Books - Elderly Instruments

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

FAQ; FIDDLE CARE AND SETUP by Michael Hoffheimer Photo

An owner's manual for fiddlers, this guide covers basic instrument maintenance, upkeep and adjustment. It offers rules for preserving instruments and preventing costly damage, discusses fiddle history and construction, more. Step-by-step illustrations demonstrate how to change strings and replace fine tuners. Covers cleaning and minor home repairs, including adjusting and replacing bridges. Discusses when to change strings and rehair the bow, explaining what matters require the care of an expert repair person. It explains ways to customize tone and playability. Additional sections treat valuation and appraisals, tips for buying fiddles, and ways to find good dealers and repair people. Glossary. 80 pp.
02-21441 $7.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

HOW TO BUILD A HAMMERED DULCIMER by Phillip Mason Photo

Construct a strong, responsive instrument with a minimum of tools and fancy materials. In print since 1975, Mason's book also shows you how to make a hardshell case, hammers and a folding stand. He finishes with tuning and playing fundamentals. Build a dulcimer with 12 treble and 11 bass courses of two strings each. Includes plans (1/4 size). 28 pp.
08-23 $8.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

VIOLIN REPAIR GUIDE by Michael Atria Photo

A must for instrument owners, this guide provides illustrated step-by-step instructions for bow rehairing, repair and restoration of the violin, viola, cello and string bass. Features more than 100 clearly detailed illustrations, appendices with standard measurements, tools and materials, and a glossary. 62 pp.
49-331150 $9.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

THE GUITARIST'S GUIDE TO SET-UP & MAINTENANCE by Charlie Chandler Photo

Learn how to carry out basic maintenance and repairs, all of which can be done yourself, without the need for professional assistance. Includes: how to strip down and clean your instrument, how to set the action, how regular maintenance can improve your guitar and your playing. Lavishly illustrated with over a hundred diagrams and photographs. Includes special troubleshooting tips to help you solve common problems like fret buzz, chips and cracks in paint work, electrical problems, intonation, more. 55 pp.
49-695887 $9.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

A DULCIMER BUILDER'S REFERENCE by Scott E. Antes Photo

General advice on various aspects of appalachian dulcimer construction. 35 pp.
out-of-stock, more coming soon
113-100 $14.00

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

CLAPTON'S GUITAR: WATCHING WAYNE HENDERSON BUILD THE PERFECT INSTRUMENT by Allen St. John Photo

A mesmerizing journey into the heart of high-end guitar-making through the quirky character of Wayne Henderson, a musician and craftsman who builds his guitars by hand, literally by putting penknife to wood and carving away "everything that isn't a guitar." There is a waiting list 10 years long for his guitars. This absorbing account follows, step-by-step, the incredible sculpting of Clapton's favored guitar and along the way readers get a whirlwind tour of what might be called "Six String Nation," where fine instruments are made, played, and treasured in modern America. 277 pp.
542-141 $14.00

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

CONSTRUCTING THE MOUNTAIN DULCIMER by Dean Kimball Photo

Kimball does a very thorough job of showing how to make this unique instrument. There are many diagrams and photos, as well as fret tables, finish information, playing instructions, and a history of the mountain dulcimer. 102 pp.
08-47 $14.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

PEARL INLAY: AN INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR INLAYING ABALONE AND MOTHER-OF-PEARL by James E. Patterson Photo

Tools, tips, and techniques for helping the experienced luthier or woodworker learn the exacting art of pearl inlay. 81 pp.
110-1 $14.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

VIOLIN OWNER'S MANUAL - THE COMPLETE GUIDE Photo

Here's the book that should have come with your violin! Written by a team of instrument makers, repairers, and musicians, this comprehensive guide will help you select, understand, preserve, and protect any violin. Covers: selecting the proper instrument and bow, understanding common repairs, finding the right maker, guarding against theft, getting a good setup, protecting your violin, choosing a case, more. With glossary of terms. 158 pp.
49-330762 $14.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

THE DYNAMICS OF BANJO SOUND - A PLAYER'S GUIDE TO PROFESSIONAL SET-UP SECRETS by Tom Nechville Photo

Tom Nechville's excellent banjo set-up guide explains the effect of head, tailpiece, bridge and tone ring on a banjo's sound and how to get the most out of adjustments. Also covers neck adjustments and fret-dressing. Useful for 4- and 5-string banjos and all playing styles, 55 pp.
158-56 $15.00

