Customer Reviews

Solidbodies, The 50 Year Guitar War

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I like the film because in addition to giving some interesting history, it showcases new players too. The Strat and the Les Paul are given equal time. This film is great for guitar players and non guitar players alike. Everyone will come away with things they didn't know previously, yet the film isn't too esoteric. A great orientation for new and younger players, with more than a few interesting points for experienced guitar geeks.

I had seen this product offered online several months ago and from what the advertisement said, knew that it was something I would like. What really piqued my curiosity was to find that others were interested in just a documentary over the solidbody vs. the hollowbody! I have always loved the music of the guitar- and although this video does not show any songs being played in their entirety, the focus is primarily in the documentary-style! I can appreciate the beauty of the guitar and approve its form as a work of art! If you see the guitar in the light I have presented, then you too, will enjoy this product for what it is: a documentary!

Outstanding documentary on the history of the two most well known electric guitars in history. The Les Paul from Gibson and the Stratocaster from Fender each have their own dedicated followers and probably none of them will change allegiance but for guitar lovers this is on great story and a great history on how each instrument came to be an icon of American popular culture. Essential viewing for any guitar enthusiast.

If you love guitars, you'll love this documentary. It's hard to imagine a time when solidbody guitars didn't exist. But you'll see in this documentary what led to their design and how in a very few years they took over the marketplace. It doesn't make any difference which is your favorite the Stratocaster or the Les Paul, their competition over the years makes for a great story. One of the standout featured performers is John Roth, a player who excels at making both the Stratocaster sing and the Les Paul roar. Bluesmaster Joe Bonamassa proves to have a detailed knowledge of the guitars he's known for playing so masterfully. Listen and watch....it'll make you want to grab one of these guitars and enlist in the guitar war.

The Sound quality of Solidbodies is crystal clear, appreciated even by my (non-musician, though music-loving) ears. Thanks to Hornbuckle, I think I've finally found a piece of American music history my "Cliff Clavin" Brother-in-Law doesn't know. This engaging film is fun, entertaining, and tastefully done. I could have easily watched more. The best of it is saved for last. I recommend it.

"Guitar War" does a great job or reviewing the history and major differences between the most famous electric guitars in production. It traces the co-development of the Les Paul and the Stratocaster, with plenty of examples of the differing sounds and techniques available to players. Vintage guitar footage and photography combine with shots of players using instruments from the 50's on up. Filmmaker Guy Hornbuckle knows his subject well and presents it in an easy style with plenty of substance. Hard-core enthusiasts and novices alike will enjoy this journey through the battlefields of popular guitar-based rock and blues.

A great documentary on the history of the les paul and strat guitars. Also showcases some really talented players that really show off what these guitars are capable of. Along with fresh editing and graphics this documentary was a pleasure to watch and kept me invovoled throught the whole piece. It rocks...

If you're a guitar player or appreciate rock guitar riffs, you probably have a favorite: the Strat or the Les Paul. This well-crafted documentary doesn't take sides, but it does cover all sorts of interesting history behind the two guitars that are the most successful solidbody guitars. Lots of time is spent on the early years when solidbodies were first beginning to be embraced by players, primarily because of their volume capability. The soundtrack features hot guitar playing that vividly illustrates the differences in the sounds of two rock music icons. Even non-players will learn how many of the songs featuring guitar solos have been played on Stratocasters and Les Pauls. There aren't many inventions designed that still reign supreme more that fifty years after their conception, but this documentary does a great job in explaining how these two guitars achieved and maintain that status.

Are you interested in comparing Les Paul and Stratocaster guitars? Then you will find this video interesting if it will play on your DVD player. I had no problem on my laptop, but the disk skipped and shuttered severly on three different relatively new DVD players. Amazon replaced what I thought was a defective disk only to be presented with the identical issues. So buyer beware on that possibility. Overall it was enjoyable if somewhat short IMO. More footage from some of the more prominent players would have been nice. Not really an entertainment piece, but interesting.

This guitar documentary is a must have for anyone wanting to know about the early days of solidbody guitars. Lots of interesting info about the development of the Fender Stratocaster and the Gibson Les Paul along with a great music soundtrack that illustrates the signature sounds of the instruments. Beyond just guitar history, it's also compelling as a story about invention, determination and popular music in general. Solidbodies is rock solid!