Here are a few awesome books that I have found about the history of acoustic guitars and a few acoustic guitar companies.
- A History of Martin Guitars
- A History of Gibson Guitars
- A History of Guild Guitars
- A History of Acoustic Guitars
- A History of Classical Guitars
- A History of Famous Luthiers
A History of Martin Guitars
Contents
- 1 A History of Martin Guitars
- 2 Martin Guitars Boxed Set
- 3 Martin Guitars A History Revised and Updated Book 1
- 4 C.F. Martin And His Guitars 1796-1873
- 5 Martin Guitars: An Illustrated Celebration of America’s Premier Guitarmaker
- 6 Martin Guitar Book
- 7 Martin Guitar Masterpieces: A Showcase Of Artist’s Editions Limited Editions And Custom Guitars
- 8 A History of Gibson Guitars
- 9 Gibsons Fabulous Flat-Top Guitars An Illustrated History and Guide
- 10 The Gibson 335: Its History and Its Players
- 11 The Other Brands Of Gibson
- 12 Spann’s Guide To Gibson 1902-1941
- 13 A History of Guild Guitars
- 14 The Guild Guitar Book
- 15 A History of Acoustic Guitars
- 16 Hand Made, Hand Played:
- 17 Acquired of the Angels, Second Edition:
- 18 A History of Classical Guitars
- 19 The Classical Guitar: A Complete History
- 20 A History of Famous Luthiers
- 21 Antonio De Torres: Guitar Maker-His Life and Work
- 22 Guitar Repair Bench E-Books
- 23 Guitar Building and Repair Books:
Martin Guitars Boxed Set
Starting with the early days in New York circa 1833, the fabled story of the Martin acoustic guitar comes to life in the long-awaited revision of the seminal Martin history book.
Originally published in 1987, this new edition is completely updated and redesigned by well-known industry experts. Hal Leonard
Martin Guitars A History Revised and Updated Book 1
Part of a two-book set, The History: Book 1 covers the people, the places, and the stories of an American icon. Richly illustrated, this book covers the story right up to the fifth-generation president Chris Martin IV. Because the original and revision authors had complete access to authorized archives, this version is the most accurate and detailed reference on the topic. Leading up to the re-vitalization of the 1990s and the remarkable sustenance of its legacy, hundreds of photographs and documents effectively show the people and the guitars that made the company famous.
C.F. Martin And His Guitars 1796-1873
Gura is the first historian to thoroughly study the Martin company records dating back to the 1830s: Letters, account books, inventories, and other documents. Using this rich archive, Gura establishes how a German immigrant from Saxony’s guild tradition became the finest American guitar maker of his time and created a uniquely American business that successfully eclipsed its competition. As Gura shows, Martin’s success was based on his successful navigation of the rapid economic expansion and industrialization of his time. The many sketches and hundreds of photographs illustrate how Martin adapted his artisanal craft to modern industrial methods, maintaining quality while meeting increased demand for instruments. Gura traces the network of suppliers who provided Martin with his raw materials and explores the advertising and other methods Martin employed to build a market for his goods. After Martin’s death in 1873, the company continued to grow. It thrives today under the leadership of a sixth-generation Martin, producing instruments that are still the most sought after and collectable in the world.
Martin Guitars: An Illustrated Celebration of America’s Premier Guitarmaker
The must-have book for guitar lovers and collectors that captures the history and heritage of the Martin Guitar Company-since 1833 the single-most important guitarmaker.
Hundreds of full-color and vintage photographs illustrate the story of the various classic instruments and the performers who have made Martin the instrument of choice.
Martin Guitar Book
Here is the story behind the renowned C. F. Martin and Co., the American guitar maker that has built some of the finest acoustic guitars in the world for almost two centuries.
This book details virtually every Martin guitar produced right up to the present, including 2004’s one-millionth guitar.
More than 100 color photos show Martin’s designs, which have heavily influenced acoustic guitar manufacturers.
Martin Guitar Masterpieces: A Showcase Of Artist’s Editions Limited Editions And Custom Guitars
Martin guitars are internationally revered, collected and played by performers, singers, songwriters and by legions of avid collectors and enthusiasts. This book features more than a hundred of Martin’s most desirable guitars, including instruments belonging to Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, Sting and Eric Clapton. Dick Boak enthusiastically outlines his experiences as liaison in these collaborations.
We also get a sneak preview of Martin’s millionth instrument, due in 2004. Dick Boak is the head of artist relations and publicity at C.F. Martin & Co., collaborating with artists in the design of their Limited Edition and Signature Models. A prolific artist, luthier and musician in his own right, he is a founder of the Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans, and has organized numerous national instrument-making symposiums.
