Reference

Revised and expanded edition of every bass player's favorite book. Since it was first published in 1995, the best-selling Bass Book has become the standard text for anyone searching for a complete history of bass guitars. In this revised and expanded edition, it offers a complete illustrated history of bass guitars, from Fender's first electric model in the 1950s through all the major models of the next 50 years that formed the foundation for modern music. The book features original interviews with bass makers past and present, dozens of unusual, specially commissioned color photos, and a reference section that provides critical information on every major manufacturer.

B.B. King is a national treasure. For more than five decades, he has been the consummate blues performer. His unique guitar playing, powerful vocals, and repertoire of songs have taken him from tiny Itta Bena, Mississippi, to worldwide renown. In this comprehensive volume, the best articles, interviews and reviews about B.B. King's life and career have been gathered. Learn how he first made his mark as a disc jockey in Memphis hawking Pepticon elixir and taking the moniker of the Beale Street Blues Boy; trace his early tours and recordings; see him be swept up in the blues revival; and finally, enjoy his fame as the greatest living exponent of the blues style.

Finally, the long-awaited English edition of this historic Japanese book is here! The Beauty of the 'Burst pays tribute to Gibson's magnificent Sunburst Les Pauls made between 1958 and 1960, the most highly prized solidbody electric guitars ever. The magnitude of their value is directly related to their look (outrageous wood patterns, or figured timber), since non-players are paying top dollar for them. The book features lavish full-color photos of these beautiful instruments throughout; the guitars of famous players; a foreword by Ted McCarty; a bio of the author, world renowned collector Yasuhiko Iwanade; and the Science of the Burst section with over 30 pages of detailed reference facts on every facet of the guitar, including colors, wood figure, pick-ups, hardware and qualities of voice. This may be the closest guitarists will ever be able to get to these incredibly collectible beauties! 216 pages, 8-1/2 inch. x 11 inch. Softcover

No single decade revitalized the keyboard as a focal point as much as the 1980s. Now, the editors of Keyboard magazine have culled that era's most insightful articles and combined them with a wealth of insight to create this landmark book. Features 20 interviews with noted players and producers like Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Duran Duran's Nick Rhodes, Depeche Mode's Vince Clarke, Peter Gabriel, and The Human League, as well as such visionary pioneers as Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Frank Zappa.

Every guitarist dreams of owning a handmade instrument, but for most, the cost is likely to be prohibitive. The alternative - building your own fine guitar - is not as difficult as you might imagine, given some skill, patience, and the expert guidance of a master luthier. Every step of construction is fully covered, from choice, selection, and preparation of woods, to consideration of size, bracing, and tonal qualities. Each step of the building sequence is clearly photographed in color, with variations to the standard design shown to enable you to personalize your instrument as you make it. Briston, England-based Jonathan Kinkead has been building guitars for nearly 30 years. His craft is born out of experience and intuition rather than a strict following of technical detail. The resulting beauty of form and distinctive tone have earned him his reputation as one of the world's most respected independent luthiers.

Charlie Christian is regarded by many jazz historians as one of the major voices who shaped modern jazz in the early 1940s. Although he made only a few records before his tragic death at age 25, his brilliant improvisations, phenomenal rhythmic drive, and blues-influenced guitar playing had already changed the course of jazz - and the guitar's place in jazz - for all time. The first major soloist on the electric guitar, Christian elevated the instrument from its meager role in the rhythm section to a spirited force to be reckoned with. Updated and expanded, Peter Broadbent's second edition of this book details the full importance of Christian's brief life, from the start of his fortuitous encounter with John Hammond, to his role in the Benny Goodman Big Band and Sextet. Illustrated throughout with great photos and important documents, the book also features a new authoritative discography. A must-read for anyone interested in the history of jazz and the jazz guitar.

From the author of Amps! comes an essential survival guide for every guitar player and amp owner. Packed with concise, clearly written tips on troubleshooting and repairs, this guide teaches the secrets of maintenance and fixing it yourself, with straightforward, step-by-step instructions using simple, affordable, readily available tools. The book focuses on the most commonly performed procedures, and contains over 150 photos and insider information from technicians, engineers, and roadies.

This is the fascinating story of professional drummer, inventor, and industrialist Ulysses Leedy and his apartment-based drum company that became the world's largest manufacturer of percussion equipment. Features many photos documenting the company's interesting history. A must for all collectors and drum enthusiasts!