FEATURES
FENDER’S JAZZMASTER
In the midst of its scramble to compete with Fender by developing the radical Flying V and Explorer, Gibson likely didn’t realize Leo Fender had designed his Jazzmaster in an attempt to loosen its grip on the jazz guitar market of the late ’50s. By Ward Meeker
THE BASS SPACE
Carl Radle’s (?) 1975 Alembic Series I
Early Alembics were innovative axes, custom-built for high-profile pros. This Series I model was owned by the late Carl Radle, bassist for Derek & the Dominoes and later Eric Clapton bands… maybe. By Willie G. Moseley
ANDY POWELL
The Wishbone Forges On
He was half of a twin-lead guitar sound that took Wishbone Ash to acclaim in the 1970s. Under his aegis, the band has toured incessantly and released new recordings. By Willie G. Moseley
KRAMER TRIAXE/ENTERPRISE
Designed by vibrato guru Floyd Rose and built as NAMM show attractions, Kramer’s Triaxe and Enterprise represent Kramer flexing its muscle at the height of its powers. But neither ever went into production. By Michael Wright
GIBSON‘S LOAR-SIGNED L-5
Though stark in comparison to the highly ornamented top-shelf instruments made by Epiphone, D’Angelico, and Stromberg (and even other models by Gibson), side by side, the very musical sound of the Loar L-5 reigns supreme in the ears of many. By George Gruhn
THE DIFFERENT STRUMMER
Daion Guitars
Yet another brand worthy of attention from the discriminating guitar aficionado, it’s immediately apparent to anyone who sees one that Daion instruments are excellent works of art. By Michael Wright
DEPARTMENTS
Dealer News
Vintage Guitar Price Guide
Builder Profile
Keeley Electronics
Upcoming Events
Vintage Guitar Classified Ads
Dealer Directory
Readers’ Gallery
FIRST FRET
Reader Mail
News and Notes
Clapton’s Crossroads Festival, PRS guitars on exhibit, Burrell jams at Westwood, Dallas guitar show auction, Stolen Gear, In Memoriam, more!
Vai Stays Vital
By Lisa Sharken
Executive Rock
What’s Wrong With This Hype?
By Willie G. Moseley
Notable NAMM News
The Ukulele Hall of Fame Museum
By Eric C. Shoaf
Classic Concerts
James Brown
By Glen Anderson
Viewpoints
Imports, The Next Generation
By George Gruhn
Plek That Neck!
By Preston Gratiot
COLUMNS
Q&A With George Gruhn
Acousticville
Improve Your Guitar… Listening
By Steven Stone
FretPrints
Gary Moore
By Wolf Marshall
Gigmeister
Stay Organized, Be Fruitful
By Riley Wilson
TECH
Dan’s Guitar Rx
Tune-o-Matic Tuneup, Part III
By Dan Erlewine
Guitar Shop
Musicians Need to Know
By Tony Nobles
Amps
Musicians Need to Know
By Gerald Weber
Ask Gerald
By Gerald Weber
REVIEWS
The VG Hit List
Video Reviews: Tal Farlow, Howlin’ Wolf, and J.J. Cale on DVD, Southern Culture on the Skids, Santana, BR549, Kentucky Headhunters, Garcia/Grisman, Gypsy Jazz Roundup, more!
Check This Action
Rare Video
Dan Forte
Vintage Guitar Gear Reviews
Reverend Rumblefish P/J Bass, Lollar pickups, Ernie Ball/Music Man Steve Morse and Silhouette Special, Sound Enhancer!
Gearin’ Up!
The latest cool new stuff!