New York Times bestselling author Allen St. John started off looking for the world's greatest guitar, but what he found instead was the world's greatest guitar builder. Living and working in Rugby, Virginia (population 7), retired rural mail carrier Wayne Henderson is a true American original, making America's finest instruments using little more than a pile of good wood and a sharp whittling knife. There's a 10-year waiting list for Henderson's heirloom acoustic guitars -- and even a musical legend like Eric Clapton must wait his turn. Partly out of self-interest, St. John prods Henderson into finally building Clapton's guitar, and soon we get to pull up a dusty stool and watch this Stradivari in glue-stained blue jeans work his magic. The story that ensues will captivate you with its portrait of a world where craftsmanship counts more than commerce, and time is measured by old jokes, old-time music, and homemade lemon pies shared by good friends.
Clapton's Guitar
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
People will go to great lengths to get master craftsman Wayne Henderson to build them an instrument. If you're an award-winning journalist like St. John and you want to expedite the process, you write a book about Henderson that's equal parts travelogue, biography and ode to the old-fashioned trade of making top-notch guitars. Upon learning that Eric Clapton has been on Henderson's waiting list for 10 years, St. John sets out to learn about the little-known man behind the instruments every guitarist knows. He visits Henderson's Virginia home, shadowing the artist while he builds guitars, plays "old time music" concerts and doesn't build Clapton's guitar. Along the way, he finds answers to questions such as which is the best wood for guitar making (Brazilian rosewood) and how much the 1939 Martin guitar Clapton played on Unplugged was auctioned for ($700,000). When St. John finally helps cajole Henderson into building two guitars for Clapton (one to be auctioned for charity), Henderson's and St. John's expertise shine through. St. John's descriptions of Henderson choosing wood, making a dovetail neck joint or whittling bracings for the guitar-top are as detailed, refined and playful as the instruments Henderson creates. Photos.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"Only a guitar book in the sense that The Orchid Thief is only a book about gardening. St. John makes the case for the transformative power of certain objects and the not-so-quaint notion of craftsmanship." -- Allen Barra, American Heritage
"Clapton's Guitar delivers a fascinating tale that's bound to leave you longing for a Henderson of your own." -- Southern Living
"St. John . . . has created a memorable portrait of a likable, self-effacing craftsman at work. St. John writes, 'Some people simply have the gift of being able to make a piece of wood sing.' He doesn't come out and say it, but you know he's thinking it: Henderson is God." -- David Kelly, The New York Times Book Review
"Clapton's Guitar takes the reader on a craftsman's journey that [began] when . . . Eric Clapton first picked up a Henderson guitar." -- The Wall Street Journal
"Clapton's Guitar delivers a fascinating tale that's bound to leave you longing for a Henderson of your own." -- Southern Living
"St. John . . . has created a memorable portrait of a likable, self-effacing craftsman at work. St. John writes, 'Some people simply have the gift of being able to make a piece of wood sing.' He doesn't come out and say it, but you know he's thinking it: Henderson is God." -- David Kelly, The New York Times Book Review
"Clapton's Guitar takes the reader on a craftsman's journey that [began] when . . . Eric Clapton first picked up a Henderson guitar." -- The Wall Street Journal
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Allen St. John's "Clapton's Guitar" is likely to be read primarily by guitar junkies, but here's hoping it quickly reaches a broader audience.
Although the book centers on the creation of two specific instruments - for one of the world's best-known guitarists, by one of its least-known luthiers - the book is really a leisurely and sweet meditation on elite craftsmanship and the passions that fuel it - both on the part of the craftsman, and on the part of those who hunger for his work. As such, persons who treasure such things as fine furniture, wooden boats, fine wine, even artisan bread, will find resonance in Clapton's Guitar.
Guitar maker Wayne Henderson emerges as a delightfully ordinary man with two extraordinary gifts - the ability to build magnficent instruments, and the ability to play them. He's revealed as the sort of down-to-earth chap you'd enjoy having as a neighbor (as long as you didn't mind that his yard might be less than tidy, or that he might not be particularly prompt in returning borrowed tools). It's Henderson's unique abilities to recognize the inherent qualities in raw materials and effortlessly utilize them that transforms him from regular Joe to magician.
St. John - and, obviously, Henderson - believes that vintage Martin guitars are the standard by which flat-top acoustic guitars should be measured. Some might argue that point, and it's intriguing that other than the uniquely shaped head-stock design Henderson uses, his guitars are essentially superb reproductions, while other artisan luthiers are exploring ways to make the instrument evolve. That's not a value judgement; rather, it's a reflection of Henderson's character.
