Jan-20

Be sure to vote for your favorites in this year’s Reader’s Choice Awards and VG Hall of Fame entries. Everyone who votes is eligible to win a Reverend Sensei 290 guitar and Basshouser Fatfish 32 bass valued at more than $3,100!

A mix of serendipity and adversity helped make country-blues apostle Reverend Peyton a leading torch-bearer in the genre. We highlight the guitars, amps, and effects that propelled the Raging ’90s, and tell why C.F. Martin, Sr. might’ve been the first “boutique” builder. We also reveal the stories behind the super-rare Burns “Albino” Bison and Encor El Toro, then detail why the Airline Model 8514 is an alternative gem to certain collectible (and expensive!) tweed-covered amps.

Need proof the guitar is as vital as ever in new music? Our interviews with Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, John 5, Robby Krieger, Dan Hawkins, Marc Bonilla, and Reb Beach will keep you believing.

This month’s “Pop ’N Hiss” details the deep significance of Funkadelic’s Maggot Brain, Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” breaks down three monster licks in the life of Zakk Wylde, and our gear reviewers tell the truth about the Eventide Space, Guyatone’s Cooler Booster, Tyson Tone PAFs, Farida’s OT-12 VBS, the Orangewood Sage Live, Supro’s Ozark 1261AW, Danelectro’s Breakdown and Eisenhower pedals, and the Mojotone Custom BlackOut.

Looking for new tunes to build a playlist? We steer you to great new stuff from Robben Ford and Bill Evans, Gov’t Mule, The Doors, John 5, Steve Howe, NRBQ, The Darkness, Ramones, Elvis, and more!