Back Issues

We talk with Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready to get the lowdown on a limited-edition Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster that marks the 30th anniversary of their landmark album, Ten. We also venture to the recording studio of Blind Melon’s Christopher Thorn, who tends to a fleet of guitars and amps that help an array of artists make music.

We pay homage to ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill and talk new music with Robben Ford, Molly Miller, Chris Cain, John Pizzarelli, Manny Charlton, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Alex Hall, and Dan Wilson.

This month’s “Classics” recalls how VG music editor Pete Prown became enamored with the Ibanez Iceman. Dave Hunter previews his new book with a look at Fender’s Tweed-to-Tolex Transition, and in a truly bizarre guitar story, we reveal the saga of a 1958 Esquire that emerged after 30 years in a Georgia storage container; get ready to meet “Swamp Thing!” 

In “Dan’s Guitar Rx,” Dan Erlewine takes a beat up vintage Jazz Bass under his wing, and enlists help in its restoration. “Pop ’N Hiss” tells why Uriah Heep’s Demons and Wizards is watershed prog-metal. 

As always, we find great new guitar music to recommend for your turntable and playlist. This month, it’s the latest from Eric Clapton, Brian May, George Harrison, Gary Moore, Molly Miller, Robben Ford, Black Sabbath, and more. Dan Forte’s “Check This Action” reels in a fresh batch of instrumental surf jams. 

Our “Approved Gear” review staff tells you why the Analog Man King Of Tone Overdrive, Fender Dhani Harrison Ukulele, Fishman Fluence Greg Koch Gristle-Tone P90s, Guild B-240EF, Harmony Comet, Marshall DSL1C, Collings I-35, and Mesa Badlander are worth a look – and maybe your hard-earned dollar.  

It’s all in the October issue of Vintage Guitar!

For 50 years, millions have heard his guitar, mandolin, and banjo on hits by Elton John and a who’s-who list of superstars. We talk with Davey Johnstone about life, and his first solo album since 1973.

Chris Leuzinger’s mother spun Latin instrumental LPs under platters by Sinatra, Belafonte, Bennett, and others. After hearing Jimmy Reed and Howlin’ Wolf as a kid, he had to grab a guitar; the blues’ attitude pushed his career to suprising places.

“It’s the journey, not the destination.” Fender’s 1961 Bassman embodies the adage and how, while traveling the road to a better bass amp, Leo and company produced several of the best guitar amps ever made.

If your radio was tuned to a country station even for a few minutes anytime in the last 30 years, odds are you’ve heard the ’52 Les Paul in this month’s “Classics.”

For all of his fame, little is known about Spanish guitar builder Rafael Casana, and this guitar from 1910 may be the only surviving example of his work.

To learn about their new music, we speak with John 5, Keb’ Mo’, John Hall and Larry Hoppen from classic-rockers Orleans, Micki Free, and Scott T. Jones to talk about their latest work. 

Dan Erlewine’s “Guitar Rx” column shows us how to install an acoustic-guitar pickup, while Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” delves into the legendary licks of Johnny Meeks.

To lend a hand in your search for great new guitar music, our “Hit List” staff recommend the latest from Eric Gales, Phil Lynott, Spirit, Chuck Berry, Legendary Shack Shakers, John 5, Keb’ Mo’, Dave Specter, and more!

Our professional, reliable “Approved Gear” reviews discuss new stuff from Boss, Keeley, McGregor, Fender, Harmony, Taylor, Ellis, and Marshall. 

It’s all in the March issue of Vintage Guitar!

Cars and the California lifestyle are inextricably intertwined, so of course Fender marketed a guitar with racing stripes. On your marks, get set, meet the Competition Mustang! Speaking of races, after retiring the Epiphone brand name in ’85, Gibson revived it for use on guitars targeted at the market being dominated by the likes of Kramer. Its flaghip was this Epiphone by Gibson Firebird 500.  

More than 40 years into a stellar career, Steve Vai continues to explore music outside his comfort zone. His new album is one of the best – and bravest – he has ever made.

Even with all the excellent amps available by the late ’60s, nothing was quite good enough for jazz and studio great Howard Roberts – so he and and a friend created the Benson Model 300H. 

New York City session ace “Wild” Jimmy Spruill played his share of guitars – and likely altered every one of them much like the ’66 Jaguar in this month’s “Classics.”

We talk new music with Edgar Winter, Joe Satriani, Del McCoury, Gregg Wright, and Sam Williams.

“Pop ’N Hiss” recounts the long road to Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Texas Flood, Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” reminds us of the impact and playing of Earl Hooker, and Dan Forte’s “Check This Action” recalls playing guitar with the Ventures.

