The authors of "The ...Fender Stratocaster Handbook," Hank Marvin and Paul Balmer, have created an invaluable resource for any individual who owns or is thinking of owning a Fender Stratocaster guitar. In a very readable, picture-rich format, this book gives a concise overview of the Fender Musical Instrument Company, the evolution of the Stratocaster guitar, and a straight-forward description of how to properly care for the instrument. The writing style is crisp, the pictures are incredibly clear and helpful, and the format is suited for either leisurely reading, quick reference, or a how-to guide in Stratocaster maintenance and repair. Not to diminish the point, but this is, above all, a "how-to guide." Unfortunately, the fact of owning some hand tools and having a deep desire to perform forensic procedures on one's Stratocaster does not a luthier make. As interesting as all aspects of this book happen to be, it is in its avowed how-to mission that the book's ultimate dollar value shines through. The reader is given step-by-step instructions (again, with clear photographs) on how to perform a variety of basic maintenance tasks and more advanced procedures that, indeed, are lutherie. It has been the experience of many Stratocaster owners that enthusiasm and good intentions--without guidance--can be costly. Although concise in its how-to scenarios, the writing is certainly not sparse and devoid of human interest. There is excellent background information on the influence that many notable individuals--inventors, business people, and musicians--had in the development of this iconic instrument. The authors seamlessly weave fact and anecdote to breathe life into this guitar's creation. This book fills a void in the Stratocaster literature that is currently available. It is a worthwhile reference, and I highly recommend it to you if you have any interest in the Stratocaster guitar; especially, if you enjoy the hands-on experience of doing your own set-ups and associated lutherie. Consider this book written for you if you are a beginning guitarist seeking inspiration, a working musician, a serious collector of stringed instruments, or a student of American cultural history. If you must own one book which gives a comprehensive portrait of the Stratocaster guitar as, both, an object of inspiration and musician's tool--and will give you the confidence to save time and money in performing quality work on your instrument--this is that book. Review submitted by Dr. Jerry Zack, March 2008
This book is a different take on the Stratocaster from... inception to today. It doesn't take us from the first drawings of the model to today's different offerings but does identify some of the early items of the Strat such as minimal routing, bridge saddle materials and, of course, the pickups with their 50's tone and snap. I enjoyed the fact that several individual models were reviewed and an honest to-the-point grading was given. There is a useful portion of the book that gives the specs for setting up your Strat so it will play and sound as Leo Fender intended it to. Also of great interest is popular artist's guitar preferences as they play the Stratocaster day to day and how some of the pro's guitars have evolved to this day to the tone they prefer. Now if we all could afford to experiment as their guitar techs do for them. All in all the book is a good read and recommended for any fan of the Fender Stratocaster.
This is a very good book that is written w...ell and in plain English. It is easy to understand and has lots of detailed pictures. The book deals with the history of the instrument, its evolution and gives the reader a wealth of knowledge. The book also has a great section with all the great Stratocaster players and they way they set up their guitars, whether stock or custom, including Clapton, Buddy Holly, Stevie Ray, Jeff Beck and of course Hendrix. In addition to the Stratocaster it goes into detail of what countries the guitars where made and different versions like the Telecaster and Squier.
The book was in great condition but a couple of pages ...that were damaged. It has much information on how to set up and maintain a Stratocaster along with the history of the Stratocaster. It also has information on some of the musicians and the serial numbers of the Stratocasters that they used. Thanks.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
No brainer! No debate! If you own and love ...a Strat, you need this book! Not only will it help you keep your guitar in tune, it'll save you a ton of time and cash as you become your own best Strat technician. If you thought your guitar was great before, you'll be amazed how brilliant the design of the Fender Stratocaster truly is, when you use this book to get to know this fine instrument from the inside out.