ICON I C GU ITARS

A CELEBRATION OF HISTORIC & RARE GUITARS FROM THE GOLDEN ERA

Though nitro finishes may fade with time, the magic of playing and (for the lucky few) owning classic electric guitars never will. That’s why we’ve put together this richly illustrated 36-page guide to some of the most iconic vintage electrics in the world. Guitars such as Fender’s 60s Strats or Gibson’s late-50s Les Paul Standards have inspired thousands of imitations over the years, but to go back to source and touch, play and hear the originals is still a very special thing for most guitarists. By better appreciating such classics, we also come to better understand how the sonic archetypes we all rely on – from juicy humbucker tone to shimmering single-coil sounds – have evolved. And while we know much about the history of such guitars in this well‑informed age, there are always further surprises to be uncovered. One of the most fascinating examples graces the cover of this very publication: a 1960 Les Paul Standard that was brought in, out of the blue, to ATB Guitars in Cheltenham, by an unsuspecting member of the public who thought it might be worth £5,000 or so… It was quickly identified as a previously unknown, genuine ’Burst and sold to blues-rock’s man of the hour, Joe Bonamassa, who bought it (for considerably more than five grand) to be lovingly restored and take its place among his extensive and hard‑working collection of rare vintage guitars. He joined Huw Price to tell Guitarist the story of this incredible instrument on page 4. We hope you’ll enjoy joining us on this absorbing journey into sonic history.