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Gibson Marks 100 Years with the Return of the Original Collection
News

Gibson Marks 100 Years with the Return of the Original Collection

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A New Yorker Fit for Memphis Minnie
Vintage Vault

A New Yorker Fit for Memphis Minnie

Two Recent Books Offer Music History You Can Hold
Esoterica Electrica

Two Recent Books Offer Music History You Can Hold

Paul Natkin’s The Moment of Truth and Fleetwood Mac in Chicago by Jeff Lowenthal and Robert Schaffner remind us of the importance of the rock ’n’ roll and blues photography that used to accompany our favorite releases.

Singer Bessie Smith influences Duke Ellington, Elvis, Chuck Berry, the Beatles, the Stones, Miles Davis, Prince, Zeppelin, and more.
Last Call

Last Call: An American Bach

While watching the Ken Burns documentary Jazz, I realized all the music I love was born from the jazz and blues of Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong.

Bass-ic Metamorphosis: Creating Something from Nothing
The Root of It All

Bass-ic Metamorphosis: Creating Something from Nothing

The steel pan orchestra proves that bass is more than an instrument. It’s an experience.

The Mosrite Copy That Once Cost More Than a New Strat
Wizard of Odd

The Mosrite Copy That Once Cost More Than a New Strat

The Vox V241 Bulldog is (almost) a dead ringer for a Mosrite, but plugging in reveals a mellower sound that is less Ventures and more … Pinky Perky and the Beakles?

A Burst From a Different Golden Era
Vintage Vault

A Burst From a Different Golden Era

Gibson's acoustic Nick Lucas Special was a distinguished debut entry in the history of signature model guitars.

A Royal Tribute to Fender’s Vibro-King
Silver & Black

A Royal Tribute to Fender’s Vibro-King

This bruising 60-watt powerhouse is ready for anything, with three speakers, five reverb and tremolo controls, and a fat boost.

Marleaux bass guitars
Bass Bench

Myths and Rumors on Scale Length

Our columnist debunks some of the many myths surrounding Leo Fender's P-bass design.

Hooked: The Black Pumas' Eric Burton on Cat Stevens' "Peace Train"
Videos

Hooked: The Black Pumas' Eric Burton on Cat Stevens' "Peace Train"

The World’s Weirdest Guitar Mods and Builds
Electric Guitars

The World’s Weirdest Guitar Mods and Builds

Feast your eyes and ears on these 6-string mutants, monsters, and mooncalves—approved by Dr. Frankenstein, but ready to make great music.

Ibanez "Lawsuit Era" Les Paul Custom Copy
Trash or Treasure

Ibanez "Lawsuit Era" Les Paul Custom Copy

The story behind Ibanez-lawsuit era guitars, and how much this Les Paul-style is worth.