August 2025

Ignited by a visit to Gibson headquarters when he was nine, young Rick Derringer later used “Hang On Sloopy” to springboard a career that was varied and lengthy. We remember the guitar legend.

Binky Philips was just 21 when he walked into a NYC music store in 1972 and saw Rick Derringer’s ’59 Les Paul hanging on the consignment wall. For 53 years, it has been his most-prized possession.

The story of Danelectro guitars is well-documented, but its final years are a blur of conflicting stories and claims. Peter Stuart Kohman wants to help iron it out. 

Fender amps of the 1940s, ’50s, and early ’60s provide fascinating reading. Dave Hunter tells us about a ’67 Fender Showman with a story all its own.

From its early years through the ’60s, Gibson made custom instruments that mixed and matched specifications from various models. Few were as intriguing as the ES-175 Special Wurlitzer from 1955. George Gruhn and Walter Carter dig in for us.

We talk new music with Steve Stevens, Kid Ramos, Doug Aldrich, Luther Dickinson, Phil Manzanera, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Eric Johanson. We also remember Drew Zingg.

In “Fretprints,” Wolf Marshall delves into the blues, bop, and everything else that is Kenny Burrell’s On View at the Five Spot, while “Pop ’N Hiss” reminds us of the impact of Bookter T and MG’s Green Onions, and Dan Erlewine walks us through the restoration of a ’68 Martin D12-20.

Because we know you love the smell of new gear in the morning (or evening!), our “Approved Gear” staff examines the Epiphone 1962 ES-335 Reissue, Ciari Steve Stevens Ascender, Harden Gator OD, and the Tobias Classic IV and Killer B IV.

In “Hit List,” we share our thoughts on the latest music by Gary Moore, Marty Stuart, Santana, Styx, Phil Manzanera, Kid Ramos, and others.

It’s all in the August issue!