GEAR SPECIALGEAR SPECIAL
42 PLAYER'S CHOICE To get the inside scoop on the best of today's guitars, amplification gear, and accessories, Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers went to the experts: the pros who rely on them every day on stage and in the studio. Twenty professional players share their personal equipment picks and offer advice on shopping for guitars and gear. Includes spotlights on notable new products.
56 AFFORDABLE CLASSICALS Guitarists have more options than ever before when it comes to choosing a budget classical guitar. Instructor Scott Cmiel, performer Lawrence Ferrara, and luthier Tim McCoy review eight solid-topped models that retail for under $500, and answer the most commonly asked questions about buying a classical.
62 THE GREAT PICKUP TEST If you're a performing guitarist, nothing is more crucial to your stage sound than your amplification gear. Over 100 guitar makers and sound technicians gathered to listen to and compare ten of the most popular amplification systems on the market. Simone Solondz reports on their findings.
DEPARTMENTS
6 CONTRIBUTORS
8 MAIL
11 MUSIC NOTATION KEY
12 JUMP STREET The Tonight Show's jazz master Kevin Eubanks, Robbie Basho's legacy, and Hit List record reviews.
21 A.G. LETTER Kenny Hill reports on a lutherie class in Paracho, Mexico's guitar-making capital.
26 SONG CRAFT Roadhouse Rocker: Joe Ely turns down the volume and cranks up the intensity. With music and lyrics to "Me and Billy the Kid." By Elijah Wald
34 WOOD CHOPS Mystery Train: Exploring the music of Clarence White. With music to "Julius Finkbine's Rag," White's variation on "Beaumont Rag." By Scott Nygaard
80 REVIEWS Recommended instructional books and videos for guitar players of all levels.
87 FOR BEGINNERS Blues Soloing. By Mike Christiansen
94 GEARBOX Equipment picks from this issue's featured artists.
96 SOLO Josef Woodard introduces Joe Pass' "Blues for Angel," from his solo acoustic CD Songs for Ellen.
108 DEAR A.G. Answers to your questions.
114 GREAT ACOUSTICS 1985 D'Aquisto Excel. By George Gruhn and Paul D. Johnson
Cover: A fiery Collings SJ. Photo by Eric Harger.