CONSTRUCTING A 5-STRING BANJO: A COMPLETE TECHNICAL GUIDE by Roger H. Siminoff Photo

Plans and instructions for building a resonator bluegrass banjo. Lots of photos. Spiral bound. Plus full-size blueprints. 64 pp.
49-105 $16.95

HOW TO SET UP THE BEST SOUNDING BANJO by Roger H. Siminoff Photo

Finally, THE book on banjo setup! Step-by-step instructions cover neck angle, heel fit, tailpiece angle, head adjustments, bridge selection and much more! With more than 60 photos and illustrations, and a section on amplification tips by Earl Scruggs! 66 pp.
49-330367 $16.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

ACOUSTIC GUITAR OWNER'S MANUAL Photo

Acoustic guitarists can now better understand their instruments, preserve and protect their value, and get the sounds they really want! Whether it's cleaning a guitar, protecting it from theft or humidity changes, selecting a case, or performing diagnostics, readers will become more savvy acoustic guitar owners. Covers: fret maintenance & refretting, installing and troubleshooting pickups, cracks, neck repairs, caring for the finish, more. 112 pp.
49-330532 $17.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

THE CONCERTINA MAINTENANCE MANUAL by David Elliott Photo

Covers fault-finding charts, basic examination and purchase advice through the common service and repair jobs and techniques to some of the more sensitive reed work. Intended to cover all of the concertina systems, this edition goes out of its way to be versatile without sacrificing detail. Whether intending to carry out running repairs, service, restore or just know more about the innards of that strange and fascinating instrument, this is an essential addition to the concertina players toolkit. Considerably expanded from the first edition in both breadth and depth. 52 pp.
02-110 $18.45

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

ACOUSTIC GUITAR - AN HISTORICAL LOOK AT THE COMPOSITION, CONSTRUCTION, AND EVOLUTION OF ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST BELOVED INSTRUMENTS by Frank Ford, Michael Simmons, Richard Johnston & Teja Gerken Photo

Foreword by C.F. Martin IV. How do you tell the difference between a great and not-so-great guitar? How much of the sound is determined by the woods and how much by building style? How much money do you have to spend to get a guitar that matches your style and skill level? This book seeks to answer these questions by helping you understand how guitar designs differ, how they sound and even what their origins are. Nearly every type of acoustic guitar is discussed with an emphasis on steel-string flattops, classical and archtop guitars. Each chapter covers an individual part of the instrument's construction. Includes a guide to care and maintenance, a section on common repairs, and a 16 page color section with historically significant instruments. 376 pp.
49-331185 $18.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

DIY SPEAKER CABINETS FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENT APPLICATIONS by Kevin O'Connor Photo

Learn how to build your own speaker cabinets for guitar, bass, or keyboards. Covers speaker cabinet design with a focus on high-efficiency and maximum tonal capture from a given driver. Discusses driver characteristics, selection, mixing and interactions, and reviews stage set-ups. Outlines construction and finishing techniques with designs for 1x, 2x, and 4x10", 12" and 15" cabinets. Comb-bound. 76 pp.
451-6 $19.00

GREAT TUBE AMP AND GUITAR MODS by Mike Thompson Photo

Over 50 useful modifications for Fender and Marshall amps, electric guitars, and speaker cabinets, plus equipment tips. Lots of practical information, presented in an easy-going manner for all levels of expertise. 150 pp.
on order, expected arrival date 12/08/09
24-61 $19.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

VIOLIN MAKING: AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE FOR THE AMATEUR by Bruce .Ossman Photo

Utilizing fewer tools and a get-it-done attitude, this useful manual makes the violin-making process easy fo the everyday crafter. Uses step-by-step instructions and hundreds of detailed drawings and color photos to make cutting and shaping each piece to assemble and performance possible for any aspiring luthier. Full-size component cutouts for each instrument piece. An inspiring full-color gallery of violins made by other amateurs is also included. 112 pp.
309-17 $19.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

A GUITAR MAKER'S MANUAL by Jim Williams Photo

Step-by-step illustrated instructions for building steel and nylon-strung guitars, plus templates. Comb-bound. 104 pp.
49-151 $19.95

HOW TO MAKE YOUR ELECTRIC GUITAR PLAY GREAT by Dan Erlewine Photo

Whether shopping for a first guitar or setting up a vintage treasure to get the right action, this book offers the keys to electric guitar ownership for players at all levels. Topics covered: choosing the right guitar, techniques and tools for keeping your guitar healthy, adjusting a "factory setup," intonation, adjusting the truss rod, nut adjustment, bridge and tailpiece maintenance, whammy bars, cleaning finishes, more! Includes plastic sheet with punch out radius gauges for setting up your guitar. 133 pp.
49-330535 $19.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

