FEATURES
Yamaha Guitars
The Early ’70s In the midst of guitardom’s “copy era,” Yamaha was not immune to the lure. But when it did use an American inspiration, it produced a caricature, not a copy. By Michael Wright
Phil Upchurch
Benson, B.B., Waters, Wolf, et al His list of professional affiliations – including George Benson, B.B. King, and Dizzy Gillespie – reads like a who’s who of popular music since 1960, and it doesn’t begin to scratch the surface. By John Heidt
Kris Wiley
Bye-bye, Blues With a new approach and an improved outlook, the SoCal guitarist looks to life outside of the blues – and into the world of guitar-driven rock. By Willie G. Moseley
Trini Lopez
And His Signature Gib-son(s) Rising to stardom in the age of the guitar instrumental, for a few shining years, Dallas’ Trinidad Lopez had not one, but two signature model electric guitars in Gibson’s artist series. By Art Greenhaw
Dick Dale
The King
Comes Back… Since we last talked, the legend has released four albums, toured extensively, and seen his music accepted by a new generation of fans, thanks in no small part to movies and TV commercials. By Willie G. Moseley
Ca. 1855 James Ashborn Model 2
Prior to the Civil War, one of America’s largest guitar factories was that of James Ashborn, whose instruments served the middle-class explosion of the mid 19th century. By Michael Wright
1978 Ibanez Artist Iceman IC300
In early 1975 Ibanez’s parent company wanted a guitar that would be solely identified with Japanese guitarmakers. The result was one of the company’s most enduring designs. By Michael Wright
DEPARTMENTS
Reader Mail
First Fret: News and Notes
– Bonnie Raitt on “ACL”
– Elderly Turns 30
– ZZ Tours Europe
– New BOC CD/DVD
– Rock to the Rescue
– “Fretprints” Goes Digital
– Stolen Gear
The Great VG Giveaway 2002 Win a TCM Taurus Sportster!
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
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Readers’ Gallery
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COLUMNS
Viewpoints
I Miss Tape
By Carl Verheyen
Executive Rock
Poles (and Coasts) Apart
By Willie G. Moseley
Q&A With George Gruhn
Mystery Instruments
Acousticville
Culling the Herd
By Steven Stone
FretPrints
Eric Clapton
By Wolf Marshall
Gigmeister
Yamaha FG Junior/JR1
By Riley Wilson
Studio Aces
George Doering
By Jim LaDiana
TECH
Guitar Shop
A Quick-Fix Kit
By Tony Nobles
Amps
Contextual Troubleshooting Tips
By Gerald Weber
Ask Gerald
By Gerald Weber
REVIEWS
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Morgaine Mintage 61, Carvin C980, Danelectro Spring King, Fender Pro Junior
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!
The VG Hit List
Record, Video, and Book Reviews
Check This Action
Barney Kessel, Part II: The Contemporary Years
By Dan Forte