January 2012 Vol 23 No 04

COVERSTORY

STRAT FEVER

22

Vintage or hot-rodded, USA, Mexican or Far Eastern

– which of Fender’s huge

Stratocaster range is right for you?

Interviews

Bill Nelson

30

An amazing 150-song collection celebrates the tireless guitar innovator’s 40 years in music Steve Cropper 36 The soul guitar great owes his style to the little-known Lowman Pauling of the 5 Royales Chris Spedding & Glen Matlock 42 Take one legendary session player, an ex-Sex Pistol, add mates – and you’ve got King Mob Buddy Whittington 46 After 15 years with the great John Mayall the Texan guitarist was ready for his own blues

Workshops

Gas FX Drive Thru Pedal Build 104 This great boost/overdrive pedal with switchable diodes is available for just £75 as a kit

Play like John Squire

109

With the Stone Roses set to reform once again, Douglas Noble delves into the influential Madchester stylings of guitarist John Squire Chris Squire Bass Workshop 119 With his clangy sound and considerable chops, Squire was the perfect bass player for Yes

30

BILL NELSON 40 years of innovation

Regulars LETTERS 8 NEWS 10 SOUNDTRACK OF MY LIFE 13 TALES FROM THE ROAD 18 ALBUMS 20

6 Guitar & Bass JANUARY 2012