Customer Reviews

Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars: 11th Edition

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is my first book on guitar prices. I bought it hoping that I would learn more about vintage prices and model availability.

It is a thick and heavy book. Paper quality is average. Also there are little pictures considering the amount of models listed. For some models (which are very special) I would have liked to see a picture.
I checked a few non-Martin brands and found that a lot is still missing. Gurian is only described very short, one price is given for all models (which is just nuts because they had simple mahogany models up to BRW models or very limited classical guitar models). Hanika (a very good German builder with a similar production size as Lowden) is not included.

I noticed very quickly already that the suggested (Martin) prices are very related to the American market. So it makes it a little harder to use it for the European market. I think that assuming 1 USD = 1 Euro comes closer to European prices for the higher end models. For the lower end models (or models which are less collectable or not so interesting) I would say European prices are twice as high as indicated (so let's say 1 USD = 1.5 Euro). Just my thoughts.
Back to the book itself: I have looked up numerous Martin models and found it very hard sometimes to find them. The Martin chapter has been divided into the usual series (like Special Edition or Golden Era), but that means for instance that the original OM-28 and the recent OM-28V are listed together but the OM-28 GE is listed under Golden Era section. I can partly understand why they did this, but I found it is typically the point of view from the manufacturer (think in series) opposite to the view of buyer/player (think in a specific model and its variations).

A link to the internet providing updated information is not provided. I assume that if you buy the CD-ROM version there will be the possibility of updates.

When I tried to look up several models of Alvarez Yairi listed on EBay, none of them were in the book.
When I wanted to determine the value of my Dauphin classical guitar (for which there are plenty of references on the Web), it wasn't there.
Clearly, while it is good for what it is, its applications are limited

This is a most helpful book to the guitar collector/seller in your life. Even though the book is an 07 edition, the information is still very helpful (even if the prices have fluctuated some). It is a must have for your guitar junkie.

As usual, this book is another in the author's series of Blue Books. My last one was the 9th edition, and I just wanted an updated version, as the last one was fine. No one can cover everything in a manageable paperback, but the author(s) have done a fine job. I (for one) would be inclined to pay extra for a two-volume set that gives more details in some areas,
but as said above, no one can cover everything in a manageable size. I find that any queries that are not covered in detail can be found on the net. Nice job, guys. And nice job Amazon for selecting yet another good book and making it available. AND the DVD version is also
very handy. Go no further...go Amazon!

With the number of guitar manufacturers out there, past and present, this book works as a reference guide to current market pricing.
The only downfall is that some of the more obscure brands are sorely lacking in info but the book would probably be twice as thick.
I buy, repair and sell used acoustics and this book is always at hand.

A great book - with some more European Manufacturers covered in the future it will get 5 stars!

The book lists mostly newer, and better known guitars. I was looking for a book that would give information on guitars built in the 60's through 80's including not so well known guitars.

Just the best book for anyone with G.A.S.(Guitar acquisition syndrome) Has the price for a variety of conditions for most of the acoustic guitars out there. Excellent!