This lavishly illustrated book tells in words and pictures the history of American fretted instruments. Beginning with C.F. Martin's development of a distinctly American style of guitar in the 1830s, the book traces the evolution and sibling rivalry of mandolin, banjo, and guitar. Hundreds of unique color photographs detail the development of these instruments, from primitive minstrel banjos to elaborately inlaid classical and jazz banjos; from "taterbug" mandolins to classic Gibson models signed by the legendary Lloyd Loar ...
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This lavishly illustrated book tells in words and pictures the history of American fretted instruments. Beginning with C.F. Martin's development of a distinctly American style of guitar in the 1830s, the book traces the evolution and sibling rivalry of mandolin, banjo, and guitar. Hundreds of unique color photographs detail the development of these instruments, from primitive minstrel banjos to elaborately inlaid classical and jazz banjos; from "taterbug" mandolins to classic Gibson models signed by the legendary Lloyd Loar; and a wide array of flat top, archtop, and resonator guitars. Intricate ornamentation, technical transitions, and small personal touches are all meticulously showcased in close-ups. Each chapter describes the history, the progress, and the people involved in a particular type of instrument, then provides a profusion of photographs and captions to bring the text to life. Perhaps most fascinating is the interplay of the different instruments with one another - in popularity and musical refinements. The authors examine trends and theories as well as facts. Did the spirit of World War I cause the craze for the boisterous-sounding tenor, or "tango," banjo? How did the small, gut-string parlor guitar evolve into the modern steel-string flat top? And what changes in acoustic instruments set the stage for the electric explosion? Readers who can tear their eyes away from the stunning photographs will find stories of success and failure, blind alleys and breakthroughs, all grounded in an engrossing portrait of American social and music taste. The authors' forthcoming companion volume to this book will complete the photographic history of American fretted instruments by examining electric guitars and basses.
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Seller's Description:
Fine Condition in Fine jacket. Dust Jacket is in fine condition without tears or chips or other damage. Dust Jacket price-clipped. Previous owner's inscription in ink. Quantity Available: 1. Category: Music; ISBN: 0879302402. ISBN/EAN: 9780879302405. Pictures of this item not already displayed here available upon request. Inventory No: 24120.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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Seller's Description:
Very Good in Very Good jacket. 4to. HEAVY. 313pp, index, bibliography, num col ills. Or boards in jacket. Flaps taped to endpapers, tear at bottom of front flap fold, occasional minor foxing. Acoustic guitars, mandolins and banjos. Explores the work of innovative manufacturers such as Gibson, Martin, Washburn, Gretsch, National and Dobro, as well as exquisite hand craftsmanship of famed luthiers such as Stromberg, D'Angelico, and D'Aquisto.
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Seller's Description:
Fine in Fine jacket. 4to-over 9¾-12" tall Fine in a fine jacket-looks new with no wear or markings. Beautifully illustrated in full color through-out. A very well made book in brushed silk hardcover. A fascinating reference.
