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FEATURES
In Detail
The Gibson ES-5
When it came to Spanish-style electric guitars, Gibson was a reluctant participant, wading into the market in 1936. After WWII, it was more enthusiastic, though it didn’t get really serious until ’49, when it launched this guitar. By Ward Meeker
Joe Negri
Royal Handyman, Jazz Legend
Long before becoming Handyman Negri on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” he had already been a teen guitar prodigy, first-generation bopper, and a peer of the giants of jazz guitar. Though New York beckoned, he stayed home and became a star, anyway. By Rich Kienzle
The Recording King Ray Whitley
Gibson was hit hard by the Depression in the 1930s, when president Guy Hart diverted some production to budget-priced instruments and took on contract work for outside distributors. The company made several archtop acoustics under other names, including this instrument. By George Gruhn and Walter Carter
Steve Miller
Some people call him rock icon, Part 2
Last month, we talked with the renowned songwriter/performer about his fascinating musical pedigree. This time, we discuss how he came to possess a small army of recent-issue Gibsons, the indie luthiers who have helped him build a guitar collection, and a few other “interests.” By Ward Meeker
The Westone Padauk II
For vintage-guitar enthusiasts who like puzzles, there’s nothing better than trying to solve the mazes that are Japanese-guitar history. One of the more popular involves Matsumoku Moto, whose vast repertoire included this guitar. By Michael Wright
Drake Levin’s Epiphone Sheratons
Guitarist for the classic/mid-’60s lineup of Paul Revere and the Raiders, the late Drake Levin used these guitars to record many of the band’s hits and for years played them onstage. By Willie G. Moseley
The Sonola Reverb Amp 98-RT
A prime example of how an obscure vintage amp can be a true hero in the recording studio, the Sonola further proves that “classic amp tone” isn’t always best served by the amps on the A list. By Dave Hunter
DEPARTMENTS
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
Builder Profile
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Dealer Showcase
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Dealer Directory
Readers Gallery
FIRST FRET
Reader Mail
News and Notes
Bassists Play Nashville Benefit, Southpaw Guitars Turns 30; In Memoriam, more!
“Save Spanky!”
One Player’s Nashville Post-Flood Story
By Rusty Russell
Workingman’s Blues
How the Floods Affected Nashville Rank-and-File Players
By Rusty Russell
Paul Bell
The Nighthawks Soar on Sirius
By Willie G. Moseley
Ask Zac
By Zac Childs
Coco Montoya
Souled
By John Heidt
VG on Facebook
Kal David
Decades of Dedication
By Willie G. Moseley
John 5
The Art of Malice
By Oscar Jordan
Hi-Ho Silver Lining
L.A. Musicians Make the Most of Bad Economy
By Clint Eastman
COLUMNS
The (Way) Back Beat
Top O’ the Line, 50 Years Ago, Part 2
By Peter S. Kohman
Q&A With George Gruhn
Acousticville
Schertler: Swiss for “Can You Hear Me Now?”
By Steven Stone
guitars with guts
What Wood Would Woody Wield?
By R.E. Bruné
Fretprints
Tom Petty and Mike Campbell
By Wolf Marshall
TECH
Shop of Hard Knocks
If the Kit Fits, Build It
By Will Kelly
Dan’s Guitar Rx
A Vintage LP Junior Gets “Right”
By Dan Erlewine
Talkin’ Amps…
Andy Brauer – Draw! A 12AX7 Shootout
By David Jung
REVIEWS
The VG Hit List
CD, DVD, and Book Reviews: Jimmie Vaughan, Stryker/Slagle Band, Elvin Bishop, Alejandro Escovedo, Willie Nelson, Return of the King: Elvis Presley’s Great Comeback, more!
Check This Action
Talkin’ Blues with Cyndi Lauper
By Dan Forte
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Teye El Doblon, Vintage 47 Amps, Music Man Petrucci JPX6, Lollar Imperial Humbuckers, Carl Martin Vintage Series pedals, Agile AL-2000, NS Design NXT-5, Swell V.2 pedals
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!