Acoustic Magazine 74 Back Issue

In January’s edition of Acoustic we’re going retro! We’ve got two models from Martin’s Retro Series – the HD 28E and the D-18E. Two guitars that hark to the Golden Era yet are entirely forward-thinking in their approach and super-enhanced Fishman pickups. On test this month we’ve also got two superb guitars from Dana Bourgeois’ workshop in Maine, USA. Two guitars that are brand new, yet sound like they’ve been played for the last 50 years, and if Ray LaMontagne endorses them, what more can you say? Find out as we put the two head to head. It has been a busy month – we also jetted out to Spain to visit the HQ of Manuel Rodriguez guitars, caught up with Michel Chavarria of LAG guitars, picked out the best new luthiers to look out for during 2013 and previewed the UK-built banjo from Banjos Direct. This month’s interviews come from Yes rock legend Jon Anderson, ex-Wings man Laurence Juber, rising folk star Blair Dunlop and unsung Americana heroine Tift Merritt. Check out the new-look techniques section, too – you’ll find a fingerstyle surprise in the form of Mike Dawes and his new bimonthly column.