Legendary Guitars: An Illustrated Guide

The book highlights over 50 guitar brands and includes rare memorabilia, advertisements, and catalogs from the era. It also provides a chronological narrative of world events that placed these instruments in the context of two decades of contrasts and revolutionary invention.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2022
Publisher: Book Sales Inc

Legendary Guitars: An Illustrated Guide takes you on a journey through the electric guitars of the 1950s and 60s, exploring the culture, styles, and music that shaped them. In the words of Jeff Beck, the renowned guitarist, "Finding ways to use the same guitar people have been using for 50 years, to make sounds no one has heard before, is truly what gets me off."

Legendary Guitars: An Illustrated Guide provides a comprehensive recap of how the great instruments created and produced between 1950 and 1969 went on to define the design, looks, and playability of today's electric guitars. The guide draws direct lines between the mid-century originals and many of today's most highly prized instruments, showcasing how today's guitar makers have produced fresh interpretations that draw on the venerable 50s and 60s templates.

The Birth of Classic Electric Guitars: The 1950s marked a pivotal era in the evolution of electric guitars. Notable models such as the Gibson Les Paul, Fender Telecaster, Gretsch 6120, and Gibson Flying V emerged during this time. These instruments were played by iconic musicians like Bill Haley & His Comets, Little Richards, Duane Eddy, Albert King, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and George Harrison, who pushed the boundaries of sound and creativity with their unique styles.

The Sound of the 1960s: In the 1960s, guitar players embraced the power and versatility of the electric guitar, experimenting with bending, distorting, and overloading the instrument to create extraordinary music. Jimi Hendrix famously played an upside-down Fender Stratocaster, Eric Clapton wielded a psychedelic Gibson SG, and George Harrison showcased a 12-string Rickenbacker. The work of over 50 guitar brands, both past and present, is highlighted in the guide, including Airline, Ampeg, Antoria, Aria, Baldwin, Bigsby, Burns, and many more.

The Influence of Legendary Guitars: Legendary Guitars: An Illustrated Guide is not just a history lesson; it is a celebration of the enduring influence of these iconic instruments on music and culture. Whether you are a guitar enthusiast, a music lover, or simply someone interested in the evolution of musical instruments, this guide offers a captivating journey through the world of electric guitars and the artists who have made them legendary.

Weight: 907g
Dimension: 304 x 228 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780785841319