FEATURES
LOS STRAITJACKETS
The instrumental quartet distinguishes itself with a two-guitar attack and eyecatching live show. Onstage, they mix humor with talent – and address the audience in Spanish. Why? Because they are Los Straitjackets! By Dan Forte, DJ Johnson, and Ward Meeker
CHARLIE SEXTON
Prodigy, Producer, Persuer of Muses
A gigging guitarist since age 12, his youth was spent jamming with SRV, Albert Collins, and recording with the likes of Ron Wood. Today he lends his talents to stars in and out of the mainstream By Arlene R. Weiss
TOMMY EMMANUEL, C.G.P.
Advocate of the Atkins Legacy
His live show is a musical epiphany. And he’s one of the privileged few who recorded a duo album with Chet. Being a protegé is just one of the many facets of his decades-long career. By Willie G. Moseley
THE IBANEZ 20/20
While Japanese guitar companies were beginning to emulate American designs to provide budget alternatives, they also produced some delightful aberrations like this. Look closely, and you’ll see it has more in common with Höfner guitars. By Michael Wright.
A.J.’s 1950 Fender Broadcaster
$10 at a time
In 1950, A.J. Custer traded his triple-neck steel for a white-guard Broadcaster. Total cost was around $300, which he paid in $10 installments over three years. Fifty years later, we tell the story. By Dave Yeats
THE BASS SPACE
G&L’s L-1000
It’s more versatile than the Precision and proves that Leo Fender was never satisfied, continuing his quest for unique, practical designs until his death, even though he set so many standards. By Willie G. Moseley
THE DIFFERENT STRUMMER
Post-War Harmony Acoustic Archtops
The acoustic archtop edged out the banjo in ’30s dance bands thanks to its stressed top, which projected treble frequencies that cut through horn sections. No one devoted more to the form than Harmony. By Michael Wright
DOYLE BRAMHALL, II
Another Austinite in the Spotlight
His talents can be heard on new albums by B.B. King, Jack Casady, Lisa Marie Presley, and Eric Clapton. But one recent project was especially dear to him – his father’s album, Fitchburg Street. By Arlene R. Weiss
DEPARTMENTS
Reader Mail
First Fret: News and Notes
Gov’t Mule, Steve Wariner, Ben Lacy, Craig Erickson, In Memoriam: Warren Zevon, Johnny Cash.
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
Dealer News
Builder Profile
Fuchs Audio Technology
Upcoming Events
Vintage Guitar Classified Ads
The GreatVG Giveaway 2003
Win a DiPinto Galaxe 4!
Readers Gallery
Dealer Directory
COLUMNS
Executive Rock
Remixed, Remastered, or Regurgitated?
By Willie G. Moseley
Q&A With George Gruhn
Acousticville
Flying With Guitars, Post-9/11
By Steven Stone
FretPrints
Eric Clapton
By Wolf Marshall
Gigmeister
Korg PX3 and Digitech RP300 By Riley Wilson
TECH
Guitar Shop
A Les Paul Neck Re-Set
By Tony Nobles
Amps
Versed in the Vernacular, Part II
By Gerald Weber
Ask Gerald
By Gerald Weber
REVIEWS
The VG Hit List
Music, Video, and Book Reviews: American Folk Blues Festival on DVD, Scotty Anderson, Santana, Booker T. & the MGs, Bush/Grisman, Walter Trout, Seventies Rock, more!
Check This Action
What I Like About the South
By Dan Forte
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
KJL Dirty 30, EMG HZ pickups, Taylor Big Baby, Blueridge BR140, Versoul guitars!
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!