Back Issues

An old soul, 23-year-old Marcus King has been a performer since age 11, and new album shows off his mature songwriting and vocals. It’s also bursting with splendid guitar playing and dirty blues riffs. We also speak with Aussie intro-guitar legend Martin Cilia, who plays stages worldwide with some impressive vintage guitars. We dig into new music with Jim Cregan, Yasi Hofer, Jonathan Kreisberg, Don Latarski, Christie Lenée, Coco Montoya, and Dave Specter. Michael Wright looks at the symbolism behind the Epiphone U.S.A. Spirit II, while Dave Hunter unearths a fascinating Cordovox Rotating Speaker cab. Country legend Ricky Skaggs goes under Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” microscope, and Living Colour’s Vivid is re-examinged in “Pop ’N Hiss.”

Anyone on the lookout for new gear (and who isn’t?) will want to see our objective reviews of AnalogMan’s Peppermint Fuzz, the Walrus Audio EB-10, Xotic Effects’ XVP-250K, the Danelectro 59X12, Jam Pedals’ Rooster Limited, the Schertler Unico, Gold Tone’s F-12, and Victoria’s Deluxe 1x12.

And because you’re always on the hunt for new music, we tell our thoughts on the latest from Pink Floyd, Marshall Tucker Band, Black Stone Cherry, Coco Montoya, Frank Zappa, Toto, Richard Thompson, and more.

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Just two of many stars of the “Play It Loud” exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Jimi Hendrix’s “Love Drops” Flying V and Rory Gallagher’s ’61 Strat are waiting and ready to inspire awe in guitarheads. We examine both in an exclusive look, and visit with producer Daniel Gallagher (Rory’s nephew) about the guitars and amps you’ll hear on the new live album, Check Shirt Wizard Live in ’77.

We also interview Dean and Robert DeLeo to learn why now is the time for Stone Temple Pilots to explore an acoustic-type thing. Enjoy an amazing Vox double shot with Peter Kohman’s look at the JMI/Vox Mark Series “teardrop” guitars and Dave Hunter’s archaeology of the AC10 Super Reverb. Wolf Marshall reminds us of Brad Whitford’s understated role with Aerosmith in “Fretprints,” and “Pop ’N Hiss” goes Americana with Lucinda Williams’ Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. We chat about new music with Tinsley Ellis, Will Sexton, Paul Rodgers, Frank Hannon, Andy Powell, and John Moreland.

In “Approved Gear,” we offer honest opinions of the Heather Brown Electronicals Blessed Mother, Keeley ECCOS Delay Looper, Tyler Morris Designs Turbo Booster, Guild X-175 Manhattan Special, Reverend Airwave 12, Singleton Cool Bop Archtop, Novo Serus T, and the PRS 35th Anniversary Custom 24.

When it’s time to freshen your playlists, you can trust our “Hit List” music-review staff to find great stuff, like the latest from Al Di Meola, Cream, ZZ Top, Gary Moore, the Nick Moss Band, Lamb of God, and many others.

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Raised playing guitar in a nomadic Australian family, Tommy Emmanuel’s life has been inextricably tied to creating music. A rock star in the ’80s, he forged his own path to become the world’s foremost fingerstylist – and a national hero in his home country. We caught up to discuss his fascinating story, and new album. We also examine the forthcoming book Seeing Stevie Ray, by photographer Tracy Anne Hart, who for 40 years has trained a lens on guitarists to illustrate the collaborative nature of music and photography. Dave Hunter offers his usual superlative study, this time on the ’62 Premier 120R, a B-list amp that offers more than you’d think! Michael Wright does the same with the familiar shape that is the ’82 Ibanez Rocket Roll II. Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” discusses three players – Steve Lynch, Vito Bratta, and Reb Beach – who created some of the ’80s best licks, while “Pop ’N Hiss” explains why Billy Cobham’s Spectrum is sheer brilliance thanks in part to the very underrated Tommy Bolin.

We pay homage to John Prine and Bucky Pizzarelli, then talk new music with Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Steve Khan, and Jim Lauderdale.

Our “Approved Gear” offers a look at the best new stuff for helping you pursue those musical inspirations, including the Punch Pedals Greg Marra Uppercut, Tru-Fi Colordriver, Walrus Audio Mako D1, Fender American Ultra Jazzmaster, Marchione Master Burst, Rajani VOD-50, Boss ME-80, and the Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1960 Les Paul Standard.

