Guitar Identification & Dating
Having spent years immersed in the intricate world of guitar construction, my journey into the nuances of Les Paul guitars with maple fretboards was both a professional exploration and a personal quest. These iconic instruments, renowned for their rich heritage and dynamic sound, present a unique intersection of craftsmanship and tonal potential. Drawing from my … Read more
Introduction to the Norlin Era As someone who has spent years entrenched in the annals of music journalism, I’ve often found myself captivated by the transformative years of the Norlin era, a time that redefined Gibson’s history and left an indelible mark on the world of vintage guitars. Born of enthusiasm and countless conversations with … Read more
Introduction to Jimmy Page’s Les Paul Custom As a writer deeply immersed in guitar history, I’ve always admired how Jimmy Page’s choice of the Les Paul Custom, famously known as Black Beauty, has influenced an entire generation of guitar players. In my quest to understand this legendary instrument’s journey, I’ve delved deep into its intricate … Read more
With over two decades at the helm of Guitar Player magazine, I’ve had the privilege of watching countless guitars evolve, yet few have held the timeless allure of the Gibson ES-125. This Gibson archtop guitar isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s a living legend cherished by both vintage collectors and modern performers. I’ve spent … Read more
Having engaged in lutherie since 1994, I’ve come to appreciate the intricate allure of old Gibson acoustic guitars—a passion fueled by years of hands-on experience and collaboration with dedicated collectors and seasoned musicians. These vintage gems, steeped in history and craftsmanship, offer much more than their resonant tones and storied pasts. Through countless hours spent … Read more
Introduction to the Gibson USA Angus Young SG When you’re as passionate about AC/DC as I am, the journey often leads you to the heart of rock ‘n’ roll’s raw essence—embodied by the Gibson USA Angus Young SG. Over my years in the industry, I’ve handled this remarkable guitar, dissected its intricacies, and gained insights … Read more
In my quest to uncover what truly defines a quality guitar, I turned my attention to Zager guitars—an endeavor that took me deep into the heart of instrument craftsmanship. Having spent decades immersed in the acoustics world, I’ve developed a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the subtle elements that distinguish exceptional … Read more
Exploring the sonic world of Eddie Van Halen’s Kramer guitars has been a transformative journey for me, both as a guitar aficionado and a lifelong admirer of rock’s most electrifying talents. I’ve spent countless hours diving into the mystique of these signature instruments—guitars that have inspired myriad rock guitarists and reshaped our understanding of rock … Read more
Unlocking the mystery behind a Gibson serial number can often feel as elusive as finding a secret chord. As a seasoned luthier, I’ve personally wrestled with this challenge more times than I can count. My journey down this rabbit hole began unexpectedly when a unique serial number on a client’s vintage Gibson revealed an astonishing … Read more
Having spent nearly three decades in the world of lutherie, I’ve learned that a guitar’s origin is more than just a label; it’s a key factor that influences its sound, playability, and even its soul. When it comes to Epiphone guitars, the question of where they are made is a frequent topic of debate among … Read more