I’ve had the argument many times that the original version of the Allman Brothers Band was the best blues-rock band in the history of rock. Many insist it’s Led Zeppelin. Others have their favorites. But I go with this batch of fellas, captured live here when it was really coming together for them. This double […]
Monthly Archives: December 2005
Allman Brothers Band – Live at the Atlanta International Pop Festival Jul
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Epihone Deluxe Archtop
Head-On With the L-5
Webster’s latest defines the word “deluxe” as “…notably luxurious, elegant, or expensive.” The Epiphone Deluxe archtop guitar was certainly luxurious. When introduced in 1931, it sported a triple-bound top with rope-pattern purfling, fancy diamond-and-triangle position markers on the neck, a bound “Masterbilt” headstock inlaid with flowers, gold-plated parts, curly maple back and sides, and a […]
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December 2005
FEATURES THE DIFFERENT STRUMMER Sparkle & Glitter: Guitars Made in Italy, Part 1 Most American guitar aficionados are familiar with EKO guitars, while other Italian brands flew below our radar in the ’60s. Thus, the real tradition of their guitars remains misty for most of us. Here begins a tribute. By Michael Wright BASS SPACE […]
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Demeter Fat Conrol, Compulator, and Reverb
Trio
Every once in a while, someone who has “genius” written all over him hits the music scene. In James Demeter’s case, it’s a moniker he earned through years of behind-the-scenes gear design, from his groundbreaking DI boxes to the Tremulator and a host of other innovations, all produced in a tiny factory in the San […]
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Crate V Series Amps
Durable, versatile, and affordable
St. Louis Music has been building Crate amplifiers since the late 1970s, and straight out of the chute, they gained a reputation for being well-designed, good-sounding, affordable, and oh-so-cute in their little crate-like cabinets. Through the years, the Crate lines has evolved. The latest progression in the line is, in terms of design, something of […]
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Andy Powell
The Wishbone Forges on
Andy with one of his Music Man Silhouette guitars. Photo: Willie G. Moseley. Wishbone Ash guitarist Andy Powell isn’t caught in a time warp. True, he’s the sole remaining member of the English foursome that proffered a twin-lead guitar sound that took the band to acclaim in the early 1970s, but under the aegis of […]
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Larry Coryell – Tricycles
Anyone remember when Larry Coryell was one of the youngbloods of jazz guitar? Sheesh, I must be getting a bit “advanced” in age, eh? Through the years, there’s never been a doubt in my mind that Larry’s chops were as strong as anyone’s. There were times when I couldn’t follow, though, usually because the tunes […]
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Tom Principato – House on Fire
Tom Principato is probably familiar to many VG readers. A fine player in his own right, he’s also responsible for some fine books that teach about guitar, and he’s also been known lately for his release of material from his old buddy, Roy Buchanan. Anyway, this one is Tom’s first new record in a long […]
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Stromberg Master 400
Power Projector
The Stromberg Master 400, measuring a gigantic 19″, is considered by many to be the ultimate orchestral rhythm guitar. The instrument of choice for Freddy Green with the Count Basie Orchestra and other players who needed the ultimate in power and projection to cut through a brass band or full orchestra without the benefit of […]
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