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 Classical Guitar


Book Description

Offering essays by the world's top experts in a full-color, coffee-table quality book, this is the first work to tell the complete story of the classical guitar and its repertoire, players and makers - from its 19th century European roots to modern international interpretations. This handsome softcover volume features lavish photography of classical guitars made by the best luthiers in the world. Additional essays cover use of the classical guitar in pop music, different playing and teaching techniques, the collectors' market, and the science of the guitar. It also features profiles of legendary artists such as Andres Segovia, Julian Bream and John Williams, plus a full discography, a glossary, an index, a bibliography, and a guitar measurement chart.




Alfred's Basic Guitar Method, Book 1


Book Description

Recognized for over 50 years as the best-paced and most comprehensive guitar method available, Alfred's Basic Guitar Method has introduced over 3 million beginners to the joy of playing guitar. This updated and expanded edition features a new layout, making it easier to read and learn. Now included are blues, country, folk, jazz, and rock styles, plus more pop songs! A DVD with iPod-compatible video is provided for the visual learner, and correlating theory, chord, and pop books ensure that you'll get everything you need from one complete method. Learning to play has never been easier or more fun than with Alfred's Basic Guitar Method---the first and best choice for today's beginning guitar students. Book 1 covers how to hold your guitar, tuning your guitar, basics of reading music, notes on all six strings, chords, scales and songs, bass-chord accompaniments, duets, photos and diagrams, and acoustic and electric guitars. Titles: Singin' in the Rain * Take Me Home Country Roads * Over the Rainbow * Annie's Song * When the Saints Go Marching In.




Guitar Repair


Book Description




The Library of Easy Guitar Classics


Book Description

Contains "over 200 selections" including "traditional, easy solo pieces, ... a special tablature section, [and a] ... selection of classical duets" -- cover.




Classical Guitar Making


Book Description

"Renowned luthier John S. Bogdanovich crafted the project shown inside for his own personal use. The design he presents is simple but elegant and is a composite of ideas borrowed from several different guitars admired for their tonal qualities and aesthetic details. In close-up photographs Bogdanovich invites you to stand by his side and follow the entire process from start to finish. He offers guidance through every step, and explains every decision, from the arrangement of his workbench and the selection of the wood, to tuning and setting up the instrument. Bogdanovich also provides a choice of alternative methods and materials -- to help you find your own style of working, and to enable you to add your personal touches to your project. By the time your instrument is finished, you'll have acquired a world of knowledge, from the difference between quartersawn and flat-sawn wood to the pros and cons of lacquer versus French polish. You'll have mastered dozens of skills, including bending and aminating wood and cutting and seating wire frets. Best of all, you'll have a beautiful instrument, designed to your own specifications, that will give pleasure to everyone who hears it." -- Book jacket.




How to Setup Your Guitar Like a Pro


Book Description

“Everything you need to start confidently working on your own guitars is right here.” Learn how to do great guitar setups time and time again with this easy to follow, step-by-step manual. With expert tips, clear instruction, and over 260 photos, you will gain the understanding of how to fine-tune any guitar to play its best- with measurability and precision! Use the included cut-out tool templates to broaden your skills. Makes an excellent starter book or reference for budding professionals. ***Now updated and expanded with additional content including a section on restringing, neck shimming, scale length determination and new images! *** Included in the book: An 8-step method for electric, acoustic & bass guitar setups How to adjust neck relief (bow) for optimum playability How to adjust string height for your playing style and guitar type How to file nut slots, adjust pickup height and set the intonation accurately How to adjust Fender-style tremolo's, Gibson hard-tails, Floyd Rose and other floating bridges How to adjust the saddle on your acoustic steel string or nylon string guitar Manufacturer's setup specs for Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Jackson, Gretsch and others Exclusive setup specifications from the author's best playing guitars & basses Cut-out templates for radius gauges, under-string radius gauges & an action ruler A handy measurement conversion chart & more! From your friends at www.Learn-GuitarSetups.com and the Guitar Setup Pro App. What to expect: If you play electric guitar, acoustic guitar, classical guitar, or even play bass guitar, you can learn guitar set up and maintenance for yourself with this top-selling guitar repair book. After years of successful workshops and group guitar setup classes, led by the Canadian guitar tech & educator Jonny Blackwood, this guitar setup guide has been tweaked and refined to simplistic perfection, in keeping true to the testament that less sometimes is more. After all, there are some excellent in-depth guitar repair luthier books on the market, but that’s not what you’re after when you just want to lower the string height, adjust the truss rod, and/or set the intonation. This book is written for beginners as an introduction to guitar setup and maintenance, for those who cannot attend our guitar setup classes in person, and for those who want to understand their instrument inside and out. You will learn the methods of true pro guitar setups and the specifications used on numerous styles of guitars. The highlights in this book are simplicity, clear instruction, lots of photographs and lots of examples/ specifications to try on different kinds of guitars. Use this book to gain an edge and develop your skills with a great foundation. Use it for: · General guitar maintenance · Electric guitar setups · Acoustic guitar setups · Classical guitar setups · Bass guitar setups These are some examples of the guitar setup tools you will require to do the procedures outlined in the book: · guitar capo · guitar tuner · guitar setup gauge · guitar setup ruler · guitar setup straight edge (optional) · guitar setup tool kit (optional) · guitar setup mat (optional) · under-string radius gauges (optional) Books available from the author (paperback and digital editions): How to Setup Your Guitar Like A Pro: An Easy Guide for Beginners How to Build & Setup Guitar Kits like a Pro: An Easy Guide for Bolt-on Neck Guitars How to Start and Run a Successful Guitar Repair Business: Practical Tips for the New Entrepreneur




Classic Guitar Construction


Book Description




Historical Lute Construction


Book Description

The most comprehensive, authoritative work on understanding and building authentic lutes, by a world renown luthier and scholar. Historical section covers the development of the lute from the 15th through the 18th century with over 100 photographs of ancient lutes and 50 diagrams; practicum section covers the construction of the lute in minute detail with over 600 step-by-step photographs and a dozen diagrams. Includes a list of historic makers, catalog of extant historic lutes, bibliography and index, plus complete reduced images of seven lute plans.




The Shearer Method -- Classic Guitar Foundations, Bk 1


Book Description

Aaron Shearer's Classic Guitar Technique is used by serious guitarists all over the world and has long been one of the definitive classic guitar methods. The Shearer Method: Classic Guitar Foundations, Shearer's final work, is the first in a series that encapsulates his lifetime experience as America's premier classic guitar pedagogue. This work is a step-by-step curriculum based on Aaron's innovative and common sense approach that incorporates all the advantages of modern technology. The method includes 63 DVD videos for up-close aural and visual learning, 74 new solo and duet compositions and arrangements (made exclusively for this method by Dr. Alan Hirsh), as well as works by Sor, Carcassi, Giuliani, and more. Plus, recorded tracks masterfully illustrate nuance, tone, and musicality. The book even includes Alfred Music's exclusive TNT 2 software that allows you to slow down and loop tracks for careful practice. In addition, a complete online supplement is available for teachers and students that want a deeper understanding of Shearer's work. The book does not replace Shearer's original classic. It augments and expands on it in ways not imaginable in the early '60s when the original was published. It's a must-have to complete the library of any classic or fingerstyle guitarist The Shearer Method Classic Guitar Foundations is not just a book but a media experience.