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GALLERY: Golden Era of Gretsch

The guitars conceived and produced by the Gretsch Company after WWII represent some of the more unique sounding and visually dynamic models available during the ''50s and into the mid-''60s.

'57 Jet Firebird model 6131
The Jet Firebird model 6131 is a variation on the Jet solidbody theme. Debuting in 1955 it featured an Oriental Red top with black finish on the back and sides. Bo Diddley favored a '57 Jet Firebird. This specimen has had a Bigsby B3 vibrato tailpiece added. (Photo courtesy of Ron O'Keefe)

The legendary Dobro player talks about how to get session work, working with Allison Kraus, and the “baton pass” involved in recording great songs.

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These before (left) and after (right) shots demonstrate only a fraction of the restoration process our columnist carried out.

Photos courtesy of Delgado Guitars

This centuries-old instrument, which belonged to the daughter-in-law of President Andrew Jackson, has witnessed almost 200 years of American history.

We tend to think of “history” as something we read about or learn from our elders, rather than something we live and contribute to. I’ve often wondered if my great-uncle knew he was making history when, as a Mexican immigrant, he built the original Mickey Mouse guitar for Walt Disney in the early 1950s.

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Orangewood Juniper Live Acoustic Guitar Demo
- YouTube

PG contributor Zach Wish demos Orangewood's Juniper Live, an all-new parlor model developed with a rubber-lined saddle. The Juniper Live is built for a clean muted tone, modern functionality, and stage-ready performance.

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After decades of 250 road dates a year, Tab Benoit has earned a reputation for high-energy performances at clubs and festivals around the world.

Photo by Brad Elligood

After a 14-year break in making solo recordings, the Louisiana guitar hero returns to the bayou and re-emerges with a new album, the rock, soul, and Cajun-flavoredI Hear Thunder.

The words “honesty” and “authenticity” recur often during conversation with Tab Benoit, the Houma, Louisiana-born blues vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter. They are the driving factors in the projects he chooses, and in his playing, singing, and compositions. Despite being acclaimed as a blues-guitar hero since his ’80s days as a teen prodigy playing at Tabby Thomas’ legendary, downhome Blues Box club in Baton Rouge, Benoit shuns the notion of stardom. Indeed, one might also add simplicity and consistency as other qualities he values, reflected in the roughly 250 shows a year he’s performed with his hard-driving trio for over two decades, except for the Covid shutdown.

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