DULCIMER MAKER: THE CRAFT OF HOMER LEDFORD by R. Gerald Alvey, new foreword by Ron Pen Photo

The reissue of this classic book celebrates the work of a master craftsman and musician. A legend among dulcimer makers, Ledford is known for his innovative but traditional craftmanship. Both a biography and step-by-step guide to dulcimer making. With 63 photos. Second ed., revised. 197 pp.
out-of-stock, more coming soon
542-81 $19.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

VIOLIN-MAKING: A HISTORICAL AND PRACTICAL GUIDE by Edward Heron-Allen Photo

This volume traces the instrument's history, discusses the materials used in violin making, and offers guidance on construction. Written by an apprentice to one of the world's greatest violin makers, it is considered essential reading by instrument makers and performers alike. Profusely illustrated. Republication of the London, 1885 edition. 372 pp.
542-133 $21.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

STEP-BY-STEP GUITAR MAKING by Alex Willis Photo

309-18 $22.95

THE LUTHIER'S HANDBOOK by Roger H. Siminoff Photo

For the instrument builder, this book explores the secrets and science behind making good sounding acoustic string instruments. Describes the structural and acoustical attributes of air chambers, what to listen for when tap-tuning, selecting a good piece of wood, placement of the braces and tone bars and how to tune them, how to select the right strings, what to consider in bridge design concepts, more. 128 pp.
49-330538 $22.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

THE ART OF INLAY - DESIGN & TECHNIQUE FOR FINE WOODWORKING, REVISED & EXPANDED by Larry Robinson Photo

This dazzling showcase of the art of inlay provides artistic inspiration as well as how-to instruction and design insights. Over 100 color photographs show exquisite inlays in musical instruments, wooden boxes, and various objects d'art, while black-and-white photos and drawings guide you through the intricate process of creating your own. The book has been revised and expanded throughout, including an additional 16-page gallery of inlay examples. 128 pp.
49-331289 $22.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

VACUUM TUBE GUITAR AND BASS AMPLIFIER SERVICING by Tino Zottola Photo

Comprehensive manual helps beginners and pros keep their amps up and running. Straightforward and easy-to-read, but NOT for the technologically-impaired. 88 pp.
24-60 $23.95

VACUUM TUBE GUITAR AND BASS AMPLIFIER THEORY by Tino Zottola Photo

The companion book to "Vacuum Tube Guitar and Bass Amplifier Servicing" (#24-60). Lots of useful knowledge for anyone wishing to know more about amps, tubes, and how they work. 62 pp.
24-62 $23.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

COMPLETE BANJO REPAIR by Larry Sandberg Photo

The setup, maintainence, and restoration of the five-string banjo. An indispensable guide for the amateur as well as the professional repair person. Each procedure is clearly explained and illustrated with detailed photographs and diagrams. Recommended. 112 pp.
01-000227 $24.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

GUITAR ELECTRONICS FOR MUSICIANS by Donald Brosnac Photo

A comprehensive guide on pickups and wiring for everyone interested in electric guitars. Step-by-step explanations with over 350 photos, drawings, & schematics. 128 pp.
01-042324 $24.95

GUITAR SETUP, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR by John LeVan Photo

Uses photographs, diagrams and sketches made by the author or provided by manufacturers to teach how to clean, condition, adjust the action and properly intonate your acoustic guitar, as well as: John's trade secrets on hand-carving bone nuts and bridge saddles, wiring and fretwork. Also includes a chapter on identifying and diagnosing problem guitars. For beginners or a reference for the guitar repair professional. Forward written by Bob Taylor of Taylor Guitars. 152 pp.
on order, expected arrival date 12/08/09
02-20309 $24.95

CLASSIC GUITAR CONSTRUCTION by Irving Sloane Photo

"Diagrams, photographs, and step-by-step instructions" on building your own instrument. Brief and concise but packed with information -- a perennial favorite! 96 pp.
132-12 $24.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

FRETWORK, STEP BY STEP Photo

Put out by the experts of the Stewart-MacDonald staff. Chapters include different styles of fretting, compound vs. cylindrical radii, compression fretting techniques, guide to tools and their uses. Nearly 1000 photos and illustrations, including 7 step-by-step photocourses. 125 pp.
out-of-stock, more coming soon
325-3 $24.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