Speaking of inspiration, how about some new jams? Our “Hit List” music-review staff is ready with a great list of suggested listening, like the latest from Rory Gallagher, Tommy Emmanuel, Cindy Cashdollar, Joe Satriani, David Grissom, Willie Nelson, Eric Johnson, and many others.

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Dapper and dashing, T-Bone Walker was a pioneering electric-blues guitarist. He and the big, beautiful ’49 Gibson ES-5N we feature this month made the model requisite for fashionable blues men. We also tell the story of Leonard “Baby Doo” Caston, The Mississippi native helped seed the line between the Delta and Chicago. While touring the world, the National Sonora feature in this issue was his go-to guitar. Amp guru Dave Hunter digs into the Supro Model S6422TR Tremo-Verb, and fellow vintage-gear sage Peter Kohman explores the gimmicky Burns TR2/Vibra Slim. Don’t miss our annual “Dad’s Day” ode to fathers who inspire. We talk speak with Johnn Colla, Kinga Glyk, Frank Marino, Wayne Krantz, Adam Hawley, Nili Brosh, Gordon Lightfoot, and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thall about their new music. Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” gets grungy, breaking down three of the greatest licks from Jerry Cantrell, while “Pop ’N Hiss” reminds why Free’s Fire and Water is such an impressive piece of work, thanks in large part to the playing of Paul Kossoff.

Our “Approved Gear” takes a close look and gives objective opinions of the Asher Mozo, Boss DD-3T, MXR Timmy, Danelectro ’59 Divine, Eastwood Mad Cat, Fender ’64 Custom Princeton Reverb, Fender American Acoustasonic Stratocaster, and the G&L Espada. Also, because it’s always a great time to find new music, we offer our thoughts on the latest by the Allman Brothers Band, Alex de Grassi, David Bromberg, Vandenberg, Robby Krieger, Pokey LaFarge, Wylde Ratttz, Neil Young, and others while Dan Forte takes us on a journey through the British blues boom – think Eric Clapton, Kim Simmonds, Brett Marvin, Graham Hine, Mick Taylor, Peter Green, Jeremy Spencer, and others – in his “Check This Action” column.

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August 2020 issue Featuring Billy F Gibbons

When it came time to reissue his 2005 book, Rock + Roll Gearhead, Billy Gibbons dug deeper into his collections. We get the lowdown on the upgrade. In another exclusive, we visit with sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell, a.k.a. Larkin Poe, whose new album is hotter than a Rickenbacker frying pan sittin’ on a Mississippi sidewalk in the summertime! Plus, we tell the riveting stories of the Kramer 650G and Fender’s ’61 Bandmaster. Need a big ol’ dose of vintage wire and wood? Check out Tom Guerra’s collection. We talk new music with Kid Ramos, Jimmy Johnson, Tom Principato, Kurt Rosenwinkel, George Lynch, and Josh Smith. Then, grab your guitar and strum along as Wolf Marshall breaks down career-making licks from Carlos Rios. Join us in revisiting Skynyrd’s Second Helping, and build new playlists from our reviews of the latest music from George Barnes, Webb Wilder, Rory Block, Eli Cook, and many more. Everybody loves new gear, but before plunking down your hard-earned cash, catch our reviews of great stuff from Boss, Lucky Dog, Valco, EVH, Relish Guitars, PRS, and Reverend. Learn More

Mike Campbell talks about his favorite vintage instruments and their role in creating new music with his band, The Dirty Knobs. Other artists sharing thoughts on their latest work include Dennis Jones, Gwenifer Raymond, Charles Moothard, Adrian Smith, Jock Bartley, and Johnny Nicholas.

Dave Hunter traces the history of the famed Vox AC100, and examine how the Schaeffer-Vega Diversity System revolutionized arena rock.

Rock and roll guitar has always involved effects pedals. Eilon Paz’s new book, Stompbox: 100 Pedals of the World’s Greatest Guitarists digs into the favorites of high-profile players. We offer an excerpt.

Wolf Marshall studies the life and licks of Soundgarden’s Kim Thayill.

