The Acoustic Guitar Guide - 260 Pages Paperback - $16.95 USD
This is truly a comprehensive and exhaustive guide to buying
and owning an acoustic guitar! The sub-title of the book is: Everything you need to know to buy and maintain a new or used guitar.
Some specifics of what the book is like. The book is divided into 2 main parts or units: The first is All about the guitar, and the second is a market survey - all about buying a guitar. Let's take a look at the section About the guitar first. This section, which is the larger of the two, would be valuable to all guitar owners, whether or not they are looking to buy another one. Like I said, this is a really comprehensive book about acoustic guitars. The author begins with some history of the guitar, which is interesting information.
Then he goes on to say a little about all the different kinds of acoustic guitars there are out there: such as 12-string, classical, pedal steel, etc. There's a chapter on guitar materials. Talking about different types of wood used in making guitars. And their advantages and disadvantages. Tone woods - different finished and types of glues used on acoustic guitars.
Then there are 2 chapters devoted to how the guitar works. The first one talks of guitar action, what it is, how to set up for the best action, etc. Then comes everything you ever wanted to know about the neck, and truss rod. How it joins to the body, fingerboard, frets, nut, scale, head stock, tuners, etc. The second chapter on how the guitar works focuses on the body. Included are discussions of the soundboard, sound hole, pickguard, bracing, bridge, saddle, back, sides, lining, size and shape of the guitar body. All the pros and cons of different materials used are presented.
2 Books In One!
The first half of the book is for acoustic guitar owners and players - the second half of the book is for acoustic guitar buyers.
After telling you about the workings of the guitar, the author tells you how to get the guitar that's just right for you. What size of a guitar is best for me? Is there a left-handed guitar available in this model? I want a guitar that looks fantastic! A full chapter is set aside to teach you about strings. You'll find out what strings are made of, flat wound, ground wound, compound strings, nylon strings. What is the effect of the string size or gauge on the sound I get out of my guitar? Also, how to make up your own custom set of strings. Different brands of strings that are on the market.
There's a chapter about pickups and amplification of an acoustic. Another chapter on used and vintage guitars. How to deal with guitar salespeople. How to check out the quality of a guitar. How to take care of a guitar.
The second half of the book is part II called Market Survey. This section prepares you to buy a guitar. They tell you how to read and interpret the guitar sales literature. How to read on understand guitar specifications. There are large sections about all the major North American guitar manufacturers, including Martin, Gibson, Guild, etc. You learn background on the company, what they offer. How to get more information. The book finished up with a glossary of guitar-related terms. There is also a list of additional resources.
