Vintage Guitar Magazine 2023 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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December 2023

The new album by iconic rocker Brian Setzer highlights his rockabilly fire while delivering a few surprises. It’s what a dude does! We also talk new music with Carl Verheyen, Sherly Bailey, Roman Bulakhov, Dom Martin, Scott Holt, Lance Lopez, and Trevor Rabin.

We take a deep dive into the life and career of A-Team guitarist/A-list producer Jerry Kennedy. A session player at 13, he later guided some of the most-enduring recordings by everyone from Roger Miller to Charlie Rich, Jerry Lee Lewis to Reba McEntire.

Austin nightclub impresario Clifford Antone was also a musician and collector who gathered early Teles and Strats, custom-color Fenders, and Gibsons from the ’50s. His favorite, though, was a ’52 Precision Bass that he used to jam with a long list of blues legends.

Late-run Park amps were often testing grounds for experimenting with Marshall circuits – hotter preamp stages, different output-stage configurations, etc. The 100-watt Park Model 1229 profiled this month has a tone stage unlike anything in Marshalls of the day.

Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” keys on vital licks played by Randy Rhoads on Ozzy Osbourne’s Tribute, Dan Forte’s “Check This Action” examines players who blur the boundaries of jazz, and “Pop ‘N Hiss” recalls the attitude behind The Black Crowes’ Shake Your Money Maker.

Need stocking stuffers? Our gear-review staff tells you why Drybell, Keeley, Xotic, Empress, Guild, Paul Hartmanny, Fender, and Tone King all offer great choices, no matter if it’s a holiday gift for yourself or that player in your life.

And of course our “Hit List” review staff is here to recommend great music to freshen your listening days and nights, including new stuff from Brian Setzer, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, John Scofield, Coco Montoya, Little Feat, Geezer Butler, Fleetwood Mac, and more!

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

November 2023

An in-demand producer and collaborator who has penned hit songs for country superstars, Jimmy Olander’s career has always focused on Diamond Rio, the Grammy-winning band he helped form.

We talk new music with Nick Moss, Cliff Goodwin, Popa Chubby, Jared James Nichols, and John Notto, then pay tribute to Bernie Marsden.

The ever-evolving circuits in the amplifier known as the Fender Bassman have birthed several classics; Dave Hunter explores one of the best-sounding – which few even knew they were playing through.

For decades, the sunburst finish has been ubiquitous on guitars, basses, mandolins, et al. But whose concept was it, and what was the motivation?

Rob Zolezzi’s life as a touring guitarist was partly inspired by studio legend Al Caiola. A devout Gretsch collector, Robby Z’s #1 piece is a prototype from his hero’s heyday, when the New York company was courting his endorsement. Don’t miss this installment of “Classics.”

Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” studies the renowned modern-traditionalist jazz of Jack Wilkins, while “Dan’s Guitar Rx” finishes restoration of a ’58 ES-335 that re-entered Dan Erlewine’s orbit, and Dan Forte’s “Check This Action” discusses Roaming With Terry “Buffalo” Ware.

Because it’s always the right time to spruce up your tone and broaden your choices, our knowledgable, objective “Approved Gear” crew is here to lend its thoughts on the Coppersound Kingpin OD and Iris Compressor, Positive Grid Spark Go, Walrus Slöer, Kochel Resonator, Eastman Sidejack DLX 20th Anniversary, Gator Cases MiniVault, Fender AVII ’54 Precision Bass, and the Friedman JEL-20.

Being a discerning music listener, you’ll appreciate our “Hit List” screenings of the latest from Dirty Honey, Buddy & Julie Miller, Daniel Donato, The Who, Brothers Osborne, Robin Trower, Fareed Haque, and many more!

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

October 2023

Famous for his songwriting, beneath the minimal compositional style that marked Robbie Robertson was a true guitar stylist. We remember the man who went from wild solos with Ronnie Hawkins to penning classics like “The Weight” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.”

We talk new music with Vince Gill and Paul Franklin, Adrian Vandenberg, Joanna Connor, Matteo Mancuso, Eleonora Strino, Scott Holiday, and the Ventures’ Bob Spalding.

An integral piece of Chicago’s blues history, Freddie King’s style has been emulated by every blues-rock guitarist who followed. We tell the story of the Gibson ES-355 that was his go-to in his final years.

One of the most-desirable vintage amps ever made goes by “Bluesbreaker,” a name it never officially had. Possibly the first Marshall brought to America, this particular Marshall Model 1961 has a story with plenty of allure.

“Classics” recalls the emergence of Michael Bloomfield as the first “guitar god” thanks to his work with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. This ’63 Strat was his favorite solidbody prior to his untimely passing.

Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” digs into the genre-defying work of Ty Tabor, while “Pop ‘N Hiss” recruits Robin Trower to discuss his game-changing Twice Removed from Yesterday album.

