Guild Guitars

(Book). Guild guitars have been around since the early 1950s, and by the beginning of the '60s, the company had established a solid reputation for its electric and acoustic archtops, which are still widely regarded today. Despite this enduring popularity, little was known about the history of Guild. The Guild Guitar Book is the result of years of intensive research and countless photo sessions. It includes a thorough history of the company and its guitars, including serial numbers, specifications, original prices, and all the information needed to date Guild guitars. Features hundreds of photos, with a beautiful 40-page color section. Now Back in Print!

Get the full story behind the Red Special, Brian May's hand-built guitar--a unique instrument that helped make May's musical dreams come true. In 1963, Brian May and his father Harold started to build the Red Special--an electric guitar meant to outperform anything commercially made. Here, Brian talks about of his one-of-a-kind instrument, from its creation on. He played it on every single Queen album and during the band's amazing shows: the roof of Buckingham Palace, Live Aid, the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics . . . and beyond. Along with original diagrams, sketches, and notes, May has included a great selection of photographs of himself with the guitar--which was fully dismantled so it could be shot-- as well as close-ups and X-rays.

Author Michael Wright builds on the success of his Guitar Stories, Volume One in this series of histories of cool guitars. Volume Two continues Wright's incredible research and painstaking attention to detail, covering brands that had a heavy impact in the world of the guitar, including companies such as Kay, Alamo, Veleno, Martin Electrics, Maccaferri, and Guild Solidbodies. As with Volume One, over 800 rare and fascinating photos (including sumptuous full-color spreads) help to tell the tale of these innovative instruments. Includes a helpful index. Also available: Guitar Stories, Volume One 00330018 $29.95.

The Art Of Lutherie offers a glimpse into the mind and craft of luthier Tom Bills, whom many consider to be one of the most talented luthiers today. In this beautifully written and enjoyable read, Tom elegantly and clearly shares his best- kept secrets and methods of custom guitar making - those which make his guitars favorites among top collectors and players. Tom's unique approach to The Art Of Lutherie will empower and inspire you to create more than just a guitar, but a truly unique work of art. The information that is generously shared within this insightful and timeless work is both practical and applicable. It contains the same hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of experience and experimentation that Tom uses in creating his inspiring instruments. Over the years, he has producedinstruments considered to be some of the bestsounding guitars ever made. Learning the steps of how to build a guitar is important, but understanding whymaster luthiers take those steps and make those decisions can empower you to make your own educated choices. This will allow you to create unique guitars, and the world needs your art, your guitars - your important contribution. The Art Of Lutherie, a truly unique and inspiring guide, can prepare you to reach new heights when designing and creating unique guitars. It is not often I heap such lavish praise on people; however, Tom is in this case more than deserving: I know of no other luthier whose work I respect more. Tom knows his craft inside and out; he pours his soul into every guitar he makes; heuses cutting-edge science to guide his work, and it shows...as head of Artist Relations and Product Development at Mel Bay, it gives me great pleasure topublish Tom's work, which will no doubt take the art of lutherie to a new level. I hope you'll spend some time soaking in this book - it will certainly augmentyour musicality - Collin Bay. Includes access to online video

If the story of the blues is the story of a people, then the voice behind the story belongs to the guitar. The American Blues Guitar: An Illustrated History looks at the instruments and the players, from the birth of the blues to the present day. A brief history of the blues is included. From Blind Lemon Jefferson's Martin to T-Bone Walker's Gibson archtop, and from B.B. King's ES 335 to cousin Albert's Flying-V, all the classic makes and models are documented here in detail, with superb photography, serial number data, and everything the diehard collector - and interested fan - needs to identify these great American heirlooms. You'll find Leo Fender's original patent, filed in April 1951, of the Telecaster guitar, and an analysis of what makes it one of the great instruments. Among the blues artists discussed is Texan Albert Collins and his Gibson humbucker. Expert commentary explains why the players chose the models they did, how their choice influenced their sound, and how those sounds can be recreated today. The American Blues Guitar: An Illustrated History is indispensable to the lover of the blues.

This illustrated encyclopedia to acoustic guitars demonstrates their elegant beauty and which famous musicians favored which brands throughout the years.