Foreword by C.F. Martin IV. This comprehensive guide explains how to buy and maintain the guitar that matches your needs. From its beginning in European classical music, through American innovations like blues, jazz, country, and all the way to rock, pop and folk, the acoustic guitar's versatility is remarkable. This book covers all types of models with an emphasis placed on steel-string flattops, archtops and classical guitars. Topics covered include: How to tell the difference between a good sounding and bad sounding instrument; How much of the sound is determined by the wood; How to amplify and maintain its natural sound; How much money to spend in order to get an instrument that matches your level of playing; A color section illustrates historically significant instruments.

The original 1984 edition of this title presented a definitive approach to the theory, practice and performance of electric bass guitar. As such, it gained wide recognition and acceptance as the best single-volume work in its field. Now, in response to all the new developments in bass technique and application, GPI has put together a revised and updated edition of this invaluable book. Included in this comprehensive new volume are the most up-to-date instructional columns, private lessons, and hard-to-find features from GPI Special Edition: Bass Player magazine. Also featured are important tips and lessons from the foremost artists in the field - Jeff Berlin, Carol Kaye, Nathan East, Stanley Clarke, Billy Sheehan, Jimmy Haslip, Bunny Brunel, and others - who take the reader all the way from choosing an instrument to reading, music theory, practicing, improving technique, and soloing. Plus a new section on bass repair, maintenance, and modification.

Until recently, guitar players had reason to feel left out of the great electronic revolution in music today. After a few false starts and several years of development, however, the new technology has become an accessible and relatively inexpensive tool for the vast expansion of every guitar player's musical creativity. The development of both improved guitar synthesizers and of guitars as 'triggering' devices for MIDI setups, means players can now use their axe to play other instruments with an entire new vocabulary or preset or programmed sounds, rhythms, and special effects. Guitar Synth and MIDI is the first book to explain the new guitar revolution in both theory and practice. Included are basic information and technique on the history and development of guitar synthesizers, basic synthesis, MIDI sampling, triggering, and how particular artists like Andy Summers, Frank Zappa, Al DiMeola, Robert Fripp, Lee Ritenour and others are currently using synthesis and MIDI in their own guitar playing. From choosing equipment to using it, recording or on-stage performance, here is essential information and inspiration for every modern guitarist.

100th anniversary updated edition!

Rich in beauty, sound, and history, Manuel Rodriguez and Sons' classical and flamenco guitars have been handcrafted in Madrid since 1909, and the company's creations are still acclaimed today. This book presents master luthier Manuel Rodriguez's thoughts on the history of the instrument he loved, including how the guitar attained its prominent position among musical instruments. Filled with fabulous historical photos, memorabilia, and more, this book is essential for all admirers of the guitar. A special new section on “Music with World Leaders,” sponsored by the King of Spain, promotes the importance of music for children and much more.

The PRS Guitar Book details every facet of the wonderful electric guitars made by PRS, the Maryland-based company founded in 1985 by musician and guitar builder Paul Reed Smith. The paperback edition is updated to include all the latest information on the acclaimed Singlecut models, as well as the intriguing story of the Santana SE – the company's first venture into overseas manufacture. An inviting narrative describes the evolution of this internationally renowned guitar maker, while dynamic color photography spotlights outstanding PRS guitars such as the Signature, signed by Smith; the Dragon, sporting opulent shell inlays; the Swamp Ash Special and Rosewood Limited, using non-standard materials; and ultra-rare models from limited and custom runs. Other featured guitars include the latest acoustic-electrics, and the Santana models that celebrate the partnership between PRS guitars and their best-known player, Carlos Santana. A special section highlights the company's famed use of highly patterned maple woods, displaying the most stunning “flame-top” and “quilt-top” examples. This definitive book also provides an absorbing photo-essay on the making of a PRS guitar, plus specifications for identifying and dating PRS instruments.

“The PRS Guitar Book is a must-have for any collector, PRS owner, or anyone who appreciates PRS guitars.” –Guitar Digest

“Masterful ... tons of gorgeous, full-color photos.” –Guitar Player

“This hefty volume of brilliantly colorful guitars made by Paul Reed Smith exemplifies the best and the brightest...” –Dirty Linen

“A fitting tribute to a company which has, in a short time, come to symbolize a quality alternative to the 'big two' American electric guitar manufacturers.” –Vintage Guitar