In “Pop ’N Hiss,” we talk with Steve Hunter about his work on the classic Lou Reed’s Rock N Roll Animal and Lou Reed Live albums.

Zac Childs reveals the secrets behind Fender’s Wide Range humbucker.

Our “Classics” photo feature stacks up the Gibson korina, showcasing a ’58 Flying V and ’59 Explorer along with their lesser-known sib, a ’61 Skylark lap steel!

Few things in life are better than discovering great new music, and we’re here to help! Grab this month’s “Hit List” reviews, where we highlight the latest from Wes Montgomery, Kid Ramos, Iron Maiden, Joe Bonamassa, John Lee Hooker, Hendrix, Allman Brothers Band, Orianthi, Lee Ritenour, and many others!

Our “Approved Gear” reviewes offer test the best new stuff. This month, we plug in the BSM RM Majestic Treble Booster, Cicognani Engineering Pompeii PP603, EHX Mainframe Bit Crusher, Epiphone Crestwood, Eastman MD515, Guild Artisocrat HH, JHS 3 Series, Solo Dallas Schaffer Replica Tower, Altamira TD-Birdseye Oval Hole, and the Fret King Esprit II.

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

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Our annual Readers’ Choice Awards honor players and their music for being beacons of light in the year that was (sigh...) 2020. And we induct Eric Johnson, Edward Van Halen, Rory Gallagher, Jerry Garcia, and the Gibson Les Paul Special to the VG Hall of Fame. 

For more than 30 years, Lyle Workman has backed Sting, Todd Rundgren, Frank Black, and others. His new album offers the sort of guitar master work anticipated by fans.

The Murch Squire II-T was – and is – an attention-getter with a fascinating SoCal origin story. 

Early classic amps always capture attention, even models like the Airline GIM 9151A, which hit the market after their builder’s star faded.

A casual stroll past a shuttered pawn shop in Sweden led to one of guitardom’s great discoveries – a hand-made ’58 Höfner 162!

Artists discussing their new music include acoustic-rock superstars Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell, from America, as well as Joe Bonamassa, Cory Wong, Eric Gales, Freddie Salem, and Wolf Hoffman. Wolf Marshall studies the early career of guitar legend Peter Frampton, focusing on his work in Humble Pie, while “Pop ’N Hiss” re-examines Rory Gallagher’s classic album, Photo-Finish.  

Fans of the Fab Four will love this month’s “Classics,” with its look at a nicely thematic collection. Plus, we have a look at Fender’s Blue Floral Tele and Tele Bass, today much- appreciated by collectors.

For a refresher on your gotta-hear music choices, check this month’s “Hit List” reviews, where we highlight the latest from AC/DC, Steve Lukather, Black Sabbath, Chris Hillman, Buzzcocks, Steve Earle, Rick Holmstrom, and many others!

Our “Approved Gear” review staff examines the Drybell Unit67, the Fender Player Series Jaguar, Pickaso Guitar Bow, Fryette Power Station PS-100, Prestige Classic TBK, Reverend Soul Shaker, Carr Super Bee, and the Positive Grid Spark.

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

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His guitar helped make Dinosaur Jr. legendary in alt-rock; we talk with J Mascis about the band’s 35 years, its new music, and challenges forging forward. Speaking of challenges, Lee Ritenour has overcome his share including wildfires that claimed his home, studio, and a lifetime of keepsakes. We check in as he keeps on. Other artists talking new music and gear include Steve Lukather, Michael Schenker, Yasmin Williams, Tony Rombola, and Rod Abernethy.

One of the great tales in 20th-century guitar lore, we tell the story of United Guitar Corporation. And because geeking-out on a amp is always time well spent, we explain the quirky appeal of the Epiphone Devon Tremolo EA-35T. Speaking of quirky, dig into our feature on two rare Gibson Les Paul Juniors, factory finished in black! Continuing the Gibson theme, this month’s “Classics” feature revisists the company’s 1940 logbooks and an early ES-250 with one of the first “diagonal” pickups.

Wolf Marshall breaks down the early career of Robben Ford, and our classic-vinyl “Pop ’N Hiss” column revisits Eric Johnson’s Ah Via Musicom.

