February 2025

Carving a niche with soul-infused music informed by the blues, R&B, pop, and rock delivered with conviction, Tommy Castro is beloved for his guitar work and vocal style. To help create his new album, his famous ’66 Strat was pulled from under the bed.

Who invented the electric guitar? There is no single answer, but Peter Stuart Kohman tells the fascinating story about how, after leaving Gibson, Lloyd Loar teamed with Lewis A. Williams on one entry to the fray – the Vivi-Tone “Skeleton.”

In the mid ’60s, guitarists learned that 100 watts (or more!) was the way to go. The best approach however, followed several paths. Dave Hunter examines arena-rock alternative amps.

We pay homage to British guitarist Vic Flick, known for playing one especially famous movie-theme lick.

We talk new music with Tab Benoit, Yasmin Williams, Oz Noy and Andrew Synowic, Kristian Borring, and Marcin.

In “Fretprints,” Wolf Marshall examines Wes Montgomery’s transcendent masterpiece Full House.  Dan Erlewine and the VIPs in his shop continue to refurbish a custom-built doubleneck from the ’70s. Mark Farner talks about the making of Grand Funk’s We’re An American Band, in “Pop ’N Hiss.” Dan Forte’s “Check This Action” takes a listen to great folk-blues albums.

Our knowledgeable and informed review staff offers their objective thoughts on the Keeley Zoma, Bad Cat Cub V, EHX POG 3, Reverend Greg Koch Gristle ST, and Xotic XSS.

We have some great ideas for artist to freshen your playlists – and ears! We screen music by SRV & Albert King, Dwight Yoakam, Billy Strings, Yasmin Williams, Allman Brothers Band, Hot Club of San Francisco, and more!

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