May-22

Cars and the California lifestyle are inextricably intertwined, so of course Fender marketed a guitar with racing stripes. On your marks, get set, meet the Competition Mustang! Speaking of races, after retiring the Epiphone brand name in ’85, Gibson revived it for use on guitars targeted at the market being dominated by the likes of Kramer. Its flaghip was this Epiphone by Gibson Firebird 500.  

More than 40 years into a stellar career, Steve Vai continues to explore music outside his comfort zone. His new album is one of the best – and bravest – he has ever made.

Even with all the excellent amps available by the late ’60s, nothing was quite good enough for jazz and studio great Howard Roberts – so he and and a friend created the Benson Model 300H. 

New York City session ace “Wild” Jimmy Spruill played his share of guitars – and likely altered every one of them much like the ’66 Jaguar in this month’s “Classics.”

We talk new music with Edgar Winter, Joe Satriani, Del McCoury, Gregg Wright, and Sam Williams.

“Pop ’N Hiss” recounts the long road to Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Texas Flood, Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” reminds us of the impact and playing of Earl Hooker, and Dan Forte’s “Check This Action” recalls playing guitar with the Ventures.

As always, our knowledgable “Hit List” music reviewers are ready to help freshen your playlist by screening the latest from John Mayall, Eric Clapton, Del McCoury Band, Edgar Winter, Sam Moss, Joe Satriani, and many more!

If you prefer expert opinions without catalog-speak, our honest, objective “Approved Gear” reviews discuss the latest from TWA, Valco, Furch, String Sling, Reverend, Vox, Ibanez, and Martin.

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