Boutique Acoustics


Book Description

(Book). Boutique Acoustics: 180 Years of Hand-Built Guitars tells the history behind the important acoustic guitar makers some recognizable, some obscure who all have played a key part in the evolution of the instrument and the myriad acoustic guitar models we have on the market today. The book covers the birth of the steel-string, the rise of small factories, the advent of "one-man shops," the origins of various trends in guitar construction the design of cutaways; the use of a variety of woods, polishes, and other aesthetic detailing; and the incorporation of high-tech materials, such as carbon fiber and Nomex and more. Makers covered include Ashborn, Bohmann, Bruno, Gibson, Guild, Tilton, Washburn, Martin, Bozo, Gallagher, Ernie Ball, Klein, Taylor, Bourgeois, Tony Yamamoto, Zimnicki, and others. Also included in this lavishly illustrated volume is a comprehensive guide to every significant US maker, descriptions of the most popular styles, and a detailed reference section about boutique guitar models.




Contemporary Acoustic Guitar Design and Build (2nd Edition)


Book Description

Contemporary Acoustic Guitar Design and Build is for everyone who wants to understand more about designing and building acoustic guitars using methods based on the acoustical and engineering sciences and contemporary small workshop practices. For the first time, the sound output of a guitar is comprehensively related both theoretically and practically to the instrument's woodwork, providing a logical and scientific method for designing guitars and real answers to questions that have challenged luthiers for centuries. Instruments built using these techniques are measurably more powerful, in-tune, responsive and playable than just about anything for sale in a music store. The differences are immediately audible.First time builders and experts alike will find these volumes invaluable. Building instructions and full sized plans are provided for four different types of guitar. But the real purpose of these volumes is to provide a design and build methodology that will allow the reader to construct just about any type of flat top guitar; the "perfect guitar" for yourself or your customer, using the same techniques that provide the quality and consistency required by pragmatic luthiers who make guitars for a living.




The Story of Paul Bigsby


Book Description

(Book). Most musicians are familiar with the famous Bigsby Vibrato, but not as many know about the wonderful guitars that Paul Bigsby built in the 1940s. Bigsby, who was responsible for developing and refining the pedal steel guitar, also built the first modern solid body electric guitar for Merle Travis in 1948, predating Leo Fender and Gibson's Les Paul by a number of years. The Story of Paul A. Bigsby tells how Bigsby influenced Fender and Gibson, as well as a number of other guitar manufacturers, in building techniques and design. This deluxe illustrated coffee table book contains over 300 color and black & white photos. Many of these have not previously been published, and over 50 are actual Bigsby instrument photos taken by fine arts photographer Greg Morgan. The book also comes with an audio CD of Paul Bigsby, recorded in the late 1950s, telling stories of his business.




Beatles Gear


Book Description

Chronicles the Beatles' use of instruments from 1956 through 1970, including photographs and discussion about Paul's 1963 Hofner 500/1 violin bass, John's Rickenbacker 325 12-string, and George's Gibson Les Paul.




The Art of Lutherie


Book Description

The Art Of Lutherie offers a glimpse into the mind and craft of luthier Tom Bills, whom many consider to be one of the most talented luthiers today. In this beautifully written and enjoyable read, Tom elegantly and clearly shares his best- kept secrets and methods of custom guitar making - those which make his guitars favorites among top collectors and players. Tom's unique approach to The Art Of Lutherie will empower and inspire you to create more than just a guitar, but a truly unique work of art. The information that is generously shared within this insightful and timeless work is both practical and applicable. It contains the same hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of experience and experimentation that Tom uses in creating his inspiring instruments. Over the years, he has producedinstruments considered to be some of the bestsounding guitars ever made. Learning the steps of how to build a guitar is important, but understanding whymaster luthiers take those steps and make those decisions can empower you to make your own educated choices. This will allow you to create unique guitars, and the world needs your art, your guitars - your important contribution. The Art Of Lutherie, a truly unique and inspiring guide, can prepare you to reach new heights when designing and creating unique guitars. It is not often I heap such lavish praise on people; however, Tom is in this case more than deserving: I know of no other luthier whose work I respect more. Tom knows his craft inside and out; he pours his soul into every guitar he makes; heuses cutting-edge science to guide his work, and it shows...as head of Artist Relations and Product Development at Mel Bay, it gives me great pleasure topublish Tom's work, which will no doubt take the art of lutherie to a new level. I hope you'll spend some time soaking in this book - it will certainly augmentyour musicality - Collin Bay. Includes access to online video




The Taylor Guitar Book


Book Description

Growing from a small custom shop in the early 1970s to the only new brand to have challenged the traditional Big Three of American acoustic guitars (Gibson, Guild, and Martin), Taylor has effectively changed the marketplace for acoustic steel-string guitars and influenced every other maker of acoustic stringed instruments. But Taylor's influence in the guitar market goes far beyond the guitars themselves. Having pioneered the use of modern building techniques – such as utilizing CNC machines, UV-finishing, etc. – the company has been an undisputed leader when it comes to innovation. Taylor's latest efforts are concentrated on wood conservation, and again, the company is setting the example that the industry is following. The Taylor Guitar Book combines a historical story line with useful hands-on information about model changes over the years – to help readers learn how to identify and date a Taylor – and features shop and factory photos (both historical and current) as well as full-color images of guitars.




Making an Archtop Guitar


Book Description

(Guitar). The definitive work on the design and construction of an acoustic archtop guitar by one of the most talented luthiers of the twentieth century. Benedetto walks the reader through all aspects of construction through to marketing your finished work. Includes a list of suppliers to acquire all the tools and materials listed; a list of serial numbers for Benedetto guitars; full-color plates featuring the author's models; photos from the author's personal scrapbook of players who endorse his guitars; and fold-out templates for construction. 8-1/2 x 11 .




Leading with Sound


Book Description

Leading with Sound is the must-have companion guide to working on video game projects. Focused on the creative, collaborative, philosophical and organizational skills behind game sound and eschewing the technical, this book celebrates the subjects most essential to leading with sound in video game development at any level. Refuting the traditional optics of sound as a service in favour of sound as a pro-active visionary department, , this book examines each of the four food-groups of dialogue, sound design, music and mix, not through the usual technical and production lenses of ‘how’ and ‘when’, but the essential lens of ‘why’ that enables leadership with sound. Leading with Sound is essential reading for aspiring sound designers, inside and outside of the classroom, as well as experienced professionals in the game industry.




Is Hi-Fi For You?


Book Description

Is Hi-Fi for you? It may not be. You may never know. Unless of course, you read this little book. Do you enjoy recorded music? Should the answer be positive, we are on firmer ground. What this unique little book does is allow you to explore what better sound reproduction of your favourite music means for you.




Audio


Book Description