As always, our knowledgable “Hit List” music reviewers are ready to help freshen your playlist by screening the latest from John Mayall, Eric Clapton, Del McCoury Band, Edgar Winter, Sam Moss, Joe Satriani, and many more!

If you prefer expert opinions without catalog-speak, our honest, objective “Approved Gear” reviews discuss the latest from TWA, Valco, Furch, String Sling, Reverend, Vox, Ibanez, and Martin.

It’s all in the May issue of Vintage Guitar!

We welcome Mike Campbell, Vince Gill, Ron Wood, Nat Daniel, and the Gibson ES-330 to the VG Hall of Fame, while the Readers’ Choice Awards note the best music and performances of 2021 – by Vince Gill, Billy Gibbons, Robben Ford, Derek Trucks, and the Tedeschi-Trucks Band.

The Lovin’ Spoonful boasted an impressive song catalog in the age of psychedelia. Founder/front man John Sebastian recently joined world-class guitarist Arlen Roth in reworking 14 of the group’s “good-time” songs, including three instrumentals.

For more than a decade, an Alembic Long Scale was David Hood’s #1 bass as the world-famous Swampers backed a laundry list of high-profile artists on megahit sessions at Mussel Shoals Sound. We tell its story.

Most classic amps stand on their own merits. But when a hallowed creation also has a fun artist-related history like this road-worn ’57 Fender Super formerly owned by Dwight Twilley, there’s a whole other dimension to the tale.

“Pop ’N Hiss” recounts the planet-shattering impact of Prince’s 1999, Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” offers a timely reminder of how drummer-turned-frontman/guitarist Dave Grohl has influenced two generations of rock musicians, and Dan Forte’s “Check This Action” rediscovers Son House... again

Our tell-it-like-it-is “Approved Gear” reviews dig into the Donner DST400, Lovepedal Purple Plexi, Walrus Audio Eras Five-State, Godin A6 Ultra Baritone, Tx-Watt Flagship, Kirn Vaquero, King Snake Three Bone, and the PRS SE Silver Sky. 

Our “Hit List” review staff sifts out the best new music. This month, their list include the Duke Robillard Band, Circle Jerks, Andy Timmons, Ty Tabor, Rick Holmstrom, Calexico, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, and more! Stopping in to talk about their new music are Robin Trower, Duke Robillard, Aldo Nova, Ty Tabor, and Larry McCray, while Larry Carlton talks about his final tour.

It’s all in the June issue of Vintage Guitar!

One of the most-recognizable guitarists of the early ’70s, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter was the Tele-wielding rocker in Steely Dan and has worked a lifetime of A-list sessions. His new album, The Speed of Heat, is packed with eclectic synergy.

Son of an auto mechanic and a guitar-shop owner at age 18, Steve Evans spent years taking photographs of guitars that share names with cars that share names with guitars. We offer a look at his work.

By the early ’60s, Gretsch was riding high with models endorsed by Chet Atkins; one of them is an icon, another faded quickly. Few, if any, were like the ’62 Country Gent Custom.

While scanning a VG ad in 2009, Billy Soutar spotted a 1936 Gibson L-7, “Custom... with factory Charlie Christian pickup.” The word “rare” especially caught his attention, and he was soon taking a long drive to buy it.

Les Paul’s name on the headstock of Gibson’s debut solidbody was the biggest guitar-star endorsement of its time. The GA-40 amp came with it, offering tone players still dig today.

“Pop ’N Hiss” revisits the challenges faced by Lynyrd Skynyrd in making its first album, Pronounced ‘Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd’, while Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” examines the full-tilt boogies of Foghat. Dan Forte’s “Check This Action” reminds us why Eric Burdon and the Animals were a landmark act, and Dan Erlewine guides a high-school student through a guitar build.

As always, “Approved Gear” offers an objective screening. This month, it’s the Earthquaker Devices Special Cranker, Luna Art Vintage Parlor A/E, MoJo Hand Swim Team, Fender Meteora, Line 6 Catalyst, Maestro FZ-M Fuzz-Tone, Grez Mendocino, and the Jackson Pro Series Jeff Loomis Soloist SL7.

Everyone loves to freshen-up their playlist or music collection, and “Hit List” review staff is always finding the best new stuff. This month, they include Black Crowes, Graham Nash, Lightnin’ Hopkins, John Scofield, ZZ Top, Albert Cummings, Eric Johnson, Def Leppard, and more! To talk about new music, we sit with Phil Collen, Mike Campbell, Eric Johnson, Jim Weider, Shane Fontayne, Josh Smith, and Will Ackerman.

It’s all in the August issue of Vintage Guitar!

The September 2022 Issue of Vintage Guitar magazine featuring Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Jeff Hanna, Bad Company, Danny Gatton’s ES-295, Foghat, Dallas Rangemaster and Scala, Duke Levine and much more!

