
17.99 £
Backbeat Books
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. 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.

14.99 £
Backbeat Books
The Wild and Raucous Story of Johnny Winter-Author Mary Lou Sullivan sat with Johnny Winter for hours of exclusive no-holds-barred interviews covering the guitar slinger's entire career. From toughing it out in Texas to his appearance at Woodstock his affair with JanisJoplin his stadium-filling tours and washing out on drugs and the temptations of the road before finally fulfilling his dream of becoming a 100-percent pure bluesman resurrecting the career of Muddy Waters and winning a GrammyAward for his effort this is a raucous roller coaster of story. Rolling Stone magazine has called Johnny Winter one of the greatest guitar players of all time. Ripped off and beaten down by unscrupulous managers strung out living the extreme highs and extreme lows of an uncompromising musician Johnny is a true rock 'n' roll survivor. Signing with Columbia in 1969 for the largest advance ever paid a musician (which led to his appearanceat Woodstock recently reissued in the deluxe Woodstock Experience box set) he has jammed with guitar heavies Hendrix Clapton and the Allman Brothers. He is a legend and an icon paving the way for fellow Texas superstarsStevie Ray Vaughan and ZZ Top. Along the way he has gone from boom to bust and back again but has never lost his lust for his own brand of blues. Still on the road playing hundreds of gigs a year to his devoted adoring fans Johnny like this book is the real deal.Author Mary Lou Sullivan sat with Johnny Winter for hours of exclusive no-holds-barred interviews covering the guitar slinger's entire career. From toughing it out in Texas to his appearance at Woodstock his affair with Janis Joplin his stadium-filling tours and washing out on drugs and the temptations of the road before finally fulfilling his dream of becoming a 100-percent pure bluesman resurrecting the career of Muddy Waters and winning a Grammy Award for his effort this is a raucous roller coaster of story. Rolling Stone magazine has called Johnny Winter one of the greatest Guitar players of all time. Ripped off and beaten down by unscrupulous managers strungout living the extreme highs and extreme lows of an uncompromising musician Johnny is a true rock 'n' roll survivor. Signing with Columbia in 1969 for the largest advance ever paid a musician (which led to his appearance at Woodstock recently reissued in the deluxe Woodstock Experience box set) he has jammed with Guitar heavies Hendrix Clapton and the Allman Brothers. He is a legend and an icon paving the way for fellow Texas superstars Stevie Ray Vaughan and ZZ Top. Along the way he has gone from boom to bust and back again but has never lost his lust for his own brand of blues. Still on the road playing hundreds of gigs a year to his devoted adoring fans Johnny like this book is the real deal.

18.95 £
Backbeat Books
This book by the founding editor and former publisher of Bass Player magazine not only celebrates the 50-year history of Fender's revolutionary Precision Bass it also - for the first time - illuminates the fullscope of its profound impact on music and society. Focusing on the bass' artistic influence it details the technical milestones that gave the bass its musical power. This book also describes the impact of the bass in the hands ofsuch visionaries as James Jamerson; cheers the innovations of rockers like Jack Bruce Paul McCartney John Entwistle and Sting; and honors the inspired work of such virtuosos as Jaco Pastorius. Loaded with black & white and 100stunning color photos.This book by the founding editor and former publisher of Bass Player magazine not only celebrates the 50-year history of Fender's revolutionary Precision Bass it also - for the first time - illuminates the full scope of its profound impact on music and society. Focusing on the bass' artistic influence it details the technical milestones that gave the bass its musical power. This book also describes the impact of the bass in the hands of such visionaries as James Jamerson; cheers the innovations of rockers like Jack Bruce Paul McCartney John Entwistle and Sting; and honors the inspired work of such virtuosos as Jaco Pastorius. Loaded with black & white and 100stunning colour photos.

16.95 £
Backbeat Books
Top Record Producers Tell How They Craft The Hits.-In this prime collection of first-hand interviews 37 of the world's top record producers share their creative secrets and hit-making techniques - from the practical to the artistic. George Martin reveals the technical and musical challenges of working with The Beatles while Phil Ramone producer for such artists as Billy Joel discusses studio wall treatments. Offering real-world advice on everything from mics to mixing to coaching a nervous singer producers interviewed include Arif Mardin (Aretha Franklin) Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys) Alan Parsons (Pink Floyd) and more.

