2017 Digital Issue 05 May

Fender’s Jaguar and Jazzmaster are experiencing something of a resurgence of late, but many players still consider them wonky and difficult to work with. Our cover story this month demystifies the process of setting up these stellar instruments’ unique hardware and physiognomy so that you can get yours performing the way Leo intended. Other features this month include a how-to on refinishing your guitar at home, interviews with killer players—including Morrissey sideman Boz Boorer, Valerie June, Once  Human’s Logan Mader and Max Karon, and Norman Blake—and a Forgotten Heroes piece on the mighty hill-country legend R.L. Burnside. We also talk to 26 guitar and bass notables—including Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine and David Ellefson, Together Pangea’s William Keegan, Jennifer Batten, and Donna Grantis—on the most life-changing album in their collection. Our 13 guitar and bass reviews this month include looks at Taylor’s Academy 10e, the Marshall 2525C Mini Jubilee, Gibson’s EB 4, the TC Electronic Rusty Fuzz, the Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII, the Rivolta Combinata, Reverend’s Mike Watt Wattplower, and more.