Vintage Guitar magazine May 2026

Guitar philosopher in a sea of gymnasts, Bill Frisell is often referred to as a guitar anti-hero. But, to a multitude of fans and peers, “hero” is the perfect label.<br><br>Dave Hunter explains how the Gibson GA-20RVT Minuteman is a shining example of how the company segued out of its classic years a little more quickly than most amp builders in the ’60s. <br><br>We continue to mark 40 years of publication with an examination of basses, amps, effects, mandolins, ukuleles, resonators, and lap-steels that have become exceedingly collectible.<br><br>Kal David’s ’64 Firebird V carries all the signs of an instrument that has seen action during thousands of nights on hundreds of stages. We offer a “Classics” examination<br><br>To talk new music, we catch up with Robben Ford, Cory Wong, Selwyn Birchwood, Tom Principato, Captain Sensible, and Michael Hampton.<br><br>Wolf Marshall retraces the Beatles’ route to immortality and the creation of Abbey Road – and “Pop ’N Hiss” talks with the venerable Rik Emmett, recalling the making of Triumph’s Allied Forces. <br><br>Our sage “Hit List” review staff screens new music from Black Crowes, Eric Bibb, Doyle Bramhall, Bill Kirchen, Rush, and many other artists. <br><br>Here to help you sort wheat from chaff as you shop for new instruments, amps, and pedals, our “Approved Gear” staff takes a run on Fender 30th Anniversary Hot Rod Deluxe IV, Kogalashi Sound Magic Swell of Silence, PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo, and the Tone King Royalist. <br><br>It’s all in the May issue!