10.95 £
Backbeat Books
From 1969 to 1981 Ben Fong-Torres was one of the first star writers on staff at Rolling Stone - the scruffy rock journal that metamorphosed into one of the most powerful voices of a generation. Now in this fascinating book Fong-Torres revisits his most intriguing celebrity interviews and profiles and - for the first time - tells the revealing stories behind the stories the stars his writing process and life at Rolling Stone.

23.99 £
Backbeat Books
Music Genius and Rage-Other people locked themselves away and hid from their demons. Townes flung open his door and said 'Come on in.' So writes Harold Eggers Townes Van Zandt's longtime road manager and producer in My Years with Townes Van Zandt: Music Genius and Rage - a gripping memoir revealing the inner core of an enigmatic troubadour whose deeply poetic music was a source of inspiration and healing for millions but was for himself a torment struggling for dominance among myriad personal demons. Townes Van Zandt often stated that his main musical mission was to write the perfect song that would save someone's life. However his life was a work in progress he was constantly struggling to shapeand comprehend. Eggers says of his close friend and business partner that like the master song craftsman he was he was never truly satisfied with the final product but always kept giving it one more shot one extra tweak one last effort. A vivid firsthand account exploring the source of the singer's prodigious talent widespread influence and relentless path toward self-destruction My Years with Townes Van Zandt presents the truth of that all-consuming artistic journey told by a close friend watching it unfold. Other people locked themselves away and hid from their demons. Townes flung open his door and said 'Come on in.' So writes Harold Eggers Townes Van Zandt's longtime road manager and producer in My Years with Townes Van Zandt: Music Genius and Rage - a gripping memoir revealing the inner core of an enigmatic troubadour whose deeply poetic music was a source of inspiration and healing for millions but was for himself a torment struggling for dominance among myriad personal demons. Townes Van Zandt often stated that his main musical mission was to write the perfect song that would save someone's life. However his life was a work in progress he was constantly struggling to shapeand comprehend. Eggers says of his close friend and business partner that like the master song craftsman he was he was never truly satisfied with the final product but always kept giving it one more shot one extra tweak one last effort. A vivid firsthand account exploring the source of the singer's prodigious talent widespread influence and relentless path toward self-destruction My Years with Townes Van Zandt presents the truth of that all-consuming artistic journey told by a close friend watching it unfold.

16.95 £
Backbeat Books
Now in softcover No Static shows why success in today's corporate-controlled world of radio depends on putting personality and fun back on the air - and how to build the creative team to do it. This inspirationalhandbook by Quincy McCoy offers radio pros and aspiring broadcasters proven strategies for restoring the craft of creative programming. Practical techniques and exercises help develop leadership skills that encourage creativity motivate staff increase flexibility and nurture teamwork. Writing in a personal style McCoy guides you and your radio station toward more focused branding stronger programming more personable DJs and - ultimately- higher ratings leading to higher revenue.

16.95 £
Backbeat Books
This how-to guide is ideal for musicians who are new to the complexities of digital recording as well as for those who want to keep up with the fast-changing technology. Providing detailed guidance on using hard disk and DATtechnologies stand-alone workstations computer-based DAWs surround sound 5.1 and more plus related hardware and software-based tools such as Softsynths plug-ins and software samplers this book also surveys two-track audiorecorders/editors host-based audio/MIDI programs and CD mastering. Its analysis of emerging technology helps readers make informed decisions for creating and operating a cost-effective professional-level digital studio at home.

16.95 £
Backbeat Books
Marvin Gaye's life and brilliant career were cut tragically short on April 1 1984 - one day before his 45th birthday - when he was shot and killed by his own father. Now for the first time ever Marvin Gaye's storyis told in intimate detail by a member of his own family. Frankie and Marvin Gaye were close from childhood until Marvin's death. Frankie was at Marvin's side when he died and only Frankie heard his deathbed confession. Full ofnever-before-told personal anecdotes this book takes you behind the scenes from Marvin's childhood through his spectacular success at Motown and then Columbia his stormy relationships with women and finally to his descent intodrugs and despair. The true story of the man behind the beloved music is now available to fans old and new. Includes great photos throughout a helpful index and a timeline of important events in Marvin's life.