SIMINOFF'S LUTHIERS GLOSSARY by Roger Siminoff Photo

A compendium of more than 800 technical terms used in the design, construction, and production of string musical instruments. The handy 6" x 9" softcover is intended for all levels of builders from beginners to advanced, and features descriptions of parts, techniques, tools, adhesives, finishes, machinery, woods, stains, acoustics, and legal terms. The Appendix includes numerous valuable data tables (instrument tunings and string gauges, string tensions, drills and taps, relative sound pressures, more) along with two dozen color plates to help recognize the tonewoods and decorative woods used in luthierie. First edition. 206 pp.
49-332379 $24.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

THE VIOLIN MAKER: FINDING A CENTURIES OLD TRADITION IN A BROOKLYN WORKSHOP by John Marchese Photo

Celebrated Brooklyn violin-maker Sam Zygmuntowicz recently accepted a challenging commission from violinist Eugene Drucker of the Emerson String Quartet: to make a new violin that would equal Drucker's beloved Stradivarius. This documents their collaboration, capturing the exacting scrape-by-scrape process. Along the way Marchese goes on a pilgrimage to Stradivarius's hometown of Cremona and delves into the secrets behind the maestro's incomparable sound. Was it the wood? The varnish? He suggests a more prosaic, if no less marvelous, possibility - that the genius of craftsmanship resides not in magic ingredients or arcane techniques, but simply in taking infinite, exhausting pains with the work. Written in a free-flowing style based on interviews and observation. Hardcover, 222 pp.
542-162 $24.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

UKULELE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO CONSTRUCT A HAWAIIAN UKULELE FOR ANY WOODWORKER by D. Henry Wickham Photo

Details the step by step process of building a professional quality instrument. 185+ detailed photographs and drawings. With 12 time and money saving jigs to construct, material lists & sources, section on inlay & binding, information & demonstration of Spanish style and Box type construction. A wonderful reference for the construction of any of the four sizes of ukuleles, including plans and dimensions for a Tenor ukulele. Spiralbound, 142 pp.
542-231 $24.95

THE MANDOLIN PROJECT by Graham McDonald Photo

A workshop manual that guides you through the construction of four mandolins with different styles of construction: a flat-top/flat-back, a bent-top/flat-back, a Celtic carved-top/flat-back, and a fully carved A style. Includes plans for for all major components and is comprehensively illustrated with photographs and diagrams. The introductory chapter is a history of mandolin construction over the last 300 years, illustrated with color photos of rare and unusual instruments. Perfect bound; lays open flat. 161 pp.
704-1 $24.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

HAL LEONARD GUITAR METHOD - SETUP & MAINTENANCE by Chad Johnson Photo

Book/Tuner pack. Learn to properly adjust your guitar for peak playability and optimum sound. Step-by-step instructions and photos teach how to adjust the action, truss rod, bridge saddles, nut, intonation, pickup height, soldering, tools, replacing jacks and pickups, and more, on electric guitars (Fender style, Gibson style and floating tremolo-style) and steel string acoustic guitars, plus basic electronic repairs. With a handy Korg GA-1 chromatic guitar and bass tuner included this is a fantastic value. 32 pp.
49-697392 $24.99

BUILD YOUR OWN ELECTRIC GUITAR - COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS AND FULL-SIZE PLANS by Martin Oakham Photo

A complete step-by-step guide to building an electric guitar - from the initial design to assembly - with clear instructions, full-size plans, and more than 400 color photos. 144 pp.
542-214 $25.00

GUITARS THROUGH THE AGES: CRAFTSMAN TO PERFORMER by James Westbrook, foreword by Hermann Hauser III Photo

A compulsively readable, detailed book infused with the affection and knowledge Westbrook carries for his collection. Westbrook wrote this in connection with a concert in which he allowed 6 guitars from his prestigious collection to be played by Paul Gregory, Ulrich Wedemeier and Taro Takeuchi. The 6 guitars they used - an unlabelled French five-course guitar dated at about 1780, an 1830 Gennaro Fabricatore, an 1889 Torres, an 1830 Rene Lacote, an 1838 Louis Panormo, and a 1966 Robert Bouchet - are the focus of the book. Section one gives an historical perspective of the guitars, with lively histories of the luthiers and players and technical/cultural information. Section two presents the collection in a series of photos. Section 3 gives the technical details of the guitars and restoration. From X-rays to guesses as to why the guitars are as they are, even this section reads like a good mystery. 72 pp.
on order, expected arrival date 12/08/09
612-1 .. list $20.00 ours $26.00