Just in time to freshen your listening list, this month’s “Hit List” reviews the latest from Steve Cropper, Eric Clapton, Jimmie Vaughan, Greta Van Fleet, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Michael Schenker Group, Crack the Sky, Mudhoney, and many more.

Our “Approved Gear” crew explains why the Cordoba 15CFM, Keeley Hydra, Tone Electronix Animalizzer, Fender Player Jazz Bass Fretless, Harden Engineering BluesBird, Jammy G, Breedlove Jeff Bridges Concert Copper E, and ToneTron Billy Rocker 10 are worthy of your consideration.

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

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Founder of the genre-spanning Asleep at the Wheel, Ray Benson reflects on five decades of triumph, setbacks, and personnel changes that helped revive Western swing. Plus, we talk with three key former members. 

We also ask Neal Schon why he’s selling his iconic Journey guitars, and interview Travis Tritt to talk about the guitars that went along on his first trip to a recording studio in more than a decade. 

Speaking of recording, we talk new music with Styx’s Tommy Shaw and James Young, Paul Gilbert, John Notto, Reverend Peyton, Earl Slick, Jimmy James, and Marc Bonilla, then pay homage to pedal-steel master Rusty Young. 

If you’ve ever wondered about the uber-cool silver-gray tolex on Rickenbacker’s guitar/bass cases from the ’60s, you’ll dig the B14A amp, wrapped in the same stuff. And yes, it sounds good, too! More cool happens with a ’69 Dan Armstrong Lucite guitar and matching ’71 Lucite bass, as well John Wiley’s Guild F-20 Troubadour and Hagstrom Futurama.

Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” tells us why Ronnie Montrose was America’s original answer to British heavy metal, while “Pop ’N Hiss” revisists the fusion greatness of Bruford’s One of a Kind. 

Freshen your guitar-music listening with recommendations from our expert music-review staff, who this month screen the latest by Julian Lage, John Hiatt and Jerry Douglas, Styx, Peter Frampton, Paul Gilbert, Tommy Emmanuel, The Who, and more.

There’s never a bad time to up your game with solid new “Approved Gear,” and this month our staff deep-dives on the Epiphone Nancy Wilson Fanatic, Fender Joe Strummer Campfire, Legendary Tones Lynch Mod, Guild Starfire I DC GVT, Quilter Aviator Cub, Taylor 326ce Urban Ash, Dr. Z CAZ-45, and the PRS Studio.

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

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Brian Setzer’s new album revisits the rockabilly themes that have spurred him for decades, but also meets his personal challenge to keep it fresh – and laden with great guitar tones. We sit wit him to learn how it came together. We also talk to Alligator Records founder Bruce Iglauer about the great guitarists who’ve helped make the label a blues stalwart.

No matter your taste, you’ll dig the variety of artitsts discussing their latest work, from Nancy Wilson and Jerry Douglas to Guthrie Govan, Greg Koch and Sunny War to Mike Zito and Dave Wyndorf. Also, GA-20 helps us dive into their new album, a tribute to Hound Dog Taylor.

Speaking of great blues guitarists (and their guitars), this month’s “Classics” feature tells the bittersweet tale of Fenton Robinson’s ES-225. Dave Hunter reveals the spacey history of the Gibson GA-8 Discoverer, and Michael Wright details how Modulus employed futuristic materials in making the Graphite Flight 6.

Wolf Marshall reminds us of the brilliance of Walter Becker in “Fretprints,” while “Pop ’N Hiss” tells why Uriah Heep’s Demons and Wizards is watershed prog-metal.

As always, you’re interested in hearing the best new guitar music, and our expert review staff tells why the latest from Tedeschi Trucks Band, Billy F Gibbons, Mike Zito, Mick Fleetwood & Friends, Frank Zappa, Guy King, Night Ranger, John McLaughlin, Motörhead, and others is worth lending an ear.

If you’re also into making great music, read out “Approved Gear” reviews to learn about usable, high-quality new equipment. This month, our staff strums tests the Cicognani SexyBoost2, McGregor Crunch/Crunch Plus, MXR Eric Gales EG74 Raw Dawg, Orangewood Echo 12 Live, Supro Delta King 10, Universal Audio Astra Modulation Machine, Eastman SB55, and the Eastwood Bob Weir Artist.

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

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