Our highly knowledgable gear-review sifts through the fine points of the Boss DM-101, EHX Andy Summers Walking On the Moon, UAFX Galaxy ’74, Fishman Acoustiverb, Pocket Blender, and ProEQ Mini, the Jam Harmonious Monk II and Boomster II, Seymour Duncan ’78 Model pickups, Guild’s Polara Kim Thayil, and the PRS NF 53.

One benefit of shorter fall days is more time to chill and listen to great guitar music. Our “Hit List” tells you why you should push “Play” on new releases by Beck, Bogert & Appice, Vince Gill & Paul Franklin, Frank Zappa, Roy Buchanan, Pete Townshend, Nick Moss, and many more!

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

September 2023

Gov’t Mule didn’t spend the pandemic sittin’ on its hands. The band’s second album from that stretch, Peace… Like A River, is a display of world-class musicians with special guests joining the flow. Warren Haynes tells us about it.

We talk more new music with Nils Lofgren, John Pizzarelli, Monster Mike Welch, Duane Betts, Dan Wilson, Steve Turner, and Ralph Towner.

A 60-year-old amp in near-showroom condition will take your breath away, especially when it’s a ’63 Bandmaster – Last of the Oxbloods.

Emerging in ’60s catalogs from Hagström and Framus, eight-string basses occupy their own sonic niche. So does Tom Petersson’s Gretsch Round Up 12-String.

Down Bakersfield way, luthier Tony Brown and graphic artist/designer Theresa Spanke built a handful of guitars using the final wood remnants from Trout’s nightclub, an originator of a certain country-music style made famous by Red Simpson, Merle Haggard, and others.

In “Classics” we highlight a one-off Micro-Frets Huntington, made by one of history’s underrated builders – and spawned by Fender’s infamous “lawsuit” frenzy.

Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” examines the influences and impact of rock legend Mick Ralphs. Meanwhile, “Dan’s Guitar Rx” column has Mr. Erlewine beginning the resurrection of an old acquaintance.

Our knowledgable, objective gear-review staff digs into the Dr. Z 35th Anniversary Carmen Ghia 1×10, Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 FR E HSS, Fishman Broken Record, Ibanez Artcore Expressionist AM93QM, Interstellar Audio Machines Octonaut Hyperdrive, and the Reddick Voyager CS.

Brush aside those end-of-summer doldrums by freshening your playlist with great new guitar music. This month, our “Hit List” staff screens the latest by the Ventures, Joanna Connor, Monster Mike Welch, Eric Clapton, Kentucky Colonels, Hot Tuna, Johnny Winter, Vandenberg, and many more!

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

August 2023

The August 2023 Issue of Vintage Guitar magazine featuring Steve Lukather, Dominic Miller, Steve Khan, ’92 Gibson M-III Standard, ’74 Traynor YGM-4 Studio Mate, Sam Kiszka, Selwyn Birchwood, Dave Davies, Brennen Leigh and much more!

July 2023

The July 2023 Issue of Vintage Guitar magazine featuring Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt, Philosophy of Slide, Nick Perri, Dad’s Day, ’56 Duo-Jet, Robben Ford/Yellowjackets, George Lynch, Nili Brosh, Rodrigo Sanchez and much more!

June 2023

Their new album is edgy, guitar-intensive music informed by blues, pop, and rock. Read about the alt-blues summit that is Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton.

We also talk new music with Ana Popovic, Ian Hunter, Joe Louis Walker, John Oates, Joel Hoekstra, Mike Keneally, and Kevin Comeau.

Gibson’s original Firebirds are classics, no doubt. But did the “non-reverse” version that replaced them deserve the criticism? Peter Stuart Kohman re-examines these intriguing basses.

Eric Clapton and his Model 1962 may have launched “the Marshall sound,” but the EL34/50-watt 2100 Lead & Bass brought its own appeal – but only to mail-order buyers in the U.K. Dave Hunter reveals its story.

In the ’70s, Danny Gatton sold a ’51 Nocaster (that once belonged to Roy Buchanan) to a young Bob Fener. Of course it has a story.

Gibson blazed a trail when it came to archtop design. But it took at least one wrong turn with an experimental archtop. George Gruhn and Walter Carter tell its tale.

Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” column dives into the story of studio legend Hiram Bullock, Dan Forte eulogizes lap-steel legend Freddie Roulette, and “Pop ‘N Hiss” take us behind the scenes with players who were there discussing Alice Cooper’s Billion Dollar Babies.

Our gear reviewers bring their informed, objective opinions on the Donner DST-700, Drybell Vibe Machine, Mayfly Goddess, Reverend Rick Vito Soul Agent, Strymon Cloudburst Ambient Reverb, Vigier G.V.Wood Hollow, Blackstar Amped 2, and the Orange Rockerverb 50 Mk III.

There’s no better way to roll into summer than with fresh tunes. Spruce your playlists with help from our reviews of new music by The Who, Cash Box Kings, Tommy Emmanuel, Ana Popovic, Arlen Roth and Jerry Jemmott, Eric Clapton, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, and many more!

