Current Issue
Fans know shred pioneer Marty Friedman can play fast as the devil. But his new album celebrates melody as a tool of expression; its goal is to move hearts with emotive lines, riffs, and leads. While recording the album, Friedman relied on a stash of prime vintage instruments belonging to producer Franco Piona, who guides us through it.
Discussions about “best-sounding small combos” usually center on names like Princeton, Deluxe, and AC15. But sometimes those legends are bettered by diminutive creations like the DeArmond R5T. Dave Hunter explains why players are passionate about its sound.
Certain guitars carry a mystique. On that continuum lie pieces like the San Dimas-made Charvel Model 4. Michael Wright tells its story.
Things didn’t go smoothly for Twisted Sister as they recorded Stay Hungry 40 years ago this summer. Constant, though, were the guitars Eddie Ojeda and Jay Jay French used to create their career-defining album. “Classics” revisits the days.
We chat about new music with Charlie Starr, Buck Dharma, Rick Vito, Richie Faulkner, Kay-Ta Matsuno, revisit the fascinating career of Rhandy Simmons, and pay tribute to W.C. Clark.
Looking to step up his guitar work outside of Journey, in 1984, Neal Schon started jamming with a few rock-heavyweight pals. The result was as short-lived but effective band and album. With Schon’s help, “Pop ’N Hiss” takes a fresh look at HSAS’ Through The Fire.
Raised on folk before he joined the evolving jazz trio Ranger, Jeff Watson helped Night Ranger create melodic arena rock that epitomized the ’80s but never fit a stereotype. Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” digs into his story, style, and licks.
Ever wondered what the two inputs on classic Fender amps really do? Or what kind of rosewood was used to make George Harrison’s famed ’68 “rooftop” Telecaster? In “VG Q&A,” we answer those questions, and more.
As always, we offer thoughts on the best new guitar-driven music out there. This month’s “Hit List” screens the latest from Mark Knopfler, Slash, Blackberry Smoke, Marty Friedman, Gary Clark, Jr., Blue Öyster Cult, Rick Vito, and others.
Our knowledgeable “Approved Gear” staff offers objective examinations of the Danelectro Nichols1966, Donner Hush X, Fender 70th Anniversary American Professional II Strat, Morley Cliff Burton Signature Power Wah Fuzz, and the Vintage Revo Surfmaster Quad.
It’s all in the June issue of Vintage Guitar!
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