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UK ROCK’N’ROLLERS WERE FORCED TO CUT THEIR TEETH NOT ON GIBSONS AND FENDERS BUT GRIMSHAWS, WEIRD GALLOTONES, WATKINS AMPS AND CABINETS CREATED IN THE GARAGE. BY MICHAEL HEATLEY
Ever wondered why Paul McCartney played a German-made Hofner and not a shiny American Fender Precision? Why Bill Wyman plucked a Vox and not a proper Jazz bass? Why the Shadows’ hallowed Hank Marvin and Bruce Welch – pictured left, alongside Cliff Richard – started out clutching a cheap Ibanez and a Grimshaw? And what exactly is a Watkins Dominator?