One can race through the book, but that would be a mistake. Take time to enjoy the meanders and side trips. St. John leads us on many of them - and if they don't necessarily add much to the central story or give additional insight into Henderson's work, they're still enjoyable.
Essential read for guitar players, and strongly recommended for anyone who loves and respects true craftsmanship.
Although the book centers on the creation of two specific instruments - for one of the world's best-known guitarists, by one of its least-known luthiers - the book is really a leisurely and sweet meditation on elite craftsmanship and the passions that fuel it - both on the part of the craftsman, and on the part of those who hunger for his work. As such, persons who treasure such things as fine furniture, wooden boats, fine wine, even artisan bread, will find resonance in Clapton's Guitar.
Guitar maker Wayne Henderson emerges as a delightfully ordinary man with two extraordinary gifts - the ability to build magnficent instruments, and the ability to play them. He's revealed as the sort of down-to-earth chap you'd enjoy having as a neighbor (as long as you didn't mind that his yard might be less than tidy, or that he might not be particularly prompt in returning borrowed tools). It's Henderson's unique abilities to recognize the inherent qualities in raw materials and effortlessly utilize them that transforms him from regular Joe to magician.
St. John - and, obviously, Henderson - believes that vintage Martin guitars are the standard by which flat-top acoustic guitars should be measured. Some might argue that point, and it's intriguing that other than the uniquely shaped head-stock design Henderson uses, his guitars are essentially superb reproductions, while other artisan luthiers are exploring ways to make the instrument evolve. That's not a value judgement; rather, it's a reflection of Henderson's character.
One can race through the book, but that would be a mistake. Take time to enjoy the meanders and side trips. St. John leads us on many of them - and if they don't necessarily add much to the central story or give additional insight into Henderson's work, they're still enjoyable.
Essential read for guitar players, and strongly recommended for anyone who loves and respects true craftsmanship.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is an astonishingly good read. It is meticulously crafted and casually presented, which is a perfect match for Wayne Henderson and his approach to his craft.
"Clapton's Guitar" is a delightful, first-person account of accompanying Wayne Henderson while he builds Clapton's guitar. For all who have met Wayne and played a Henderson Guitar - I met him a few years back in Nashville and played the Henderson dreadnought that he used in a spellbinding performance at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society annual gathering - St. John captures the man and his instruments beautifully. In addition, you not only get to be a fly on the wall, or, perhaps more appropriately, an apprentice at the bench, in Wayne's shop, but you get a lesson in the geography and culture of the Appalachian region, a history of old time and bluegrass music, and, best of all, a history of Wayne Henderson.
In all, a delight to read. I really recommend this book highly.
"Clapton's Guitar" is a delightful, first-person account of accompanying Wayne Henderson while he builds Clapton's guitar. For all who have met Wayne and played a Henderson Guitar - I met him a few years back in Nashville and played the Henderson dreadnought that he used in a spellbinding performance at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society annual gathering - St. John captures the man and his instruments beautifully. In addition, you not only get to be a fly on the wall, or, perhaps more appropriately, an apprentice at the bench, in Wayne's shop, but you get a lesson in the geography and culture of the Appalachian region, a history of old time and bluegrass music, and, best of all, a history of Wayne Henderson.
In all, a delight to read. I really recommend this book highly.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I bought this book with a little skepticism as I thought it might be another techincal "how to" book about guitars. Boy was I ever wrong as I couldn't put it down once I started reading it! Allen St. John has written a very entertaining & interesting book about a master luthier/guitar virtuoso named Wayne Henderson of Rugby, Virginia, Population 7. It is a true story about Eric Clapton discovering one of Mr. Henderson's guitars at a studio and being so impressed he wants to get one, the only trouble being that it takes up to ten years to receive it. Mr. St. John tells us in a delightful & entertaining way the story behind Clapton's guitar & what it took to make it. You will learn about Wayne Henderson and the cast of characters that hang out at his guitar shop who not only want one of his guitars, but just want to see an "old world craftsman" perform his trade. Along the way you learn about Mr. Henderson, his family, friends, and the small town of Rugby, Virginia through the eyes of Mr. St. John as he aides Mr. Clapton's quest for a Henderson guitar as well as his own desire to own one. Mr. St. John's writing style is easy going with a blend of first hand accounts and little side stories along the way that keep your interest. He has a way of making you feel like you are there with him in rural Rugby, Virginia watching, assisting, and encouraging Mr. Henderson to make Clapton's guitar and becoming his friend along the way. This book has something for everyone from guitar afficianados to people who just like a good story. Buy it and you won't be sorry you did.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Kinda left you hanging??
