Customer Reviews

Guitar Player Repair Guide

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Dan Erlewine is undoubtably one of the great masters of guitar repair, but what really sets him apart is his willingness to share the techniques and tricks he's picked up over the years.

Too many books gloss over the details- "now attach the bind..." Atach it? How? To what? WIth what glue? The reader is left wondering, and eventually gives up or tries hit and miss to figure it out.

But Erlewine takes you through the whole process step by step, assuming nothing. He'll show you how to replace a bit of chipped inlay, or a cracked top, using tools you can buy and some you can make yourself as well.

Simply the best book for the beginner and the expert alike.

This is a good book that provides a lot of information -- far more than most non-luthiers will ever need... but it is there just in case. I found that it helped me talk with my local luthier about getting my guitars set up, and it gave me the confidence to make a small repair myself (glue down a loose fret end). There is some uncommon advice that could only be given by somebody who had done this work for years e.g. don't use lemon oil, which although popular tends to discolor plastic trim. The book also took the time to consider the stratocaster style guitar and Les Paul style guitars separately -- a good idea since Fenders particularly can have a range of issues (e.g. related to the neck attachment and tremolo) that are not relevant to the Les Paul. Dan also includes set-up information from some top guitarists (such as BB King). So if it is that darn good (and it is) why only 4 stars? Well, the book is looking dated now -- it could with a good overhaul, not from the author but from the publisher, to make the text more readable and the images clearer (like the excellent DK range of books).

I've been playing for years, but never did much more than change my strings. I decided it was time to learn how to start adjusting my own guitars so I bought a few books on the subject; this is the one that I keep turning to. Very thorough instructions with helpful illustrations and photos; recommendations for a basic journeyman toolkit all the way up to what you need to start your own repair shop. Separate sections are included for Fenders and Gibsons, recommended setup tolerances etc; The interviews with the master guitar players are interesting, if a little superfluous, but their techs are also interviewed, and provide useful tips and tricks. I have only 2 nits to pick: some of the illustrations- such as the one on how to wind strings properly-could be more clear. Perhaps with arrow directions (I know this probably makes me sound like a ..., but this book is so close to a 10 that I figure I'll just mention it .) Finally, it's getting a little bit dated, having been written in the early 90's right after SRV's untimely death. Certainly the principles and methods of guitar repair and setup haven't changed since then, but a new millenium edition would be great. Overall, an excellent, book and if you're like 99% of guitarists out there who need a guide that will show you how to set up your collection with confidence, but don't need to become a luthier, this might be the only book you need to get.

I agree completely with the other reviewers, but would like to say that in addition to the excellent technical information of guitar/bass mainatnenace, there is very useful historical information contained in the Guide. For instance, if you've ever wondered about the evolution of Fender guitar and bass neck shapes over the years... its covered in two interesting sections, one on guitars neck shapes and another on bass neck shapes.

On the maintenenace front, even if you get a luthier to do all your setups and adjustments etc, this book is still very valuable in terms of being able to develop a basic understanding of what luthiers do.... so that you can establish a meaningful to a dialogue with a luthier on exactly what it is you are wanting them to do for you.

Since I bought this book I haven't been able to repair even one guitar player. :(

Anyone who knows of Dan Erlewine(?) or has seen his repair videos knows that he is a genius repairman! This book took me from knowing nothing about guitar repair- to doing my own fret jobs! This book is way under-priced once you realize how much money you are saving in repairs. Plus, no more waiting 2 weeks to get your guitar back from the shop just to realize that the bonehead who "fixed" it actually totally screwed it up! In this book, Dan explains everything in 'real-people' terms and really lines it out for you- lots of pictures!!! A MUST HAVE!

Any Luthier or Luthier wannabe will find this reference a nirvana of guitar goodies. Dan Erlewine is the modern master of guitar repair and set-up and his text is proof. You might have run across his tips and techniques in Stewart-McDonald's Guitar Shop Supply Catalog. This book is not only helpful for a plethora of repair tips; it is also a must-have for any guitarist. Erlewine shares his knowledge of how the guitar works and how to make yours sound and play it's best. You'll love this one!

I aquired this book both for an interesting read and also to try and learn what to look for (or avoid) in purchasing used guitars for the purpose of restorations.

I'm very pleased with the book. It has enough technical data and detailed set-up specs and procedures to satisfy "nuts and bolts" questions, but also contains enough stories, history, and interviews with some very famous players and their instruments to keep you interested between the technical goodies. The book focuses mainly on cleaning, restoring and setting up vintage instruments. Everything from properly reviving a thorougly used/abused finish to replacing a worn out nut or rusted bridge. There is information on both acoustic and electric guitars and basses, with the majority of the content pertaining to electrics (more to go wrong = more to fix). Especially useful was the detailed chapter on the correct, professional procedures for setting up a guitar, complete with factory specs for the most common models and tips for getting the best playability according to your particular style. The book also touched on basic electronics, but there isn't enough info here for a beginner to undertake any drastic re-wiring, etc. The overall message of this book definitly leans toward restoration rather than modification.

Armed with this book, the average guitar enthusiast could certainly gain enough knowledge to confidently return a neglected or vintage instrument to "almost new" and well set-up condition.

Thats what I did, and it was a blast!!

Have Fun,
Glen

The first time I looked through this book I found it to be very informative. I was sorry the next time I looked for it and could not find it on the store shelf. Found it again and this time I bought it. I had a Les Paul copy with a headstock that was cracked down into the neck (really wierd break) and I had glued it up the best I could without this book. Came out good but the problems that followed were buzzing notes and intonation. I learned alot about the problems I was having using this book and was able to get the guitar sounding better than it ever had. A must have reference.

This book is essential. If you touch your guitar with anythingother than a polishing cloth or your fingers, Read This Book First! Comprehensive in scope, exhaustive in detail, and informed by experience, Erlewine's book is written colorfully and has the answer to any problem a player or repairman is likely to face, whether it be finish damage, structural cracks, or fine tuning the action and setup. About the only place where the book is less than encyclopedic is in its treatment of pickups and electronics, but even here, Erlewine covers the basics and the most common problems. I have used the information in this book to help me build a guitar from scratch; it saved my butt a few times. -j