FEATURES
The Different Strummer
Magnatone Solidbody Guitars Few guitar freaks seem to know much about Magnatone solidbody electric guitars, which were made in the U.S. by Magna from 1956 until about ’66. This is their story. By Michael Wright
Dave Mason
The Worcester Warbler Many pop music fans are aware of his work in Traffic and Delaney & Bonnie with Eric Clapton. But who recalls that he was supposed to have been a member of Derek & The Dominoes? And what about his recordings with Jimi Hendrix? McCartney? Harrison? By Willie G. Moseley
Johnny Winter
Still Alive and Well John Dawson Winter is a true original in the Texas guitar slinger tradition of T-Bone Walker, Freddie King, and Albert Collins. His instantly recognizable style and gravely vocal roar have gained him a worldwide following and reverence in the rock and blues communities. By Tom Guerra
Gibson’s Firebird
Radical design, loads of tricks, cool colors In the early ’60s, Gibson faced continual challenges in the solidbody guitar marketplace. Looking for a spark after its Les Paul, Flying V, and Explorer all crashed and burned, Gibson president Ted McCarty hired an automobile designer to create its next big thing. The result was different, flashy, and colorful. By R.K. Watkins and Ward Meeker
Bill Kirchen
Tele Twang, Straight Up! He rose to prominence with Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, a band that garnered respect for its ability to mix rock and roll, hardcore country, boogie, and rockabilly. And amongst guitarists, he has a reputation for his barn–burning live licks and impressive stylistic diversity. By Ward Meeker
Redd Volkaert
“Have Tele, Will Travel” His command of the Telecaster is rooted in years of experience, learned by listening and honed by doing. And he recently released his second solo record – a compendium of hard country, classic honky tonk, Western swing, hot jazz, and bluegrass, with a pinch of blues, rock, and surf. By Baker Rorick
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– In Memoriam – Billy Byrd, Cal Collins
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COLUMNS
Executive Rock Low-End Ludicrousness
By Willie G. Moseley
Classic Concerts The Rascals, January 1970
By Glen Anderson
Q & A with George Gruhn
Acousticville Stop Playing With Yourself!
By Steven Stone
FretPrints Johnny Winter
By Wolf Marshall
The Bitter Old Guitar Curmudgeon The Tone Wars, Part 4
By Stephen White
Gigmeister Road Trip, Part I
By Riley Wilson
Little-Known Wonders Ibanez FC-10 Fat Cat
By Gary Nelson
TECH
Guitar Shop A Few Minutes in the Hobby Store…
By Tony Nobles
Amps Re-Grilling a Baffleboard
By Gerald Weber
Pickup Questions
By Seymour Duncan
Ask Gerald
By Gerald Weber
Amp Tips Guitar Tricks, Part II
By Dan Torres
REVIEWS
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews Ibanez Scofield, Carr Slant 6V, Guild Benny, Planet Waves
Gearin’ Up! Cool new stuff
The VG Hit List Record, Video, and Book Reviews
Spotlight Recommended Contemporary and Reissue Recordings
By Jim Hilmar