The Acoustic Guitar [Hardcover]

Nick Freeth (Author), Charles Alexander (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1999

Discover the history of the acoustic guitar with more than 200 full-color photographs and authoritative text. Learn about the makers, players, and manufacturers of this classic instrument with information on its European heritage, twentieth-century developments, and the acoustic guitar in the "unplugged" arena.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The popularity of the acoustic guitar has soared in the 1990s, sparking (rather than being sparked by) the "unplugged" phenomenon in popular music. This new book is a celebration of the acoustic guitar and offers an in-depth history with more than 170 full-color photographs. It outlines the instrument's emergence and development from the 16th century to the present day and provides descriptions of a wide range of musical styles and types. Also included are profiles and interviews with some of the best-known names in contemporary guitar construction, including Bob Benedetto, Chris Martin, and Bob Taylor. The book has a broader scope than George Gruhn's Acoustic Guitars and Other Fretted Instruments (Miller Freeman, 1993) and provides more narrative. The authors have been in the music business for over 30 years. An excellent value; recommended for all libraries.?Eric C. Shoaf, Brown Univ. Lib., Providence, RI
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 159 pages
• Publisher: Courage Books (March 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762404191
• ISBN-13: 978-0762404193
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,468,065 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A visual treat for all music lovers, October 20, 1999

By 

Carlos ([e-mail]) (Westchester County, New York, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Acoustic Guitar (Hardcover)

Beginning with 16th C Spanish vihuelas, the authors take a pictorial tour of the rich history of the acoustic guitar. In addition to the unbelievable number of pictures (especially of early guitars), the authors also describe innovations by many modern, independent luthiers such as Thomas Humphrey. Additionally, the reader is exposed to fine works by British luthiers. My only minor reservation with any book like this is the "scope/page" ratio...can 500 years of history be covered in 158 pages? The authors do a remarkable job covering the key historical events in the evolution of the guitar. Interested readers will find additional info in the rich bibliography and discography(!). All and all, a marvelous book for anyone interested in the history and evolution of musical instruments...both to read and admire the fine pictures.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Beware of duplicate buying, October 12, 2006

By 

Desert Hermit (Desert) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Acoustic Guitar (Hardcover)

The following are basically the same books but with different titles and author names:

A) The Illustrated Directory of Guitar: Edited by Ray Bonds. Same as C) + D) but in pocket size. Authors name are not mentioned. Exactly same as B) but with different title and author.

B) Illustrated Directory of Acoustic and Electric Guitars: By Nick Freeth & Charles Alexander. Exactly same as above A) but changed the title.

C) The Acoustic Guitar: By Nick Freeth & Charles Alexander

D) The Electric Guitar: By Nick Freeth & Charles Alexander

E) The Guitar: By Martin Taylor, Nick Freeth & Charles Alexander. Combined the above C) & D) but changed the title. On "Recently Review", Amazon shows Martin Taylor as author. Very confusing & misleading.

As a guitars collector, I collect guitar books too. Confused by this marketing strategy, I have bought duplicates of these books. Feel being cheated.

I heard Nick Freeth has a new book; "Classical Guitar" coming out next year. I hope it is not another duplication with different title. I will check the "Search Inside" on Amazon or read it at local book stores before purchase it.