Magnatone Panoramic Stereo

Tales of True Vibrato

January 8, 2018 · Ray Wuolo

Magnatone amplifiers date back to the 1940s and ’50s – the era of Hawaiian-steel guitar – and boasted pearloid-covered casework…

Damon Fowler

Damon Fowler

Steamrolled

April 28, 2016 · John Heidt

Damon Fowler’s records have traditionally been eclectic conjugations of American music – rock, country, a little sacred steel, and lots…

PRS Guitars’ McCarty

Ted Talkin’

March 6, 2017 · Pete Prown

In the late 1980s, Ted McCarty, the man who served as president of Gibson during the company’s “golden age,” became…

Harvey Valdes

Switched-On Bach

March 9, 2023 · Pete Prown

Ever since Andrés Segovia elevated the nylon-string guitar to a serious classical instrument a century ago, players have been performing the…

Andrews Spectraverb 16

No Limits

January 8, 2018 · Phil Feser

Taking inspiration from Fender’s classic AB763 Deluxe Reverb, the hand-wired Andrews Spectraverb 16 uses a pair of JJ 6V6 power…

Fender’s 5E7 Bandmaster

December 26, 2017 · Dave Hunter

There’s something about the 3×10 Bandmaster that drives vintage-Fender nuts gaga. Introduced in 1953, it underwent substantial design changes in…

  • Rickenbacker’s Electric 12-Strings

    Rickenbacker’s Electric 12-Strings

    Double-bound for Glory

    George Beauchamp and Adolph Rickenbacher founded Electro String in 1931 to manufacture what everyone would soon call “Rickenbacker” guitars. Success came early and their lap steels set standards of quality,…

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ARTISTS

Benjamin Kushner

Soul Patrol

September 1, 2023 · Pete Prown

Drawing from a vast well of American R&B and soul, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal deliver powerhouse sounds from their…

Fretprints: Pee Wee Crayton

Tiny Titan of Blues Guitar

July 13, 2023 · Wolf Marshall

Though he is today largely forgotten, blues aficionados recognize Pee Wee Crayton as a legend. “The little man with a…

Ty Tabor

Digging Deep

February 7, 2023 · Oscar Jordan

King’s X guitarist Ty Tabor’s latest solo album is a guitar-centric meditation on mindfulness and the complexities of existence. With…

Scott Henderson

Voodoo Carnival

January 14, 2025 · Oscar Jordan

Scott Henderson continues to blow minds with his ever-evolving guitar mastery. From his early years blending bop and Holdsworth to…


CLASSIC INSTRUMENTS

Memphissippi Sounds’ Yella P asks “Who’s Gonna Ride”

April 29, 2022 · Vintage Guitar

’59 Stratotone at the Memphis Slim House While Memphissippi Sounds’ Yella P and his ’59 Harmony Stratotone were visiting the…

Stromberg Master 400

August 9, 2017 · George Gruhn

Considered by many to be the ultimate orchestral rhythm guitar, these very rare instruments are among the most sought-after, and…

1938 Supertone Gene Autry Roundup

December 13, 2021 · Michael Wright

In the depths of the Great Depression, people turned to entertainment for distraction. Not that there was much to be…

Ampeg VT-22

Ampeg VT-22

October 15, 2015 · Dave Hunter

Preamp tubes: four 7025 (12AX7 types) Output tubes: two 5881 (a more-rugged 6L6 type), fixed-bias Rectifier: solidstate Controls: Bass Instrument…


NEWSWIRE

APPROVED GEAR

Magnatone Varsity Reverb

Too Cool For School

May 21, 2019 · Michael Dregni

Face it. They may look oh-so-cool, but rarely do you really, truly need that full amp stack. Most gigs for…

Louis Electric Gattone

Louis Electric Gattone

Play The Blues

September 18, 2015 · Michael Dregni

Louis Electric Gattone Price: $2,595 (list) Contact: www.louiselectricamps.com Got the blues? Have we got the amp for you. Louis Rosano…

Heritage Guitars’ H-157W

Turnkey Head-Turner

April 16, 2019 · Zac Childs

In 1985, Heritage Guitars took over a certain factory space at 225 Parsons Street in Kalamazoo, Michigan, after the former…

Dingwall Super P

Fanning the Flames

July 13, 2016 · Pete Prown

A time-honored approach to guitar and bass design is to take a classic and improve it. That’s certainly the case…

WHAT ELSE IS NEW

Def Leppard

Definitely: The Official Story of Def Leppard

April 24, 2024 · Bret Adams

When Def Leppard released its 1980 debut, On Through the Night, most members were barely out of their teens. Now…

Richie Kotzen

Better Days Coming

July 26, 2023 · Greg Prato

Richie Kotzen is one of today’s busiest rock guitarists. In addition to being a long-time solo artist (and possessing an…

Richard Tozzoli: Underscore Overlord

May 30, 2024 · Vintage Guitar

Shark Week” Les Pauls, Flying V, et al Richard Tozzoli walks us through a guitar overdub session for Discovery Channel’s…

Austin Mics DIY Summer Reverb

for Kicks and More

September 12, 2023 · Phil Feser

Rick Wilkinson’s Austin Mics company, based in San Diego, specializes in do-it-yourself ribbon-microphone kits and DIY guitar pedals. His latest…

Eight-String Basses

Sonic Niche

May 2, 2024 · Willie G. Moseley

Emerging in ’60s catalogs from Hagström and Framus, eight-string basses occupy a distinct place among musical instruments – their potent,…

