November 2005
FEATURES
SLASH
Vintage “Contraband” and Velvet Revolver
He arrived on the scene with a simple setup, a true sense of melody, ambition, and an attitude that separated...
October 2005
FEATURES
IN DETAIL
Gibson’s 1953-’65 Firebird
A direct shot at Fender’s Jazzmaster and Jaguar rock guitars, it was an unexepectedly funky offering from the staid, traditional Gibson....
September 2005
FEATURES
GRETSCH GUITARS
The Artful Icon
Gretsch guitars reached their prominence in a time when guitars were made for the average man to play his average tune....
August 2005
FEATURES
TONY IOMMI
The Godfather of Metal Gets Fused
Hailed as one of the most influential rock guitarists of all time, he conjured up dark and heavy...
July 2005
FEATURES
76 WATTS THE HARD WAY
The VG Low-Watt Tube Shootout ’05
For guitarists, the richness and warmth of tube saturation is the key to nirvana. But...
June 2005
FEATURES
1953 GIBSON LES PAUL JUNIOR
Gibson records tell us the Les Paul Junior was introduced in 1954. But this instrument has tone and volume pot...
May 2005
FEATURES
ZAKK WYLDE
Unassuming and unapolgetic, he is the Les Paul-and-Marshall-jacking badass of hard rock. With Ozzy Osbourne, he helped heavy metal survive the grunge rush....
April 2005
FEATURES
DOUBLENECKS, TRIPLENECKS
And the “California Weird” Factor
Just where the first multi-neck instrument was built isn’t known. But one thing is certain; guitar players are always...
March 2005
FEATURES
50 YEARS OF CRUNCHY, CLEAN DIRT
Gibson advanced electric guitar technology with the introduction of the humbucking pickup in 1955. Patented in ’59, it changed...
February 2005
FEATURES
GRETSCH 6134 WHITE PENGUIN
One of the rarest Gretsch instruments, it was also one of the company’s dressiest guitars. Still, no more than a few...