It goes without saying that vintage instruments are put on an untouchable pedestal. They command more money than some houses, and are the benchmark against which all else is measured. So it’s only appropriate that new instruments emulate their look, feel and tone. Nearly everybody does it, with different levels of success. Here’s the gear that took us back this year, earning them the Premier Gear Vintage Vibe Award.
Jaguar Twin
The Jaguar Twin took us by surprise. The 2x12 combo, which can be switched between 45 and 30 watts, somehow channels every amp on the short-list of vintage holy grails, nailing Bassman, JTM-45, AC-30 and beyond. Add high-quality components and spectacular build quality, and we couldn’t ask for more.
“We’ve been really fortunate around here to have had the opportunity to play through some truly incredible amps… the Jaguar Twin is on the same level as the best of them.” – June ‘08
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Nik Huber Junior & Special
Nik Huber’s Junior & Special harken back to the “golden age” with fat, Gibson-esque neck profiles and kickin’ P-90s. Despite figured mahogany and Brazilian rosewood fingerboards, there’s a stripped-down feel that reminds us why we loved those vintage LPs in the first place. Reviewer James Egolf sums it up [October ‘08], “Even though the Junior and the Special are intended as stripped-down rock n’ roll machines, their high-end pedigree is always evident.”
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Campbell American Guitars Transitone
The Transitone’s vintage vibe was more than skin deep. Besides the guitar’s retro-cool shape, it broke away from the vintage pack with an uncannily broken-in feel from day one. Fitted with Jason Lollar “Jazzmaster” pups, the guitar handled Tele twang, blues and funk remarkably. Reviewer Michael Ross said [August ’08, online], “The Campbell American Transitone is one of the few currently made guitars that offer the vintage experience at well below vintage prices.”
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Gretsch G6118T “Double Annie”
Gretsch celebrated their 125th anniversary this year, and celebrated with the release of several guitars that are reminiscent of the roots of rock n’ roll. The Double Annie is one of those guitars, conjuring images of Gretsches from the fifties and sixties. The company managed to take a step forward while paying close tribute to vintage instruments by incorporating new bracing and TV Jones pickups. But even the TV Jones PowerTrons added to the vintage feel and sound, evoking the old FilterTrons. In the end, this guitar was as Gretsch as it gets. Said reviewer Chris Burgess [September ’08, online], “If you’re looking to Gretsch-ify your sound, and you want a perfect match-up for your vintage amp, the Double Annie would be a great way to go.
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