August 2024
Purchased by John and Virginia Dietrich so their daughter could take lessons in 1956, we feature a ’54 Strat that proves super-clean examples still exist in the wild!
Revolutionary when introduced 70 years ago, Fender’s Stratocaster is the most-popular and influential electric guitar in the world. George Gruhn reminds us how it was successful from the start.
Made in Chicago but named for an island paradise, the Oahu 415K is a textbook “jobber” amp – and a reminder of just how cool they could sound. Dave Hunter digs in.
In “Classics,” we tell the story behind a ’63 Hummingbird belonging to singer/songwriter Bex Marshall, whose uncle bought it new back when he was rubbing elbows with Gene Vincent, the Beatles, Roy Orbison, and Rolling Stones.
Influenced by Chris Squire and Dave Hope, bassist Paul Goddard enjoyed fame with Atlanta Rhythm Section. We look back at his career, and peruse his instruments.
A thoroughbred all the way, the Aria Pro II PE’s family lines include an underrated brand, legendary manufacturer, and a legendary designer. Michael Wright reveals it all.
To catch up on their latest music, we speak with George Ducas and Pete Anderson, Molly Miller, Jimmy James, Ross Valory, Scott Sharrard, Paul Benjaman, and Arlen Roth.
Emerging from San Francisco’s psychedelic scene in the late ’60s, Blue Cheer’s decibel-drenched assault steamrolled the “peace and love” stereotype of the hippie movement. For “Pop ’N Hiss,” we revisit the band’s first album, Vincebus Eruptum, which is 32 minutes of aural ferocity that today marks a seminal moment in heavy metal.
In “Check This Action,” Dan Forte tells why Duane Eddy was his hero, and Wolf Marshall uses “Fretprints” to examine Elvis Presley’s Sun Studios sessions and the birth of rock and roll.
We bolster your search for new gear lending our informed, objective thoughts on the Beetronics Wannabee, Danelectro’s Red Hot Longhorn bass, Supro’s Amulet 1x12, and the Taylor 50th Anniversary 217e SB Plus LTD.
We also help you find great new music with our “Hit List” reccommedations. This month, it’s Duane Eddy, Black Crowes, Richard Thompson, Dixie Dregs, Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin, and many others.
It’s all in the August issue of Vintage Guitar!
