History of the American Guitar [Hardcover]

Tony Bacon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2001

The most widely played musical instrument in the world, the guitar is also the basis of American popular music. From the birth of a daring new musical style--the blues--to jazz, rock 'n' roll, and "techno rock," from Muddy Waters to Elvis to Eddie Van Halen, it has transcended the boundaries of mere instrument to become a true work of art and a cultural icon, its revolutionary transformations paralleling those of American society. Hundreds of close-up color photographs and expert text trace the development of the many types of guitar along with its musical and social legacy, since the early 1800s when C. F Martin first experimented with a radical new design--steel strings--through Gibson's hand-carved flat-tops, Fender's electric Stratocaster model, and today's high-tech marvels, including the 42-string Pikasso II. A fascinating excursion into guitar history, this is also an invaluable reference for the musician, collector, and music fan.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This colorful, large-format book by the author of Electric Guitars (Advantage, 2000) and The Ultimate Guitar Book (Vintage, 1997) doesn't add anything new with its capsule history of the American guitar. Indeed, several previous books do a better job on the details, including Tom Wheeler's American Guitars (HarperCollins, 1992) and more specific works by Jim Washburn and Richard Johnston (Martin Guitars, Rodale) and Walter Carter (Gibson Guitars, General Publishing, 1994). On the other hand, this is a fine, large-format photo book filled with color photos of hundreds of guitars, from the early 1800s to today, including many foldout pages. Detail in the photography is uniformly excellent, and the textual history is complete though somewhat brief in spots. If your library is short on guitar history, this would make an excellent start, and the price is quite reasonable for the quality of production. Eric C. Shoaf, Brown Univ. Lib., Providence, RI
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Friedman (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1586632973
• ISBN-13: 978-1586632977
• Product Dimensions: 12.8 x 10.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,315,592 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, but I already have it., October 16, 2001

By 

dwight johnson (Wheaton, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: History of the American Guitar (Hardcover)

This book is a retitled version of the limited edition book "The Chinery Collection: 150 Years of American Guitars". It has a new introduction and some new pages at the end covering 1996 through 1999. These new pages cover the Martin Backpacker, Taylor, PRS, etc.

If you already have the Chinery book you don't need this one. If you don't already have it, you'll love this one.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Gift!!, October 6, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: History of the American Guitar (Hardcover)

I gave this to my husband for his bday and I'm constantly looking at it myself. The pictures are outstanding the text is informative and basic. You need not be a guitar enthusist to enjoy this book!
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