GUITAR REPAIR by Irving Sloane Photo

Covers the full range of acoustic, or hollowbody guitar repairs, as well as applications to the mandolin, ukulele, banjo and lute. Close cracks, adjust action, fix braces, patch fractures, replace bridge and pick guard, refret, refinish, restore antiques and more. 125 photos and diagrams. Softcover, 96 pp.
132-11 $26.95

COMPLETE GUITAR REPAIR by Hideo Kamimoto Photo

Master craftsman Hideo Kamimoto tells you everything you need to know about the maintenance, restoration and construction of classical, flamenco, flattop, plectrum (archtop), and solid body electric guitars. Covers adjustments, action and scale, peghead repairs, neck and fingerboard repairs, bridge repairs, dealing with cracks and missing sections, touchup and refinishing, pickups and controls, more. All steps clearly explained with over 200 diagrams, photos and tables. 160 pp.
01-000156 $27.95

STEEL-STRING GUITAR CONSTRUCTION by Irving Sloane Photo

Acoustic six-string, 12 string, and arched-top guitar manual filled with the basics and knowledge needed to build these guitars. Illustrated throughout. 128 pp.
on order, expected arrival date 12/08/09
24-25 $27.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

READY SET GO! - AN ELECTRONICS REFERENCE FOR THE EVERYMAN by Kevin O'Connor Photo

You may already have an interest in a specialized area of electronics such as audio, amps, computer hardware, or ham radio, but before you start, you must begin the basics. This guide covers schematic symbols, current, voltage, inductance, Ohm's and Lenz's laws, standard notation and prefixes, resistor and capacitor color codes, much more! Spiralbound, 82 pp.
451-5 $28.00

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

ELECTRONICS PROJECTS FOR MUSICIANS by Craig Anderton Photo

Shows you how to build your own preamp, compressor/limiter, ring modulator, phase shifter, talk box +22 other inexpensive electronic accessories. Hundred of diagrams and illustrations. CD included. 220 pp.
01-260002 $29.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

CLASSICAL GUITAR MAKING - A MODERN APPROACH TO TRADITIONAL DESIGN by John S. Bogdanovich Photo

In this richly illustrated manual, luthier and guitarist John Bogdanovich helps you develop the necessary skills to build your own guitar, even if you've never made anything more complicated than a school woodworking project. He painstakingly lays out the details of construction, from assembling the neck and sides to installing the fingerboard and bridge. Color close-up photographs allow you to follow the entire process from start to finish. Along the way he offers guidance through every step and explains every decision, from the selection of wood, to tuning and setting up the instrument. Hardcover. 310 pp.
01-910508 $29.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

BOOK ONLY - HOW TO SERVICE YOUR OWN TUBE AMP by Tom Mitchell Photo

"A complete guide for the curious musician" on how to maintain, service, and modify tube guitar amps. A good overall guide that also serves as a crash course in electronics. With voltage charts for 30 popular models. 247 pp., comb-bound.
320-1 $29.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

BUILD YOUR OWN ACOUSTIC GUITAR - COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS AND FULL SIZE PLANS by Jonathan Kinkead Photo

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. This book fully covers every step of construction, from choice, selection, and preparation of woods, to consideration of size, bracing, and tonal qualities. Each step of the building sequence is clearly photographed, with variations in the standard design shown to enable you to personalize your instrument as you make it. With full-color photographs throughout and plans for a Kinkade Kingsdown steel string acoustic guitar. 160 pp.
49-331037 $29.95

THE GUITAR PLAYER REPAIR GUIDE - 3RD REVISED EDITION by Dan Erlewine Photo

Book/DVD pack. Newly expanded edition of this indispensable step-by-step manual for maintaining and repairing electric and acoustic guitars and basses. Learn how to adjust your own truss rod, install tuners, close and glue cracks, replace a nut, make finish repairs, wind your own pickups, and much, much more. Content is now highlighted based on skill level: Basic, D.I.Y., and Deep. New features include stronger coverage of guitar electronics, including pickups and wiring diagrams and expanded coverage of acoustics. DVD features segments on: how to evaluate any guitar before buying, how to set your own intonation, how to install strings without damaging your guitar, more. 321 pp.
49-331793 $29.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

