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Grateful Dread
A dozen impressive dreadnoughts under $1,000. By Teja Gerken
Read the story online.

Small Revelations
Bluesy songwriter Chris Smither goes full steam ahead on Train Home. By Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers

Words and music to "Train Home"

Ripe for the Picking
The latest guitars, pickups, amps, and accessories. By Teja Gerken

DEPARTMENTS

JUMP STREET Fingerstyle guitarist Michael Gulezian, Wake the Dead's Celtic take on the Grateful Dead, Happenings, and more.

REVIEWS New books about C.F. Martin and his company's special editions, Merle Travis' live acoustic CD, and Hit List CDs.

HERE'S HOW Six-String Security: Keeping your guitars safe at home and on the road. By Steven Stone

SONGCRAFT Simply Grand: Erin McKeown's new recording transports the listener to 1950s Hollywood. By Simone Solondz

GEARBOX New Behringer and Roland acoustic amps reviewed.

SHOPTALK Strings of Steel: A steel string primer. By Steven Stone

Q&A Answers to your questions about spruce and cedar, bracing your pinky, and more.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Basics: Open-String Leads. By Andrew DuBrock

Music to "Double Trouble"

Fingerstyle Techniques: Jazz Arranging. By Jamie Findlay

Music to "Danny Boy"

GREAT ACOUSTICS 1978 Yamaha L-53. By Teja Gerken

Cover: Three great midpriced dreadnought from Taylor, Takamine, and Blueridge. Photo by Rory Earnshaw.