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

May 2023

The May 2023 Issue of Vintage Guitar magazine featuring David Lindley, Tracii Guns, Gary Rossington, J. Geils Band’s Live Full House, Harvey Mandel, ’59 Carvin 8-15-B, ’56 Gretsch Duo-Jet and much more!

April 2023

The April 2023 Issue of Vintage Guitar magazine featuring Marty Stuart, Steve Vai, Sunny War, Merle Travis Bio, Kansas’ Leftoverture, Kim Simmonds’ ’73 Les Paul, ’30s Eroma Guitars, Stephen Ulrich and much more!

March 2023

The March 2023 Issue of Vintage Guitar magazine featuring Jeff Beck, Kim Simmonds, Fender’s Vintage Series, Jeff Beck Group, Keef’s Mesa/Boggie MK1, Rex Solidbody, King Crimson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and much more!

February 2023

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.

In 1997, Tom Petty was unsure what the future held for him or his band, the Heartbreakers, but he wanted something new. The elixer proved to be 20-show residency at one of America’s most-famed venues. We sat with guitarist Mike Campbell to learn more about what the gig meant for Tom and the band.
Languishing in the shadow of one of the greatest all-round amps, the humble blackface ’66 Fender Princeton brings plenty of charm. In some situations, it’s a better choice than its reverb-equipped cousin.
As always, we chat with great guitarists of all styles to talk new music; this month, it’s Vinnie Moore, Jim McCarty, Joe Robinson, Ron Bosse, Thom Rotella, Yates McKendree, and Anthony Gomes.
“Pop ‘N Hiss” talks to Clem Clempson about jumping aboard Humble Pie just in time to record its best-known album, Smokin’, while Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints” tells the story of Britain’s last ’80s guitar hero – The Cult guitarist Billy Duffy, who bridged gaps between hard rock, melodic metal, punk, and alternative. Dan Forte talks to guitarist Jim McCarty about the new box set of Cactus albums. We also debut a new column; “VG Q&A” uses the vast knowledge of staff to tackle questions that have gone unanswered on topics ranging from from songs, albums, and musicians to the minutiae of instrument builds, manufacturers, and the collectible market.
It’s time to freshen your playlist with the latest carefully screened picks by VG’s “Hit List” reviewers. This month, they dig into music by Miko Marks and the Resrrectors, King Crimson, Motörhead, Emily Nenni, The Cowsills, Don Leady, and many others.
New year, new gear, right? In case you need a nudge picking something, check out our objective reviews of the Cordoba Stage, Warm Audio Centavo, Xotic RC Booster reissue, Fender American Vintage II ’57 Stratocaster, Knaggs Chena, Maestro Titan Boost and Arcus Comp, Breedlove Organic Pro, and the PRS Fiore.
It’s all in the February issue of Vintage Guitar!

January 2023

The Grammy-nominated sisters in Larkin Poe are rising to new heights with an album that mixes Southern rock, blues, and deft slide guitar in songs that speak to life’s joy and struggles. And we take an exclusive first look at Megan Lovell’s new Beard Electro-Liege lap steel.

Kurt Hendrick’s funky solidbodies stood apart in the hands of Billy Gibbons, SRV, and other super-high-profile stars. They also propelled him through a fascinating, well-traveled career as an instrument designer. Here’s his story.

“Classics” reveals the story of Jay Mitzner, who at 13 was not only passionate about the guitar, he was good on it. Spurred by his guitar teacher, a trip to Sam Ash landed a used ’53 Les Paul in Jay’s hands, and it played a major role in his life.

After producing iconic tube amps, Vox leaned into ’60s solid-state technology. The move ultimately led to its implosion, but some creations from that transitional period – like the V-14 Super Beatle – are classics.

As always, we talk to select artists about their latest releases. This month, we catch up with Gene Simmons, Phil Keaggy and Mike Pachelli, Eli “Paperboy” Reed, Julian Lage, Kristian Borring, Daniele Gottardo, and Benjamin Kushner

“Pop ‘N Hiss” recalls the turmoil involved in making Rage Against the Machine’s Evil Empire, Wolf Marshall tells why Roy Lanham was pivotal in early country, jazz, and rock-and-roll music, and Dan Forte’s “Check This Action” reviews a new documentary film that explores the sound of surf music.

To help update your playlist, our “Hit List” music reviewers screen new released by The Beatles, John Entwistle, Mason Williams, Julian Lage, Kiss, Triumph, Larkin Poe, and many others.

And in case Santa missed a thing or two from your list, we talk about more new gear worth your time and money, like the Austin Mics Summer Reverb, Electro-Harmonix String9, Elite Acoustics D6-8 Pro, Crucial Audio Wah Velope, Fender Pro Junior IV SE, Schertler Giulia, Gretsch Malcolm Young G6131G-MY-R, and the Kammerer Tone Pod series.

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