b>June 2011 VOL. 25 NO. 08
Features
A Sunburst mystery
what really happened to mike bloomfield’s missing guitar?
In the pantheon of guitars and guitar music, certain names bear an unmistakable weight. Michael Bloomfield is a prime example, and popular mythology has created many stories on the whereabouts of his ’59 Les Paul Standard – the renowned “Bloomfield ’Burst.” This one might be the most plausible. By John Picard
Most Valuable Amplifiers
We continue VG’s 25th Anniversary celebration with a list of the 25 most valuable amplifiers – those that helped create the tones made famous by virtually every genre of pop music! By Dave Hunter
Zakk Wylde
Untamed By Time
In the six years since last we spoke with him, the stellar rock guitarist has continued to guide Black Label Society, developed several unique guitars with Gibson, parted with longtime musical collaborator Ozzy Osbourne… and that ain’t all! We recently spoke as he was rounding up gear for a world tour. By Ward Meeker
The S.S. Stewart “Dramatic News” Presentation Banjo
In the late 1800s, the S.S. Stewart company helped change the image of the five-string banjo to serious classical instrument. This one was a contest prize that illustrates the level of promotion – as well as quality of craftsmanship and design – that made Stewart a leader in the era. By George Gruhn and Walter Carter
The Aria Pro Ii Rev-Sound Rs-750
A near case-study of late ’70s/early ’80s guitar construction, this trendy example has an organic shape, non-traditional woods, a natural finish, sophisticated electronics, and novel neck construction. By Michael Wright
Peavey’s Impact Series Basses
As a group, Peavey’s mid-’80s basses – the Foundation, Patriot, and Fury – did a fine job forging a path as the company headed into its second decade producing working-class instruments. By Willie G. Moseley
The 1963-’67 Fender Twin Reverb
The standard for big, clean twang, it’s the ultimate country amp – and much more! Crank it on a big stage and it issues an ungodly sweet, trenchant, singing lead tone that has seduced more than a few great blues and rock soloists. By Dave Hunter
First Fret
Reader Mail
News and Notes
Fender Center to Host Blues Camp for Kids, Frampton Slates Tour, Dad’s Day Photo Call; In Memoriam; Stolen Gear, More!
Paul Gilbert
The Return of Mr. Big
Wanda Jackson
Sweet Lady, “Nasty” Voice
Ask Zac
Todd Clouser
Let ’Em PLay!
VG On Facebook
Nick Bennett
Family Matters
Yngwie Malmsteen
The King of Shred Returns
Brian Robertson
Thin Lizzy Hero
Paul Plumeri
Tight Trenton Blues
Departments
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
Builder Profile
Drew & Sebastian Guitars
Upcoming Events
Dealer Showcase
Vintage Guitar Classified Ads
Dealer Directory
Readers Gallery
Columns
The (Way) Back Beat
Epi-Phonic Echoes By Peter S. Kohman
Acousticville
No-Flare Photo Share, Part 2 By Steven Stone
Fretprints
Kenny Wayne Shepherd By Wolf Marshall
Guitars With guts
A 1929 Interview with Santos Hernandez By R.E. Bruné
Tech
Talkin’ Amps with…
Sergio Hamernik: Don’t Blow That Tranny!, Part 2 By David Jung
Shop of Hard Knocks
Applying Tint to a Neck By Will Kelly
Reviews
The VG Hit List
CD Reviews: Thin Lizzy, Robbie Robertson, Los Fabulocos with Kid Ramos, Jim Hall, Bob Marley, Nick Lowe, more!
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Jon Kammerer Leo, Line6 POD HD500, Metal Pedals Bomb Shell, Pigtronix Aria Disnortion, Earthquake Devices Sea Machine, Fuzzhugger(fx) A-B Synth, Catalinbread Stereo Semaphore Tremolo
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!