A History of Gibson Guitars
Gibsons Fabulous Flat-Top Guitars An Illustrated History and Guide
Finally back in print! The must-have book on Gibson’s killer acoustic guitars, now updated. From the 1920s to the present, Gibson and its flat-tops have been synonymous with American music. Whether the music you listen to is from the North or the South, the country or the city, it is likely that a Gibson guitar was involved in creating it.
Through more than 200 photos and detailed text, this book chronicles the development and evolution of Gibson’s fabulous flat-tops, showing why these guitars have been the choice of so many great musicians, professional and amateur alike, over the last 70 years.
The Gibson 335: Its History and Its Players
Gibson’s first “semi-acoustic” the ES-335, which was neither totally solid nor fully acoustic, is the guitar of choice used by many famous guitarists such as Andy Summers, Elvin Bishop, Lee Ritenour, Jay Graydon, Robben Ford, Freddie King, John McLaughin, Jimmy Page, Chuck Berry, Tony Mottola, Johnny Rivers, Jack Wilkins, Bono, Grant Green, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Alvin Lee, B.B. King, Emily Remler, Otis Rush, Pete Townshend, John Lee Hooker, and Larry Carlton.
This book includes the complete history of the 335, the players, a beautiful color section, chronology, shipping totals and more. A must-have for every 335 player and guitar enthusiast or collector!
The Other Brands Of Gibson
From 1929 through 1961 Gibson, Inc. of Kalamazoo, MI produced over 30 brands of musical instruments that did not carry the Gibson name. Many of these brands may be familiar, with names such as Recording King, National and Washburn, while many others are brands that only a handful of avid Gibsonites will know, such as Werlein Leader, Grinnell, Truett, and many more.
This book is a complete guide to all of the other brands Gibson produced, complete with detailed descriptions, photos and rare examples of existing instruments from collectors around the world. If you’re hoping to find that diamond in the rough at the local garage sale, this guide will familiarize you with even the most obscure brands Gibson made for more than three decades.
Spann’s Guide To Gibson 1902-1941
Centerstream presents this detailed look at the inner workings of the famous musical instrument manufacturer of Kalamazoo, Michigan before World War II. For the first time, Gibson fans can learn about the employees who built the instruments, exactly where the raw materials came from, the identity of parts vendors, and how the production was carried out.
The book explains Gibson’s pre-World War II factory order number and serial number systems, and corrects longstanding chronological errors. Previously unknown information about every aspect of the operation is covered in-depth. Noted historian Joe Spann
A History of Guild Guitars
The Guild Guitar Book
Book Guild guitars have been around since the early 1950s, and by the beginning of the ’60s, the company had established a solid reputation for its electric and acoustic archtops, which are still widely regarded today. Despite this enduring popularity, little was known about the history of Guild.
The Guild Guitar Book is the result of years of intensive research and countless photo sessions. It includes a thorough history of the company and its guitars, including serial numbers, specifications, original prices, and all the information needed to date Guild guitars. Features hundreds of photos, with a beautiful 40-page color section. Now Back in Print!
A History of Acoustic Guitars
Hand Made, Hand Played:
The Art & Craft of Contemporary Guitars
Explore the various guitar styles used in a range of musical traditions, from blues to classical. Detailed information about each guitar’s specifications, plus personal statements and anecdotes from the artisans about their work and techniques complete each entry. Rounding out the book is a Web directory and an index of luthiers. Players, craftspeople, collectors, and those who are simply fans of this popular instrument will find this volume irresistible!
Acquired of the Angels, Second Edition:
The Lives and Works of Master Guitar Makers John D’Angelico and James L. D’Aquisto
Acquired of the Angels documents the two most prominent guitar makers of the 20th century, John D’Angelico and James L. D’Aquisto.
This book explores the lives, stories, and craftsmanship behind these American cultural icons.
The expanded second edition offers greater insight and information.
A History of Classical Guitars
The Classical Guitar: A Complete History
Additional essays cover use of the classical guitar in pop muisc, different playing and teaching techniques, the collectors’ market, and the science of the guitar. It also features profiles of legendary artists such as Andr’s Segovia, Julian Bream and John Williams, plus a full discography, a glossary, an index, a bibliography, and a guitar measurement chart.
A History of Famous Luthiers
Antonio De Torres: Guitar Maker-His Life and Work
This text is a thorough study on the Spanish luthier, Antonia de Torres (1817-1892) who had a profound influence on the shape of the modern guitar.
Guitar Repair Bench E-Books
Guitar Building and Repair Books: