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I finally got my Dean ML!
I was recently reorganizing my back issues of GW and came across the first-ever subscription issue I recieved of GW — April 1994, with a badass cover photo of Dimebag Darrell and his even more badass Dean from Hell (a Tobacco burst Dean was on the back cover, BTW). Back then when an issue arrived, I’d devour it from cover to cover, re-read the interviews and try to memorize every song... but then, when my very excited young eyes stared at the end of the issue, the holy grail appeared: a sweepstakes to win a full stack and a Dean ML! I thought I’d never be able to have one of those guitars, but here was my chance, my opportunity!
I didn’t win the giveaway. Fast forward to 2022.
When I showed the magazine to my better half, she reminded me that a blue ML with a Floyd is my one “freebie” buy; if I find one, it can come home with me, no questions asked. The dream stayed in my heart, but I’ve not been able to find one (and you haven’t given another one away). Then, literally two days after finding that issue, and probably 28 years to the day since I was tearing through those same pages of GW practicing Riffer Madness licks on a cheap SG clone, I walked into the music store — and there it was. I didn’t have to think twice, and now an ML sits on my guitar wall of fame. So, thank you, Guitar World, for inspiring a kid with no money and no prayer at rocking out like Dime. I can finally say I have the “Gear I Want Most,” but I’ll still keep defending the faith with you all! Feel free to print this in an issue!
— Paul Speedy, Mifflin, Indiana
More Southern rock, please
I always enjoy each issue. But other than some Skynyrd, I’ve rarely seen much Southern rock [in the magazine]. I’m a big fan of the Marshall Tucker Band and would love to see “Cattle Drive” tabbed out within your pages. Plus it might be good for the soul to have some of the new generation hear that Carolina blues/jazz mix. While I’m at it, how about an article on the late Hughie Thomasson and the Outlaws? “Green Grass and High Tides” is what I want played at my “going out.” Just a thought from this dusty old tramp. Thanks for your consideration.
— Larry “Mojo” Mosher
A fitting tribute to Eddie Van Halen
Thank you for honoring Eddie Van Halen in the most complete and fitting way in which you did [January 2021]. While other so-called “music” magazines fell short by barely or briefly mentioning his greatness and influence, I knew you’d come through and a proper and fitting celebration. Farewell to the king! Thank you, Eddie, and thank you, GW!
— Cha