DiPinto Mach IV

Garage Days

August 10, 2016 · Pete Prown

There are times when a traditional Strat or Tele won’t scratch a particular itch, and you need a retro plank…

Rising Rockers

Five Alternative Club Classic Amps of the ’50s

January 28, 2026 · Dave Hunter

In an era when the sub-20-watt combo is arguably the most popular guitar-amp format, it’s worth remembering that several classics…

1978 Gibson RD Artist

May 5, 2016 · Michael Wright

Throughout most of the 1970s, Les Pauls ruled the guitar roost. But toward the end of the decade, some players became…

Home Feature Image

Fender Custom Colors in the 1960s

Misty Lakes, Foamy Shores

January 2, 2017 · Andre R. Duchossoir

In the 1950s, America’s fascination with the automobile was running at a fever pitch. The booming economy of the country’s…

Oz Noy & Andrew Synowiec

Musical Combustion

October 8, 2025 · Oscar Jordan

New from Oz Noy and Andrew Synowiec is a guitar team-up highlighting hot licks, high energy, and strong songwriting. The…

Pete Anderson

Disciple of the Hook

November 13, 2014 · Ward Meeker

Detroit native Pete Anderson made a name for himself in the ’80s, playing a ton of twang while Dwight Yoakam…

Fender’s Dhani Harrison Signature Ukulele

Here Comes The Fun

June 3, 2022 · Chip Wilson

Ukuleles are inherently charming, and Fender amplifies (literally) that charm with the Dhani Harrison Signature model. A tilted four-inline headstock…

DAN ROSE AND HIS TASTY TAKE ON A CLASSIC

January 15, 2022 · Vintage Guitar

DAN ROSE AND HIS TASTY TAKE ON A CLASSIC! Dan Rose used his ’58 ES-175 (with a PAF at the…

Laurence Juber

Laurence Juber

Still Wingin’ It

June 21, 2016 · Willie G. Moseley

Fingerstyle guitarist Laurence Juber is best known for his association with Paul McCartney’s Wings, but has recorded two dozen solo…

Fargen’s John Lennon Signature JL-15 and Micro Plex Vintage Guitar magazine

Fargen’s John Lennon Signature JL-15 and Micro Plex

Instant Karma?

April 17, 2014 · Zac Childs

Fargen’s John Lennon Signature JL-15 and Micro Plex Price: $2,700 (JL-15), $999 (Micro Plex) Info: www.fargenamps.com. From 50-watt monsters to…

Hanburt Electric Guitars

Rarities From the Pacific Northwest

April 28, 2020 · Peter Blecha

As a brand of American electric instruments, the name “Hanburt” is about the furthest thing from being a household term.…

Nuno Bettencourt

Extreme Versatility

March 16, 2024 · Greg Prato

When Extreme reunited for its fifth album, 2008’s Saudades de Rock, it seemed a foregone conclusion the band was back…

Epiphone’s Professional Guitar and Amp

Epiphone’s Professional Guitar and Amp

February 23, 2016 · George Gruhn

Since the instrument was introduced, those who play the electric guitar have modified it to create new sounds and interesting…

Guild A-20 Marley

Get Up, Stand Up

October 12, 2022 · Pete Prown

When it comes to famous Bobs in rock, Dylan is first to mind. But just behind him is another songwriting…

Doc Buffington’s ’48 Fender Pro Amp

Gold Bond

April 25, 2019 · Dave Hunter

Ever plugged into a well-played vintage combo, run your hands over its road-worn tweed covering – scuffed to a cashmere-like…

Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus 50th Anniversary

Mr. Clean

November 13, 2023 · Pete Prown

The Roland Corporation was born in 1972 and just a few years later introduced its landmark Jazz Chorus JC-120 amplifier.…

Aerosmith

1971: The Road Starts Hear

March 10, 2023 · Bret Adams

This long-lost relic was recorded before the band’s 1973 debut LP, with guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford (aged 21…

Tracy G

Dio Disciple

July 9, 2019 · Greg Prato

Ronnie James Dio had a knack for collaborating with talented guitarists – Ritchie Blackmore in Rainbow, Tony Iommi in Black…

Peter Frampton

Part One: The Humble Pie Years

October 13, 2021 · Wolf Marshall

Formed with two formidable front men in Steve Marriott and Peter Frampton, Humble Pie was one of the earliest “supergroups”…

John Hart

May 15, 2016 · John Heidt

“Unsung” is a good word to describe John Hart. He’s been part of the jazz-guitar scene for more than two…

The Steepwater Band

June 23, 2020 · Ward Meeker

Taking a spin with Chicago sons The Steepwater Band and their latest CD, Revelation Sunday, is an experience akin to…

Star Board: Joe Moss

Star Board: Joe Moss

December 18, 2015 · Vintage Guitar

Joe Moss is the archetypical blues “road dog,” regularly rolling out of his home base of Chicago to wail for…

Pasquale Grasso

Be-Bop!

June 9, 2023 · Pete Prown

A genuine six-string phenomenon, Pasquale Grasso (VG, November ’21) is redefining jazz guitar with a radical approach, making one instrument…

Graham Parker plays “We Did Nothing”

January 3, 2024 · Vintage Guitar

Reflective take on the world In his review of Graham Parker’s “Last Chance To Learn The Twist,” Dan Forte recalls…