Fifty years on from their first successes, Roger McGuinn, the 12-string architect of THE BYRDS , tells Uncut about their exceptional first 18 months – and his relationship with Gene Clark. As the young group make their jet-powered escape from the folk think tank, we hear about making the scene on the Strip, outraging Iowa and a muted response in the United Kingdom. But ultimately how “Eight Miles High” became the spectacular conclusion of the band’s first era. “I almost left The Byrds entirely to go and be in this space band With Dino Valente,” McGuinn tells John Robinson

Black And Blue UMC/POLYDOR

Not quite into Custom Shop territory, these beautiful builds possess just as much charm

Not quite into Custom Shop territory, these beautiful builds possess just as much charm

Moving into four figures, there’s a considerable, very diverse choice of serious electrics

Some of the best custom builds can almost happen by chance, believes Dave Burrluck, as he attempts to turn some disparate parts into a valid guitar. What could possibly go wrong?