I thought the ending was weak. Wayne goes to get his mail. St John drops the guitar off to a Tech and does St. John ever get the guitar he ordered and was it worth the wait? Read more
Published 2 months ago by Bill Wittman
Clapton's Guitar Book
This book is really an interesting read. You get a chance to enter the world of Wayne Henderson. He is a very interesting person as well as an superb guitar maker. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Robert S.
Clapton's Guitar: Watching Wayne Henderson Build the Perfect...
I enjoyed the book and the reverance of the author of the Subject of this book and his skills, but I am sure that Eric Clapton has purchased and played so many good guitars in his... Read more
Published 10 months ago by C. Parker
Zen and the Art of Guitar Building
Fascinating book in every respect. Having spent a great deal of time building, maintaining, and repairing guitars at Lay's Guitar in Akron, I saw myself and my friends in this... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Thomas H. Redding
Well crafted writing...
I fell in love with this book! From the opening where Mr. Clapton plays a Henderson at a recording studio to the closing moments when the custom OM is delivered into the keeping... Read more
Published 18 months ago by John N. Fulmore
Clapton's Guitar
This book is a close-up view/account of the Master Guitar Builder, Wayne Henderson building a masterpiece. Read more
Published on November 13, 2009 by Johnharveysumner
wonderful book
You know how it is when you come across a book that you enjoy so much, you really hate to see it end?
Well, that's how it was for me, with "Calpton's Guitar". Read more
Well, that's how it was for me, with "Calpton's Guitar". Read more
Published on September 8, 2009 by Richla
Clapton's Guitar: Watching Wayne Henderson Build
Allen St. John's tale of winding through the backwoods of America's eastern forestlands after Wayne Henderson is full of fascinating tidbits of vintage guitar lore. Read more
Published on May 15, 2009 by Blair Davey
inspirational
This book blends a humorous depiction of the life and work, not of the God of Guitar (E.C) but a god of acoustic guitar building and at least a minor diety of flat-pick guitar and... Read more
Published on April 19, 2009 by William R. Schindler
Wayne Henderson's Clapton's guitar
This is really about a character from the backcountry of Virginia who used to be a mailman as well as a maker of guitars and mandolins, but whose workmanship has led to his name... Read more
Published on March 25, 2009 by Paul Desroches
Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
I THINK IT'S GREAT, said Eric Clapton as he looked first at his host, and then at the magical instrument on his lap. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
side bender, guitar contest, old herringbone, guitar builder, brace stock, guitar building, guitar factory, guitar top, rosewood sides, archtop guitars, guitar shop, guitar body, bluegrass players, spruce top, back stripe, bridge plate, neck block, strap button, guitar making, best guitars, red spruce, old guitar, belt sander Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Wayne Henderson, Eric Clapton, New York, North Carolina, Red Sox, Doc Watson, Gruhn Guitars, Tony Rice, Tucker Road, Tim Duffy, George Gruhn, John Arnold, Steve Kilby, Henderson Music Festival, Herb Key, John Greven, Kerry Keane, Les Paul, The List, Blackberry Blossom, Carnegie Hall, Deep Trunk, Grand Ole Opry, Grayson County, Johnny Cash New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
I THINK IT'S GREAT, said Eric Clapton as he looked first at his host, and then at the magical instrument on his lap. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
side bender, guitar contest, old herringbone, guitar builder, brace stock, guitar building, guitar factory, guitar top, rosewood sides, archtop guitars, guitar shop, guitar body, bluegrass players, spruce top, back stripe, bridge plate, neck block, strap button, guitar making, best guitars, red spruce, old guitar, belt sander Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Wayne Henderson, Eric Clapton, New York, North Carolina, Red Sox, Doc Watson, Gruhn Guitars, Tony Rice, Tucker Road, Tim Duffy, George Gruhn, John Arnold, Steve Kilby, Henderson Music Festival, Herb Key, John Greven, Kerry Keane, Les Paul, The List, Blackberry Blossom, Carnegie Hall, Deep Trunk, Grand Ole Opry, Grayson County, Johnny Cash New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 8
books:
See all 8 books this book cites
- Man in Black: His Own Story in His Own Words by Johnny Cash on page 178
- Grand Ole Opry by Gerry Wood on page 156
- The Golden Age (The Golden Age, Book 1) by John C. Wright on page 93
- George Washington (Great Commanders) by Michael Rose on page 100
- Paul Bunyan by James Stevens on page 126
See all 8 books this book cites
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