ULTIMATE BENCH WARRIOR - HOW TO DESIGN, BUILD AND MODIFY CUSTOM GUITAR AND BASS AMPLIFIERS by Lee Jackson Photo

Amp guru Lee Jackson covers: tools of the trade; the basics of soldering; different tube types, with specs and histories; electronic symbols; amplifier modifications from gain stages to adding reverbs; schematics of solidstate circuits and power supplies; more. Features 180+ photos and illustrations. 151 pp.
49-500368 $29.95

TONNES OF TONE - ELECTRONIC PROJECTS FOR GUITAR AND BASS by Kevin O'Connor Photo

Chapters include: Acoustic Preamps, Experimenter's Power Supply, Guitar Preamp, Bass Preamps, Tube Power Amp, The Hood Amp, more. A very concise book, to help you get the most out of your amps and pickups. Comb-bound. 116 pp.
451-3 $32.00

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

MAKE YOUR OWN ELECTRIC GUITAR by Melvyn Hiscock

The book to turn to, since 1986. Written in a clear, relaxed style, it covers every facet of guitar design and construction, as well as electronic theory and practice, and full wood-working and wiring techniques - all supported with plenty of photos and diagrams. Second edition - revised and expanded. Enables anyone with basic woodworking skills to create a uniquely valuable instrument. 224 pp.
01-310167 $34.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

THE ULTIMATE BLUEGRASS MANDOLIN CONSTRUCTION MANUAL by Roger H. Siminoff Photo

The most complete step-by-step treatise on building an F-style mandolin ever written. Siminoff applies over four decades of experience to guide you through detailed chapters covering: the basics of musical acoustics, how to select the right woods, cutting and shaping the neck, carving the soundboard and backboard, bending the rim, assembling the body, using tap tuning to adjust the soundboard and tone bars, inlaying mother of pearl and abalone, fretting the fingerboard, color finishing and building grain contrast, final assembly. A special highlight is the in-depth chapter on the art of tap tuning. Boasts hundreds of detailed photos, a full-color section on the staining and finishing process, numerous detailed illustrations, and a bonus set of 20 full-size blueprints. Luthier John Monteleone says: "I highly recommend this manual to anyone who might have the slightest notion to build a bluegrass mandolin for themselves. For even those folks who think that they might not have the required skills for making a fine musical instrument like this, just reading this invaluable resource of information might help them to better understand and appreciate how they are made." Comb-bound. 144 pp.
49-331088 $34.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

TUBE GUITAR AMPLIFIER ESSENTIALS by Gerald Weber Photo

From the amp guru and columnist for Vintage Guitar magazine this future classic features more than 60 easy-reading chapters de-mystifying the complex world of tube amplifiers. Written for the guitarist who wants to squeeze every ounce of performance from their amp, it covers the basic knowledge and practical steps for working with a tube amp, including: the four parts of a guitar amplifier, bias explained and defined, converting a solid state rectifier to tube, tube substitutions in guitar amps, tranformers, easy speaker fixes, troubleshooting, modifications, amp building, and much more. 529 pp.
49-331368 $34.95

Guitar Repair and Construction
Violin Building
Dulcimer Building
Amplifier Building and Repair
Building and Repair - Other Instruments

THE ART OF TAP TUNING - HOW TO BUILD GREAT SOUND INTO INSTRUMENTS by Roger H. Siminoff Photo

Book/DVD pack. Explains tap tuning and how to use it to obtain the very best tonal qualities when building acoustic string instruments. Begins with a treatise on musical acoustics and takes you through the various steps in the process of tuning the soundboard, backboard, and air chamber of an instrument. Includes an exploration of the tools and equipment needed, methods to excite tones in the instrument, how to make necessary changes, and how to achieve consistency and repeatability. Focuses on tap tuning as it relates to mandolins, guitars, banjos, violins, ukuleles, dulcimers, more. The DVD includes demonstrations of the acoustic phenomena described in the text. 48 pp.
49-331478 $34.95

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THE ART OF TAP TUNING - HOW TO BUILD GREAT SOUND INTO INSTRUMENTS by Roger H. Siminoff Photo

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THE ART OF TAP TUNING - HOW TO BUILD GREAT SOUND INTO INSTRUMENTS by Roger H. Siminoff Photo

Guitar Repair and Construction
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THE ART OF TAP TUNING - HOW TO BUILD GREAT SOUND INTO INSTRUMENTS by Roger H. Siminoff Photo

