vintage guitar

This model, which Gretsch advertised as having both acoustic and electric capabilities, was introduced by the manufacturer in 1955 as an option for acoustic players who were hesitant about going down the electric guitar path.

Photo by Madison Thorn

In the early days of electric guitar production, blunders by those in the industry were not uncommon. Here’s the tale of one unsuccessful model and a young employee’s unfortunate experiment.

Here at Fanny’s House of Music, there’s a lot of virtues we hold dear. We try to be kind to everyone, and treat folks the same regardless of their experience level. But if I had to pick a character trait Fanny’s values most highly, it would be a willingness to learn. Possessing a willingness to learn means infinite potential. It means you can be anything you want to be if you try. It also means humility. Saying, “I don’t know the answer, but I’ll try to find out for you,” tells folks you respect them enough to not make stuff up. There’s a lot of power in admitting you don’t know everything.

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Rig Rundown - Joe Bonamassa

On a summer tour supporting his Time Clocks album, Joe Bonamassa unveils some new 6-strings and old favorites, and plays through what’s arguably the most covetable collection of onstage tube amps ever assembled.

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This Barney Kessel Custom ’burst is in exceptional condition, with a body that practically gleams. The only mod is one exchanged tuner and patches of old screw holes on the headstock.

This 1968 Gibson signature-model hollowbody has kept its glow—and nearly all its components—through the decades.

From the sparse, smoky ballads of Julie London to the hard bop of Sonny Rollins, Barney Kessel could back up just about anybody. The bandleader, session great, Wrecking Crew member, and sideman was one of the most accomplished guitarists of his era. His chordal complexity not only got him steady work and accolades, but also a collection of signature guitar models bearing his name.

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