Psych-blues maestro J.D. Simo is the wizard behind the guitars heard throughout the feature film Elvis. The gig required him to embody the sounds of Scotty Moore, James Burton, Hank Garland, Tommy Tedesco, B.B. King, and others. Simo tells us why it was more fun than a barrel full of monkeys.

Despite the way collectors and dealers bandy the term “lawsuit guitars,” real-world examples are few. One time it did happen was triggered by the Vox Symphonic Bass.

All tweed Fenders are lauded, but the V-Front 5B4 Super might be the most iconic. This one was also the compatriot of a player known for his tone.

Like most baby-boomer kids, Vern Juran was into slot-car tracks and bikes with banana seats and sissy bars. He also loved guitars, and this Harmony Stratotone sent him down the path. After being traded 50 years ago, it recently returned to him.

A trade-show curiosity, Höfner’s Fledermaus Gitarre may be pedestrian in terms of materials, but its design was a radical departure. Today, it entices aficionados and collectors.

We talk about new music with Billy Sheehan, Adrian Belew, Lari Basilio, Tim May, Walter Strauss, and Mark Lettieri.

Blues aficionados recognize Pee Wee Crayton as a legend. Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” tells the story of “The little man with a big sound,” who dominated the charts briefly in the years between T-Bone Walker and B.B. King.

As they started studio work in 1976, Thin Lizzy was in trouble. Their label wanted a hit   –and “The Boys Are Back in Town” wasn’t on the short list for Jailbreak. With help from Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson, “Pop ’N Hiss”  tells what changed their minds.

Ceil Thompson returns to “Dan’s Guitar Rx” for more work on her from-scratch guitar senior project.

Because you’re constantly on the lookout for good new music, our “Hit List” review staff tells you why the latest from the Doobie Brothers, Pink Floyd, Talas, Kris Kristofferson, Lari Basilio, Kirk Fletcher, Six by Six, Happy Traum, and others is worth a listen.

Speaking of worthy, in a world inundated with new amps, instruments, and gadgets, our “Apprved Gear” reviewers explain why you won’t be wasting time or money if you try the Aclam Woman Tone OD, Keeley HALO Andy Timmons, MojoHand Octaverse, Donner Rising-G Pro, Mesa Boogie California Tweed 6V6 2:20, Martin 00-28 Modern Deluxe, Peavey VYPYR X, or Misco ToneSpeak 12s

It’s all in the November issue of Vintage Guitar!

GA-20’s Matt Stubbs is a disciple of Johnny “Guitar” Watson, Earl Hooker, and the guitar Kings, while Pat Faherty’s influences are more-modern. Their new album, Crackdown, reaches back while moving the blues forward.

Also dropping by to discuss their latest music are Richie Kotzen, Jeff Berlin, Mike Morgan, Steve Knight, Ewan Currie, and Grant Geissman. Wolf Marshall recalls the legendary work of Toy Caldwell, while “Pop ’N Hiss” examines how Black and Blue stands out in the catalog and history of the Rolling Stones.

Reid Farrell bought a used Fiesta Red ’59 Tele for $125, then used it and later sold it to Billy F Gibbons, who used it on two of ZZ Top’s biggest hits. “Classics” tells its story.

B.C. Rich closed the 20th century with its version of a “see through” guitar. In case you’ve forgotten, here’s the tale of the Acrylic Warlock. 

Orange amps are known for their raucous British sound. Created when amps were huge and men were men, the OR80 Combo screams bell-bottomed rock style and attitude. Here’s the how and why.

Leo Mazow’s vision for an exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts stemmed from the guitar’s overwhelming popularity. Given its rich history, he knew it would make for an engaging exhibition. We knew it’d make for a cool magazine spread!

Our “Hit List” review staff screens the latest music from CCR, Jimi Hendrix, Albert Lee, Sonny Landreth, Pat Travers, Robben Ford and Bill Evans, Mark Knopfler, and more!

With the holidays approaching, it’s time to drop hints to Santa. We tell you why the EHX J Mascis Ram’s Head Big Muff, Fishman Loudbox Mini, Keeley Dark Side Hero, Dr Z Z28 Mk II, Eastwood Classic 6, Maestro Ranger Overdrive/Invader Distortion, Guild Starfire I-12, and the Universal Audio Dream ’65 Reverb/Ruby ’63 Top Boost/Woodrow ’56 will keep you from wasting St. Nick’s precious time.

It’s all in the December issue of Vintage Guitar!

Like large celestial bodies, some guitar collectors have a gravity that draws objects to them. In 2016, rare Copper Iridescent Les Pauls began entering Joe Bonamassa’s orbit. We check them out.