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ALL ABOUT VACUUM TUBE GUITAR AMPLIFIERS by Gerald Weber Photo

All new material from amp guru Gerald Weber. Tons of empirical data that demystify the inner workings of tube amps to help you get the most from your amps! You will learn how tube amps work, electronic concepts, how different types of tubes work, the anatomy of a gain stage, how to resurrect a dormant tube amp, how to voice an amp and tune the reverb, how to build an amp, recover a cabinet, re-grill a baffleboard, more. And over 140 pages of Q&A - sectioned into Fender, Gibson, Marshall, Danelectro/Silvertone, Vox, Other American, Other British and Miscellaneous Topics. You'll learn the six dreaded tone killers and how to avoid them, the top ten amp-tone tips, and how to fine-tune your entire amp setup. 513 pp.
49-332829 $34.95

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THE ACOUSTIC GUITAR: VOL 1 - ADJUSTMENT, CARE, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR by Don E. Teeter Photo

Long a staple in the reference section of any comprehensive music shelf. This encyclopedic treatment gives instructions for major and minor repairs, inlay work, and refinishing; with detailed descriptions of the tools and materials needed. 200 pp.
on order, expected arrival date unknown
80-3 $34.95

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TUBE TALK FOR THE GUITARIST AND TECH by Gerald Weber Photo

Thick compendium of everything you may need to know to understand, service and maintain your tube amp from the popular "Vintage Guitar" magazine columnist -- includes amp expert Ken Fischer's "Trainwreck Pages." 537 pp.
386-2 $37.95

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MAKING AN ARCHTOP GUITAR by Robert Benedetto Photo

Luthier Benedetto leads you step-by-step through the creation of one of his fine archtop jazz guitars. Profusely illustrated in b&w, with 12 pages of color plates and pull-out section of design templates. 260pp.
400-1 $39.95

GUITAR MAKING - TRADITION AND TECHNOLOGY by William R. Cumpiano & Jonathan D. Natelson Photo

Comprehensive guide to the construction of acoustic steel-string and classical guitars by two highly-respected East Coast luthiers. Nearly 500 photos and drawings, with bibliography, supplier, historical, and technical info. Paperbound. 387 pp.
235-2 $40.00

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PRINCIPLES OF POWER - A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO TUBE POWER AMPLIFIER DESIGN by Kevin O'Connor Photo

In-depth coverage of vacuum tubes, power supplies, amp essentials, toroidal designs, OTL valve amps, hybrid amps and much more. Comb-bound. 230 pp.
451-2 $44.00

INSIDE TUBE AMPS by Dan Torres Photo

Virtually everything you'll ever need to know about tube amps is packed into this easy-to-read book from the Vintage Guitar Magazine columnist. Learn the basics of repair, modifications and how to build your own Class A amp. Good for beginners through advanced repair people. 310 pp.
433-1 $45.00

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HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN EFFECT PEDALS, A STEP BY STEP GUIDE by Brian Wampler Photo

A wealth of information for the Do-it-yourselfer, including tools needed, how and why to use breadboards, capacitor codes, where to buy parts - including several web sites, how to paint your box, much more! Easy to understand and no experience necessary! Shows you how to simply and easily build your own effects pedals and perform advanced modifications on your existing pedals. Lots of photos and clear language. Spiralbound, 100 pp.
662-1 $49.00

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THE TUBE AMP BOOK - DELUXE REVISED EDITION by Aspen Pittman 5 Photos

Book/CDROM pack. Now even better with 40% new material and an improved design and page layout. Features 100 pages on amp companies alone, technical articles, mods inluding "blackfacing" Fender amps with detailed instructions, mods for Marshall, Hiwatt, Vox, Ampeg, tube conversion instructions, 200 pages of schematics and a CDROM with 800 additional schematics. The schematics can be zoomed and enlarged. The book's tips, in-depth specs and explanations, rare schematics, and full-color plates make it a must-have for tube-tone fanatics. Spiralbound hardcover. 379 pp.
49-331091 $49.95

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A GUITARMAKER'S CANVAS - THE INLAY ART OF GRIT LASKIN by Grit Laskin 5 Photos

Grit Laskin has been building guitars for more than 30 years and his striking inlay work places his instruments in a class all their own. He is credited with taking the ages-old tradition of musical instrument inlay from its decorative roots into an art form, a means of expression. This is the first book to document his work and the techniques he has devised. Over 240 full color photos document 90 inlay projects with chapters on Grit's history as a guitarmaker, the history of inlay, and one that follows a complex inlay project from concept to completion. Hardcover. 132 pp.
49-331098 $49.95

