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May 18, 2016
Invention of American Guitar
A beautiful oversized book that qualifies as both coffee table and reference book. There are sharp, clear color photos on every page of antebellum guitars of Frederick Martin as well as contemporary builders and the European guitars that preceded them. Background is given on the early years explaining how the guitars of the traveling concert guitarists were analyzed by the local luthiers leading to guitars which took characteristics of both local and European guitars. Dimensions and drawings of support patterns also accompany the photographs of the guitars featured.
Having come upon a pre-1850 parlor guitar with all the characteristics of a Martin except for a rounded, slotted headstock I bought the book hoping to find an answer to its paternity. I wasn't disappointed as I found the exact headstock pictured in the book. The authors had certified it as Martin headstock through their extensive examination of the records in the Martin archives. They used the same archives to draw up chapters on shipping, and labels.
A feast for the eyes and a great source of information.
Apr 04, 2017
I used this with a Fishman on a '66 Guild Classical and get a great reproduction of the acoustic sound.