IVG Blog
What comes across the bench, and what it tells us. Instruments, history, and the details that decide what something is worth.
150 entries
In The Shop: 1972 Gibson Les Paul Recording
It doesn’t take very long for new guitar players to hear the name “Gibson Les Paul”, as it remains one of, if not the most popular and revered electric guitars...
Recreating The Classics: Fender’s American Vintage Reissues
The American Vintage reissues are some of most popular modern day offerings from Fender, showcasing the company’s legacy and meticulous craftsmanship that define their iconic guitars and basses. With an...
The Resonance of Time: Exploring the Vintage Charm of Gibson Bass Guitars
by Randy “ToneMaster” Thompson Vintage Gibson bass guitars stand as iconic symbols of musical history, echoing the timeless resonance of their carefully crafted designs. From the thunderous grooves of rock...
In The Shop: 1939 Gibson ES-150
The Gibson ES-150 is a well-known and rather historically important model in the world of Gibson instruments. Launched in the mid 1930s, this hollow-body electric guitar revolutionized music, becoming the...
American Beauties: Exploring The Artistry Of Alembic
You may have spotted one of your favorite musicians pictured with a striking guitar or bass adorned with exotic woods, pearl inlay, brass hardware and plenty of switches. Without an...
How Do I Record My Guitar? A Basic Guide
So you’ve put in the long hours learning your instrument. You’ve got some scales down, a few chords, and have polished up your rhythm and lead playing to a level...
The Timeless Elegance and Rich Heritage of Classical Guitars
by Randy “ToneMaster” Thompson Classical guitars, with their nylon strings, warm tones, and timeless designs, stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of classical music. Rooted in centuries of...
Choosing Your Pickups: DeArmond Dynasonics
Ah, the ever-expanding universe of guitar pickups. You can never have too many options, and there’s always a potential new brush to choose for your next masterpiece. Today we’ll be...
Lucite In The Sky: The Ampeg Dan Armstrong
The Ampeg Dan Armstrong guitar holds an iconic status in the world of rock music, revered for its innovative design, distinctive tone, and significant influence on the evolution of modern...
Ready For Racin’: The Fender Competition Series
Today we’ll be taking a look at an interesting line of Fenders from the late 1960’s, a period in American history that involved many new advancements in society, space travel,...
The Sharp Edge of Sonic Rebellion: A Journey into the World of Pointy Guitars
by Randy “ToneMaster” Thompson Pointy guitars, with their sleek, angular designs and aggressive aesthetics, represent a bold departure from the traditional curves of classic guitar shapes. These instruments, often associated...
The Holiday Season: Gift Ideas For The Guitarist In Your Life
With temperatures dropping and the holiday season fast approaching, you might be wondering what might be some quality gifts for the musician in your life. While there’s no shortage of...