May-21

His guitar helped make Dinosaur Jr. legendary in alt-rock; we talk with J Mascis about the band’s 35 years, its new music, and challenges forging forward. Speaking of challenges, Lee Ritenour has overcome his share including wildfires that claimed his home, studio, and a lifetime of keepsakes. We check in as he keeps on. Other artists talking new music and gear include Steve Lukather, Michael Schenker, Yasmin Williams, Tony Rombola, and Rod Abernethy.

One of the great tales in 20th-century guitar lore, we tell the story of United Guitar Corporation. And because geeking-out on a amp is always time well spent, we explain the quirky appeal of the Epiphone Devon Tremolo EA-35T. Speaking of quirky, dig into our feature on two rare Gibson Les Paul Juniors, factory finished in black! Continuing the Gibson theme, this month’s “Classics” feature revisists the company’s 1940 logbooks and an early ES-250 with one of the first “diagonal” pickups.

Wolf Marshall breaks down the early career of Robben Ford, and our classic-vinyl “Pop ’N Hiss” column revisits Eric Johnson’s Ah Via Musicom.

Just in time to freshen your listening list, this month’s “Hit List” reviews the latest from Steve Cropper, Eric Clapton, Jimmie Vaughan, Greta Van Fleet, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Michael Schenker Group, Crack the Sky, Mudhoney, and many more.

Our “Approved Gear” crew explains why the Cordoba 15CFM, Keeley Hydra, Tone Electronix Animalizzer, Fender Player Jazz Bass Fretless, Harden Engineering BluesBird, Jammy G, Breedlove Jeff Bridges Concert Copper E, and ToneTron Billy Rocker 10 are worthy of your consideration.

It’s all in the May issue of Vintage Guitar!