October 2021

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!