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
D’s And O’s: The Basic Guide To Martin Models
Martin guitars are renowned for their craftsmanship, tonal quality, and rich history that spans nearly two centuries. We’ve all seen a Martin, or at the very least heard a them...
Fender Japan: Crafting Musical Excellence with Precision and Tradition
by Randy “ToneMaster” Thompson Fender Japan, established in the early 1980s, is a unique chapter in the rich history of Fender guitars. The story of Fender Japan is one of...
In The Shop: 1953 Fender Blackguard Telecaster
Good evening, people of cyberspace. We’re back bringing you another episode of “In The Shop” with none other than a ’53 Blackguard Telecaster! This one is an exceptional “player grade”...
A Brief History Of The Fender Bassman
The Fender Bassman stands as one of Fender’s biggest homeruns in their long history of amplifier production. It’s been an integral part of audio electronic history, with a legacy that...
Fender Artist Series Guitars: Instruments of Musical Collaboration
ToneMaster” Thompson Fender Artist Series guitars stand as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between artists and their instruments. These guitars, bearing the names of iconic musicians, are not just...
What’s The Deal With Locking Tremolos?
Locking tremolo bridges are a revolutionary design in the world of electric guitar. Often misunderstood, they remain a key component of many electric guitars and music of the 1980’s that...
Choosing Your Pickups: Filter’Trons
This time on “Choosing Your Pickups”, we’re going to be exploring a pickup option that’s somewhat off the beaten path from your more traditional offerings. While we’ve yet to touch...
The Fender “Mandocaster” Electric Mandolin: A Charming Piece Of A Golden Era
The Fender Electric Mandolin is a remarkable little instrument that embodies the essence of both tradition and modernity. It takes the age-old charm of the mandolin and infuses it with...
In The Shop: 1950 Gibson J-45
From body sizes, tone woods, scale lengths and so on, the world of acoustic guitars offers players many options to choose from when selecting their ideal instrument. And while there’s...
Fender Pickups: Evolution Through Eras
ToneMaster” Thompson Fender pickups, those magnetic marvels beneath the strings, have undergone a fascinating evolution over the years. Each era of Fender’s history has brought forth innovations, experimenting with designs,...
Surround Sounds: The Stereo Guitar Revolution
The 1960s were a transformative period in the world of electric guitars, marked by groundbreaking innovations and the emergence of several iconic models that would steer the course of modern...
The Timeless Appeal of Used Guitars: A Symphony of Benefits
ToneMaster” Thompson Purchasing a used guitar isn’t just a practical choice; it’s a decision that resonates with wisdom, history, and the essence of musicality. While the allure of a shiny,...
