May 2023

We mark the passing of two of guitardom’s biggest heroes, David Lindley and Gary Rossington, with retrospective tributes including thoughts from fellow players.

Dropping in to talk new music are Chris Duarte, Sean Watkins, Roine Stolt, Guy Pratt, Tomas Janzon, Debashish Bhattacharya, and Eric Zolan. We also go in-depth with rock guitarist Tracci Guns. 

For decades, Carvin’s amps have gone head-to-head with Fenders and Marshalls. The 8-15-B typifies the brand’s DIY vibe, and Dave Hunter contines his best-in-class work revealing its secrets.

Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” column breaks down three of the best licks from the catalog of Harvey Mandel, Dan Erlewine narrates the reconstruction of a ’56 Gretsch Duo-Jet, in “Dan’s Guitar Rx,” and “Pop ’N Hiss” reminds us of the greatness that is the J. Geils Band’s “Live” Full House album, with fresh insight from the band.

Start scratching that itch for new gear by letting our review staff lend their informed, objective opinions. This month, they’ve chosen the Donner Lax Compressor, EHX Slap-Back Echo, Tech 21 Character Plus English Muffy, Gibson J-45 ’50s Faded, L-Guitar Lance Glass, GJM Tenoroc, Taylor AD11e, and the John Page Classic T-Style.

And of course, spring means it’s time to hit “refresh” on your playlists, so check our reviews of new releases by Fleetwood Mac, Nickel Creek, Paul Gilbert, Marshall Crenshaw, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Paco de Lucia, Stefan Grossman, and many more!

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