FEATURES
Harmony Guitars
Mid-Depression Years (1934-’36) The era saw significant developments and evolution of the company’s line, including the use of fake wood finishes, the first carved tops, and the debut of its first electric guitars. By Michael Wright
Motorhead
Decibel Level Be Damned In the 25-plus years that Motorhead has been purveying its fast, furious, high-decibel entertainment, there have been changes and there have been constants. Lemmy Kilmister and Philip Campbell exemplify both. By Willie G. Moseley
Jackie King
He played in bars at age 13, jammed with stars in late-’60s San Francisco, and backs music legend Willie Nelson. His latest album is a mix of country and jazz By John Heidt
Gilby Clarke
Rockin’ With Swag Best known for his blues-flavored riffs, he has carved a solo career and a growing resume of production credits. VG recently spoke to him about his musical roots and his latest solo record. By Lisa Sharken
Dealer Profile
Diamond Strings Bruce Diamond has been supplying vintage instruments to customers around the world since 1994. He’s a family guy who, when it comes to music, has pretty much done it all. By Eric C. Shoaf
Les Paul
Birth of An Icon With the recent observation of the Les Paul model’s golden anniversary, we spoke with the instrument’s namesake to find out how it all happened. By Gil Hembree
Black Beauty
The History of the Les Paul Custom While late-’50s Les Paul Standards have gotten the lion’s share of notoriety, the Custom is also worthy of praise as a key instrument in rock history. By Edward B. Driscoll, Jr.
Les Paul Reissues
Gettin’ It Right Another look at Gibson’s successful Les Paul reissues, and the company’s efforts to make them as accurate as possible. By Eric C. Shoaf
Fret Prints
Les Paul
By Wolf Marshall
DEPARTMENTS
Reader Mail
First Fret
– In Memoriam: Tony Zemaitis
– Fender, Gretsch Ink Deal
– Tedesco Honored
– Handbill: The Sardonics
– VG Hall of Fame Inductees
– Hendrix, Elvis Guitar Auctions
– Djangofest II
– Stolen Gear
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
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COLUMNS
Viewpoints
The Blues Jam
By George Jacopec
Executive Rock
One Year Later
By Willie G. Moseley
Q&A With George Gruhn
Pre-Production Fender Jaguar?
Acousticville
Dragonfly… Plus!
By Steven Stone
The Bitter Old Guitar Curmudgeon
Demon Wang Redux
By Stephen White
Gigmeister
The “Big Dog” PA, Part II
By Riley Wilson
Little-Known Wonders
The Cutec Distortion
By Gary Nelson
TECH
Guitar Shop
Boogered to Beautiful
By Tony Nobles
Amps
Adjustable Fixed Bias For
Your Champ
By Gerald Weber
Ask Gerald
By Gerald Weber
REVIEWS
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Lace California Twister, Maxon Nine Series pedals
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!
The VG Hit List
Record, Video, and Book Reviews
Check This Action
Tribute To Barney, Part I
By Dan Forte