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
What’s The Deal With Fender’s Custom Colors?
Fender’s custom colors from the 1950s and 1960s represent a fascinating chapter in the history of electric guitars. During this period, Fender offered a wide range of unique and eye-catching...
In The Shop: 1964 Epiphone Coronet
We’re never short on cool vintage pieces here at IVG, and between our 4 shops across Southern California, we occasionally come across guitars owned and played by some of music’s...
Choosing Your Pickups: Stratocaster Single-Coils
The Fender Stratocaster, often simply referred to as the “Strat,” is one of, if not the most iconic electric guitars in the world. There’s certainly a number of design aspects...
The Science Of Tone
Melvin Stringstein Ah, the science of guitar, a realm where artistry and physics entwine in a harmonious dance of vibrations and resonance. Allow me to illuminate this captivating symphony of...
The Fender Coronado: A Departure From Tradition
The Fender Coronado electric guitar holds a special place in the pantheon of iconic instruments. A product of the mid-1960s, the Coronado represents a departure from traditional solid body Fender...
A Journey Through Time: The History of Fingerboard Inlays
by Randy “ToneMaster” Thompson Fingerboard inlays, those ornate markers adorning the necks of guitars and other stringed instruments, have a rich history that spans centuries. These intricate designs serve both...
Choosing Your Pickups: P-90’s
We all know that pickups are an essential component to defining a guitar sound. But with so many options to choose from, how can we be sure we’re using the...
In The Shop: 1958 Fender Precision Bass
Well folks, we’ve done quite a few posts here on our “In The Shop” series and they’ve all been on guitars. While we love to shine a light on top...
How To Re-String Your Guitar: A Basic Guide
Re-stringing a guitar is a fundamental skill that every guitarist should learn eventually. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro-player, knowing how to properly re-string your guitar is essential...
The Revolutionary Wave of 1980s Guitar Synthesizers: Bridging Worlds of Sound
ToneMaster” Thompson The 1980s marked a seismic shift in the music industry, not only in terms of fashion and culture but also in the realm of musical technology. One of...
Mini Madness: The Tale Of The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe
Ah, the Les Paul Deluxe. Another offering from Gibson’s “Norlin Era” that made its way to the big stage, being played in front of massive audiences, and even featured on...
‘S’ Marks The Spot: The Gibson L-5S
If you’ve ever been in the market for a 70’s Gibson, you’ve certainly come across your typical Les Pauls, SG’s, 335’s and Firebird models and their many variations. But the...
