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GRETSCH GUITARS
The Artful Icon
Gretsch guitars reached their prominence in a time when guitars were made for the average man to play his average tune. Yet, they have become an icon. Who do we thank? Plus, Brian Setzer! By Billy Murphy

BASS SPACE
1960s Gibson Melody Maker
A caught-in-the-middle ’60s rarity that was around for only three years, the Melody Maker bass was squeezed between Gibson’s student and mainline instruments. By Willie G. Moseley

THE MARTIN C-3
Martin’s archtops were the up-and-coming stars amongst orchestra instruments when they were introduced in the late 1920s. Today, they’re “sleepers” among collectible guitars, priced far less than equivalent Martin flat-tops. By George Gruhn

IN DETAIL
Gretsch’s 6120
In production for just six years, the single-cutaway hollowbody instantly became not only the archetypal rockabilly guitar, but also the most easily recognized Gretsch. By R.J. Klimpert

GEORGE LYNCH
One of the premier guitarists in the ’80s heyday of power ballads and blitzkrieg solos fesses up to his role in the “more notes, bigger hair” craze, then gets serious about his collection of vintage guitars and amps, as well as his latest work with Randall Amplifiers. By Ward Meeker

1957 HARMONY NEWPORT H-42/1
Whether or not the ’50s really were “Happy Days,” they certainly were an age of great industrial design aided by moldable materials. The Harmony Stratotone Newport is a prime example; with its colorful presentation, it was a sign of the times. By Michael Wright

BILLY ZOOM
Silver Guitars, Punk Style
One of the best guitarists to emerge from the nascent ’70s punk scene, he sported a blond pompadour and bemused smile while putting his Gretsch Silver Jet through its considerable paces. By Willie G. Moseley

ANDY FRASER
Finally Free
A prodigous musician in a stellar lineup, he experienced the ups and downs of being in a world-class rock and roll band, and wrote songs performed by pop music heavyweights. By Tom Guerra

THE DIFFERENT STRUMMER
Slaves, Circuses...
When the Beatles played Ed Sullivan in dapper matching suits, they probably had no idea they were participating in a tradition that went back more than 150 years. By Michael Wright

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