Vintage Guitar magazine July 2025

Guitar legend Chet Atkins was friendly with Ike Everly long before his sons, Phil and Don, became world-famous. One day at RCA Records’ Studio B, Atkins presented the pop duo with Gretsch 6122 guitars from his signature line. <br><br>Every summer, our “Dad’s Day” photo feature pays homage to the fathers who have inspired their children to play guitar.<br><br>Dave Hunter introduces us to an amp that few fans of Valco haven’t seen or heard; while Supro, Gretsch, Oahu, Airline, and other names are well-known, one made for resale by a lap-steel guitarist and teacher in Lansing is relatively rare. Meet the English Electronics Tonemaster. <br><br>A renowned gear collector and author of Beatles Gear, Andy Babiuk lives a life inspired by music and an infatuation with how it’s made. We chat with him as he guides us through a guitar show-and-tell.<br><br>We talk new music with Don Felder, Dean DeLeo, Jim Kweskin, Ian Siegel, Phil X, and Frank Hannon. We also remember renowned amp builder Mark Sampson. <br><br>In “Fretprints,” Wolf Marshall recalls how Latin rock came of age with Santana’s Abraxas, while “Pop ’N Hiss” revisits the bombast of Ted Nugent’s Double Live Gonzo!.<br><br>It’s probably time to freshen your jam room with something new. Just for you, our “Approved Gear” review staff digs into the details of the Fender American Vintage II ’51 Telecaster, LSL Era Series ’52, PRS Archon Classic, and the Taylor Gold Label 814e SB.<br><br>In “Hit List,” we share our thoughts on the latest music by Robin Trower, Don Felder, Joe Ely, The Blasters, Larry Carlton, Dean DeLeo, and others!<br><br>It’s all in the July issue!