Vintage icon

This one-off guitar made for Tony Mottola has a unique combination of features

1957 Gretsch 6120s in such super condition are scarce. But this example has the rare distinction of being the one that the Led Zeppelin guitarist gave away

Not only does this 1969 Tele illustrate Fender’s slowly changing post-Leo period, it also documents a lot of modding. Dave Burrluck should know – he was there!

In the mid-60s John Lennon bought a Framus 12-string acoustic and used it with The Beatles in the studio. 60 years later the company has reissued the model in all its fab finery – and it now comes with a little help from a friend!

During its long history, Fender has navigated several tricky turning points, but 1965 marks for some the start of a decline from the standards set by Leo’s original company. Is that view still justified?

THOUGH NOT OBVIOUSLY thought of in this way, the Gibson ES-350 is a great instrument to use for rock rhythm guitar playing. With its hollow body and two-pickup design, it’s similar to the Gretsch 6120