Vol. 26, No. 3
January-February 2025
Players, Gear & Sound — The Inside
Explore the lasting impact of Allen Collins from Lynyrd Skynyrd, renowned for hits like ‘Simple Man.’ Dive into an interview with Nashville session musician Jerry McPherson, who shares insights from over 35 years in the industry. Discover the evolution of reverb technology, transforming guitar soundscapes with innovative pedals. Learn about the Atlas C-1, a protective solution for touring musicians, and uncover the allure of the rare 1960s Shin-ei Uni-Fuzz pedal, a favorite among vintage gear enthusiasts. Delve into the world of rock and guitar effects!
PLAYERS, GEAR & SOUND
The Inside
Allen Collins 1977 Les Paul Special Limited Edition
By Scott Ulrichs. A deep dive into the restoration of Allen Collins's cherry red 1977 Gibson Les Paul Special Limited Edition — told through conversations with Jacksonville music historian Brandon Campbell, longtime tech Mikey Sparks, current owner Lloyd Beasley, drummer Steve Reynolds, and luthier Dale Roberts.
TONE HOUNDING WITH JERRY MCPHERSON
Nashville Session Legend
By Scott Ulrichs. Nashville session guitarist Jerry McPherson has tracked on over 900 albums across 35-plus years, working with everyone from Dolly Parton to Chris Cornell. In this wide-ranging conversation he shares hard-won insights on amp tone, studio psychology, speaker choices, and the guitars that have defined his career.
REVERB REVOLUTION
Reflecting On The Latest Pedal Tech
By Pete Prown. Today's reverb pedals have exploded far beyond the simple spring tanks of old, harnessing powerful new DSP chips to deliver everything from massive ambient pads to authentic vintage spring sounds. Pete Prown surveys the latest generation of reverb stompboxes reshaping guitarists' sonic possibilities.
DUKE LEVINE
Adult Guitar
By Oscar Jordan. Touring pro and session guitarist Duke Levine discusses his lifelong musical journey — from early influences like Jerry Garcia and Ry Cooder to supporting Bonnie Raitt — and the "adult guitar" philosophy that defines his approach to tone, gear, and backing great artists.
THE ATLAS C-1
Brace It, Don’t Break It
By Scott Ulrichs. Patrick Geraghty, inventor of the BrownBox Input Voltage Attenuator, discusses his latest creation: the Atlas C-1, a stainless steel brace designed to protect the vulnerable headstock-neck junction of stringed instruments during travel and shipping.
1960S SHIN-EI UNI-FUZZ
Old And In The Grey
By Scott Ulrichs. A hands-on encounter with a rare 1969 Uni-Fuzz — the Japanese-made sibling to the legendary Uni-Vibe — reveals a 53-part circuit that delivers far more complexity and character than any traditional Fuzz Face. At $550, this vintage oddity proves irresistible for serious fuzz hunters.
He looked to be sixty and maybe I was ten / Mama used to whoop me but I'd go see him again / I'd clap my hands stomp my feet, try to stay in time / He'd play me a song or two then take another drink of wine
— Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins
© 2025 Mountainview Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. The ToneQuest Report® is presented as a collective work. Individual contributions may be separately protected by copyrights held by their respective authors.