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Guitarist reunited with his Gibson Les Paul

“When it got stolen, he said he felt as if he had lost a part of himself”: Guitarist reunited with his vintage Gibson Les Paul, 27 years after it disappeared

By Matt Owen published 15 February 24

The '81 Les Paul Custom was stolen way back in 1997, and after some persistent detective work, it's now been returned to its rightful owner – just in time for his 50th birthday

1963 Fender Stratocaster Royal Blue Metallic

“Playing a guitar like this back in 1963 must have been truly mind-blowing”: Meet the 1963 Stratocaster with one of Fender’s rarest-ever finishes, Blue Metallic Flake

By Huw Price published 17 November 23

With a super-rare custom color finish that serves as a reminder of the influence Fender took from the motor industry, and in pristine condition, this is a collector’s item for the ages

1967 Fender Semi-Hollow Stratocaster prototype

“It was one of these totally experimental guitars, a complete one of one”: In 1967, Fender toyed with redesigning its most famous electric guitar – this is the secret history of the semi-hollow Stratocaster prototype

By Rod Brakes published 12 September 23

This 1967 semi-hollow Strat was built with zebrawood during a particularly experimental time for Fender – vintage expert David Davidson of Well Strung Guitars tells the story of an R&D oddity

A 150-year-old Martin acoustic is up for sale on Reverb – and it’s surprisingly attainable and 100 percent playable

By Jonathan Horsley published 6 September 23

The compact 1-21 must have some tales to tell, and it’s in such good condition that it’s got plenty more songs in it yet

The history of Gibson's electric archtops

By Rod Brakes published 5 March 21

We shed light on some of the key differences between Gibson’s early flagship models…

5 things to check when buying a vintage guitar

By Jamie Dickson published 10 December 20

Matt Gleeson of setup and maintenance wizards Monty’s Guitars on what to look for in an older guitar before buying

Gretsch 1957 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman

Gretsch Chet Atkins signature models: everything you need to know

By Rod Brakes published 9 November 20

Chet Atkins will always be remembered for his golden-era Gretsch guitars, but can you remember which one’s which?

Historic Hardware: Blackguard Fender Teles

The history and mythology behind Fender's rare Blackguard Telecasters

By Rod Brakes published 4 September 20

Historic Hardware: Tele expert Richard diZerega walks us through the Blackguard era of Esquires, Broadcasters, Nocasters and Telecasters

The Beatles: guitar by guitar – a guide to the models that made music history

By Tony Bacon published 23 July 20

The Beatles revolutionised music and made the guitar the world's most popular instrument. On the 50th anniversary of their final album, we trace the models that made the magic…

Interview with Mamie Minch: Blues Guitarist and Technician at RetroFret in Brooklyn

By Laura B. Whitmore published 24 June 11

I smelled a guitar today. At first I thought the request was kind of odd, but then I appreciated just how much Mamie Minch and the guys at RetroFret really cared for the instruments they refurbish.

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