THE CENTURY THAT SHAPED THE GUITAR by James Westbrook 3 Photos

Explores the history of the 19th century guitar through nine special instruments from The Guitar Museum. Very well-written and researched. Period photos, newspaper write-ups and more are included to accompany the engaging histories of the players & luthiers. Utilizing the latest technology to help tell the stories of the guitars, there is a section on dendrochronology. In this process the woods used for the soundboards are approximately dated and analyzed. Recommended. High quality paper, 180 pp.
612-2 .. list $46.25 ours $52.25

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THE ULTIMATE TONE, VOLUME 5: TONE CAPTURE by Kevin O'Connor Photo

Every part of your system contributes to your Ultimate Tone, so every part is important. This book describes what each electronic component in a circuit does, and how alterations affect the final sound. Optimization of interstage attenuators using repeatable techniques that let the circuit builder "see" where sustain is being lost is covered, transformer specifications are standardized and demystified, a simple procedure for matching output and power transformers is presented with examples and suggested combinations, more. Follows the project format of TUT3 including tube Super Scalers up to 450W, the Swede all-tube guitar amp, the Stentorian for loud clean bass, dumpster projects using inexpensive parts, more. 183 schematics and layouts. Comb-bound. 277 pp.
451-9 $66.00

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MANUAL OF GUITAR TECHNOLOGY - THE HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGY OF PLUCKED STRING INSTRUMENTS by Franz Jahnel Photo

New softcover reissue! A very comprehensive overview of acoustic guitar construction. Begins with a historical review of guitar development, moves into an extensive section on materials (including 700 wood types, finishes, and a technical and chemical glossary listing 356 materials), acoustic principles, and section on the construction of guitars, lutes, and citterns with working drawings of 18 instruments. Also includes a section on string manufacturing and materials used. A must for any instrument workshop. Softcover. Comb-bound. 229 pp.
24-69 $70.00

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THE ULTIMATE TONE - MODIFYING AND CUSTOM BUILDING TUBE GUITAR AMPS by Kevin O'Connor Photo

A very comprehensive publication covering how guitar amps are built. Helps demystify the secret art of amp modification. Comb-bound. 372 pp.
451-1 $72.00

THE ULTIMATE TONE, VOL. 6 - TIMELESS TONE BUILT FOR THE FUTURE TODAY by Kevin O'Connor Photo

"Timeless tone" is tone that has historic precedent and is still enjoyed today. TUT6 builds upon the lessons of TUT4, delving deeper into discussions begun earlier while introducing completely new topics. DC power scaling, Dumble amplifiers, Z-B-X amps (push-pull with a single power tube), class-G tube amps (100W amp with 20W amp waste heat), advanced mains control methods, sustain control circuits, high-gain preamps, more. 404 schematic diagrams and tables. Comb-bound. 320 pp.
451-10 $72.00

THE ULTIMATE TONE, VOLUME 3: GENERATIONS OF TONE by Kevin O'Connor Photo

There are certain tones anyone can recognize. This construction-oriented book investigates how these "iconic" sounds and circuits are created, how to create new ones, and how to improve upon age-old circuit methods. Covers issues of circuit compromise and historical relevance, explores the compromises introduced if you want to build the same circuit in a physically different style, tricks to improve various iconic circuits, more. Presents both bass and guitar systems. Includes schematic and layout drawings for each icon, practical guidance for the order of construction, incremental testing, wiring techniques, more. Build the amp you really want, or modify an existing amp to your own needs. Comb-bound. 304 pp.
451-7 $72.00

THE ULTIMATE TONE, VOL. 4: ADVANCED METHODS FOR MODERN GUITAR AMP DESIGN by Kevin O'Connor Photo

Outlines, in schematic form, many approaches that achieve the goal of Power Scaling. Gives a complete history and discourse on the technology, outlining how to implement multiple Power Scale controls, alternative circuit forms and the system impacts. Fully integrated systems are presented with full explanations of the choice of components, choice of circuits and how to make seamless installations into existing equipment. Includes tutorials for Super Scaling, with both fixed and variable boost ratios, using both solid-state and tube methods. Power Management in its greater context is explored, covering AC and DC current limiting, voltage restoration, voltage clamping, composite zener circuit applications - the latest trend in tube amp biasing, and much more. 548 figures (schematics). Comb-bound. 417 pp.
451-8 $110.00