAD PAISLEY
Country‘s Newest Star Keeps Nashville Tele-Tuned
His new album debuted at #1 on Billboard’s country chart and he’s being called the next big traditionalist on the scene. Keeping hot playing and Tele tones at the forefront comes with the territory. By Ward Meeker
TONY JOE WHITE
Return of the Swamp Thing
Though he has recorded only one hit of his own – 1969’s “Polk Salad Annie” – a veritable who’s who of popular music legends has searched for inspiration by dipping into his funky soul catalog. By Dan Forte
POISON IVY
Psychobilly Queen
The Cramps emerged in the spring of ’76, a psychobilly/punk band with a twangy sound, eccentric sense of humor, and a co-founder/guitarist who adores her ’58 Gretsch 6120. By Lisa Sharken
CURIOSITY OR COLLECTIBLE?
’68 Truetone by Kay/Valco
This Western Auto house brand/parts guitar proves that the late 1960s were tough times, and struggling builders of the era were living off of each others’ leftover parts. By Willie G. Moseley
1963 OHIO MAJOR
“Brand de Qualité”
Come back with us to a time when anything was possible. Like this guitar, with its French descriptor, Italian styling, and American-quality workmanship. Did we mention its aluminum neck? By Michael Wright
THE DIFFERENT STRUMMER
Yamaha‘s Late-’70s Copy Guitars
By the late 1970s, Yamaha was part of the rage for “copy” guitars. But it limited itself to only a handful of models, focusing instead on building the popularity of its original designs. By Michael Wright
DEPARTMENTS
Reader Mail
First Fret: News and Notes
Albert Lee, Skynyrd tour news, Dallas guitar show changes, NAMM show. Also, Stolen Gear, In Memoriam, more!
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
Builder Profile
Jon Kammerer Guitars
Upcoming Events
Vintage Guitar Classified Ads
The VG Hall of Fame Giveaway 2003
Win a G&L S-500 valued at $2,880!
Readers Gallery
Dealer Directory
COLUMNS
Executive Rock
Billy Redden and the Ultimate Cameo
By Willie G. Moseley
Dealer News
Our Nippon Neighbors
By Gil Hembree
Q&A With George Gruhn
Acousticville
Shake Some Action
By Steven Stone
FretPrints
John Lee Hooker
By Wolf Marshall
Gigmeister
Follow Your Bliss
By Riley Wilson
TECH
Amps
Versed in the Vernacular
By Gerald Weber
Ask Gerald
Gerald Weber
REVIEWS
The VG Hit List
Music, Video, and Book Reviews: Albert Lee, Roy Buchanan, Joe Ely, Lee Ritenour, Hiram Bullock, Todd Snider, new SRV book, more!
Check This Action
World Turning
By Dan Forte
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Tone Tubby 4×12, Reeves Custom 100, Frantone Vibutron/Brooklyn Overdrive
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!