We interview former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman, who, though he could retire very comfortably, instead uses his time turning several of his passions into occupations. We also talk with another bassist – Lee Sklar, who today stays gainfully employed thanks to amazing skills and landmark early work with James Taylor and hundreds of other high-profile performers. Profiles include the Gibson F-5 “Fern,” the Washburn Woodstock EA-40, ’64 Fender Bassman, the Fender Bass VI, and there’s a special bonus look at how Gibson succumbed to market pressure in the creation of one of its most successful guitar lines. We also take a look at this year’s inductees to the Vintage Guitar Hall of Fame – Keith Richards, Seymour Duncan, and the Fender Deluxe Reverb.
We reflect on the careers of the late Hubert Sumlin, Andy Tielman, and Paul Yandell, and talk new music with Chris Hillman and Matt Schofield, then visit with Tom Wheeler about his new book on the Fender Custom Shop.
If your New Year’s resolution involves scoring cool new gear, take a look at what our reviewers have to say about the E-H Ravish Sitar and Stereo Talking Machine, Fender’s American Vintage Telecasters, the Little Walter 15-Watt, the Paul Hartman Moroccan Chambered Electric, the Strobel Rambler Classic, and Wampler’s SLOstortion and Paisley Pedal.
The Original ES-150
How Gibson Won The ES War
The story of Gibson’s ES-150 has been told many times. But a detailed look at the model’s birth 75 years ago shows the company was all but forced into making it by demand from retailers. By A.R. Duchossoir and Lynn Wheelwright
Leland Sklar
Studio To Stage
With more than 2,000 album contributions to his credit and a history backing James Taylor, Phil Collins, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Willie Nelson, and hundreds more, his reputation as an A-list session guy far exceeds what he states as his own humble job description: “I’m a bass player.” By Preston Gratiot
Bill Wyman
Rhythm King, Bass Ace
Few would blame him if, upon quitting his gig of 30 years as bassist for the Rolling Stones, he had chosen to stay home and count his money. Instead, he turned several passions into occupations. By Dan Forte
The VG Hall Of Fame
Once again, VG readers mailed ballots or logged on to VintageGuitar.com to make their voices heard. Thanks to their votes, we welcome Keith Richards, Seymour Duncan, and the Fender Deluxe Reverb as this year’s inductees to the Hall of Fame.
The First “Fern”
Just as rock fans can tell you what happened on February 3, 1959, or February 9, 1964, aficionados of the Gibson F-5 – particularly those signed by the model’s designer – have important dates embedded in their memories. By George Gruhn and Walter Carter
The Washburn Woodstock EA-40
Like many guitar builders, Washburn has had a roller-coaster history. Laden with innovation, instruments built at legendary factories, and just good guitars, this acoustic/electric is yet another interesting bit. By Michael Wright
The ’64 Fender Bassman
Utter its name in guitar circles, and players’ minds rush to the tweed-covered 4×10” combo of the late ’50s. Some, though, will reach for the cherished 50-watt head into which that combo evolved. By Dave Hunter
The Fender Bass VI
Six-string electric basses were introduced in the mid ’50s, but Fender waited a decade beyond to introduce a true bass guitar – and it was markedly different from the offerings of Danelectro and Gibson. By Willie G. Moseley
Reader Mail
News and Notes
Paul Yandell passes; Hank, Jr. Raises $75K for Country Music HoF:, Wolf Marshall Jams with Bacharach; Martin Using Recycled Spruce; More!
Grammy Museum Honors Harrison
By Preston Gratiot
Custom-shop Dreams
New Book Highlights Unique Fender Instruments
By Eric C. Shoaf
Matt Schofield
Blues for the Whole World
By Willie G. Moseley
Ask Zac
By Zac Childs
Michael Williams
Burning Fire Red With Eddie Kramer
By Oscar Jordan
VG on Facebook
Andy Tielman
Tribute to an Instro Hero
By Pete Prown
Chris Hillman
Iconic Rocker Remembers The Byrds
By Pete Prown
Blues Guitar Loses a Legend
Hubert Sumlin, 1931-2011
By Dan Forte
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
Builder Profile
Burly Guitars
Dealer showcase
Vintage Guitar Classified Ads
Dealer Directory
Readers Gallery
The (Way) Back Beat
And Now, in STEREO!
By Peter S. Kohman
Q&A With George Gruhn
No-Flair Photo Share: The Beginnings of Punk in Boston
By Steven Stone
Fretprints
Brian May
By Wolf Marshall
Guitars with Guts
Spruce and Prejudice
By R.E. Bruné
Dan’s Guitar Rx
Lucky Lefty, Part 2
By Dan Erlewine
Shop of Hard Knocks
Back to Life
By Will Kelly
The VG Hit List
CD, DVD, and Book Reviews: Andy Timmons Band, Jethro Tull, Popa Chubby, Steve Howe’s Remedy, Stevie Ray Vaughan: His Final Days, 1983-1990, more!
Check This Action
New (& Old) Music for Old (& Young) People
By Dan Forte
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
E-H Ravish Sitar/Stereo Talking Machine, Fender American Vintage Telecasters, Little Walter 15-Watt, Paul Hartman Moroccan Chambered Electric, Strobel Rambler Classic, Wampler SLOstortion/Paisley Pedal
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!
