FEATURES
ZAKK WYLDE
Unassuming and unapolgetic, he is the Les Paul-and-Marshall-jacking badass of hard rock. With Ozzy Osbourne, he helped heavy metal survive the grunge rush. And today with Black Label Society, he continues to bear the torch. By Ward Meeker
BASS SPACE
G&L SB-1/SB-2
These no-frills instruments offered some of Leo Fender’s most recent innovations at an accessible price. With rounded sides and traditional double-cut design, they’re comfortable and well-balanced. By Willie G. Moseley
1965 EPIPHONE EMPEROR
The Emperor first appeared in Epiphone’s catalog in 1935 as a response to Gibson’s Super 400. But Epiphone went one better by making its top-of-the-line guitar 181?2″ wide. Versatile and fine-sounding, it’s also rare and collectible. By George Gruhn
HANK GARLAND, 1930-2004
Guitar Heroes Pay Homage to a Legend
From jazz to country, Elvis to Western swing, Hank Garland was a master of many kinds of music. In a career that lasted little more than a decade, he became one of the premier studio guitarists. By Dan Forte
TIM BOGERT
Then And Now With Vanilla Fudge
We catch up with the veteran of Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, and Beck, and Bogert & Appice to check on the current state of the Fudge, his gear, and some fine-tuned Fudge history. By Willie G. Moseley
1982 EPIPHONE U.S.A. MAP
Appearing when Gibson was on the ropes, the Map guitar was intended to be more promotional item than part of the Epi roster. But, perhaps because of political sentiment at the time, response was so good that by ’83 it had become a Gibson! By Michael Wright
THE DIFFERENT STRUMMER
Molding a New Idea of Guitars
Once, all guitars had a wood body and neck, and natural materials for trim. Frets and strings were made of gut. But what happens when there are no ebony trees left wide enough to make a fingerboard? By Michael Wright
DEPARTMENTS
Dealer News
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
Builder Profile
Rowan Custom Guitars
Upcoming Events
Vintage Guitar Classified Ads
Dealer Directory
The Great VG Giveaway
Win a Kammerer 10-2HNG
Readers Gallery
FIRST FRET
Reader Mail
News and Notes
VG Deke’s Guitar Geek Festival, Cream reunion, Celeb Guitar Auction, Colby College exhibit, “In Memoriam,” more!
ExtraNAMMaganza ’05
By Stephen Patt
Executive Rock
The Vanilla Fudge Still Matter, Man!
By Willie G. Moseley
A PRS P-A-R-T-Y
Builder Marks 20th Anniversary
By Ward Meeker
Marah
Jukebox Anti-Heroes
By Michael Dregni
“Ask Zac”
By Zac Childs
Neal Schon
A Guitar Journey Rolls On
By Pete Prown
Jazzin’ With Jay
Geils Goes Classic
By Willie G .Moseley
Rory Block
Keeping the Blues Alive
By Dan Forte
COLUMNS
Q&A With George Gruhn
Acousticville
Computer Speakers Worth Hearing
By Steven Stone
Gigmeister
Marshall’s Valvestate AVT 50
By Riley Wilson
TECH
Dan’s Guitar Rx
Bent-Tuning-Shaft Blues?
By Dan Erlewine
Guitar Shop
Guitar Parts Pop Quiz
By Tony Nobles
Amps
Six Certifiable Tone Killers
By Gerald Weber
Ask Gerald
By Gerald Weber
REVIEWS
The VG Hit List
Music, Book and Video Reviews: Reckless Kelly, Scott Henderson, Swamp Cabbage, Rory Block, The Ramones, Analog Man’s Guide to Vintage Effects Pedals, more!
Check This Action
Long, Roky Road
Dan Forte
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Fender American Deluxe Strat V Neck, PRS Modern Eagle/SE Soapbar II, Reverend Goblin, Peavey JSX, Saga DG-250M
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!