11.99 £
Backbeat Books
Who would have thought the electric bass guitar with its frets removed would transcend the rhythm section to become one of the most instantly recognizable sounds in all of music? From the jazz genius of Jaco Pastorius and thefunk/punk abandon of Les Claypool to the landmark rock of Jack Bruce and Sting the instrument has a lyrical legacy all its own. This book collects the very best interviews lessons and gear and maintenance guides into onesmooth-reading compilation. With insight from over 25 masters including Tony Levin Marcus Miller Gary Willis Jimmy Haslip and Percy Jones The Fretless Bass will give you a keen appreciation for the importantinnovators as well as plenty of tools to find your own voice on the instrument.

14.95 £
Backbeat Books
Prince has cut a singular path through the heart of popular music for more than 30 years. After making some of the most inventive albums of the '80s - including 1999 Purple Rain and Sign of the Times - he turned his attention to redefining his role in the music industry changing his name to an unpronounceable symbol declaring war on his record label Warner Bros. and leading the internet revolution. His subsequentcareer has had many ups and downs but he remains a major commercial and artistic force as evidenced by his ability to sell out the O2 Arena in London for 21 nights in succession in 2007. In 2010 he announced that the internetwas over and released his latest album 20Ten as a free cover-mounted CD with several European publications. Prince: Chaos Disorder and Revolution is an authoritative chronicle of one of popularmusic's true mavericks. Covering every album every movie and every tour it includes profiles of various key collaborators assesses the artist's various business dealings and details his many and varied side projects -on stage on record on screen and beyond.

14.95 £
Backbeat Books
Get down with the music that mixes R&B and soul with a little rock'n'roll. This newest addition to the Third Ear - The Essential Listening Companion series traces funk from its James Brown roots through today's groove withgroups like the Red Hot Chili Peppers - folks who got on the good foot. Alongside detailed artist biographies anecdotes and discographies this guide reviews and rates 1 500 recordings that illustrate eachband's sound and musical impact. Artists covered include Average White Band George Clinton Herbie Hancock Rick James Chaka Khan Curtis Mayfield The Meters Prince Sly Stone Tower of Power War Wild Cherry and many more.

18.95 £
Backbeat Books
Neil Young - Journey Through the Past

14.99 £
Backbeat Books
Frontman - Surviving The Rock Star Myth

13.95 £
Backbeat Books
Stop pulling out your hair and crumpling up paper - The Frustrated Songwriter's Handbook blasts away your mental roadblocks so you can tap into your deepest creative resources. Whether you're a total novice or aseasoned pro whether you're a pencil-and-paper songwriter or a gearhead with way too much recording equipment whether you just want to go further as a songwriter or throw out everything and start over The FrustratedSongwriter's Handbook will revolutionize the way you write music. It outlines a radical new system - Immersion Music Method - designed to help you smash through creative block become recklessly prolific and makequantum leaps in your musical and compositional skills. Bursting with mind-blowing tips and games and tales from the trenches of extreme songwriting The Frustrated Songwriter's Handbook will show you how to summonthose elusive moments of inspiration on command resulting in rogue creativity and fulfillment you never dreamed possible. You'll learn how to: Confront and slay your biggest songwriting phobias Roll over procrastination like an armored tank Form a self-motivated group of composer friends (a songwriter lodge) Concoct new musical styles like a mad scientist Usetechnology to supercharge your creativity

21.50 £
Backbeat Books
How To Find The Sounds You Like-Why does an electric archtop sound so different from a solidbody guitar when they have the same strings and pickups? Why does Eric Clapton use a vibrato Stratocaster with the vibrato arm removed and the mechanism blocked off with a piece of wood? Why does a strings-though-body guitar sound brighter than an instrument with the strings anchored at the bridge? The sound of an electric guitar is the sum of many parts. Every component from the wood in the neck to the metal in the tuners and everything in between – including the amount of air in the body – affects the overall tone of an instrument. In this book Dave Hunter looks at the development of the electric guitar since theearliest instruments in the late 1930s and how since then guitar makers and players have sought to define and refine all the elements that create a guitar's tone. This book includes:

16.95 £
Backbeat Books
This book helps both keyboard and guitar players to find and develop interesting chords and chord sequences on a keyboard and then use them to write their own songs. Rather than trying to teach intricate pieces of music the bookbreaks things down into a simpler style and concentrates on basic chords and ideas starting with a simple three-chord song and gradually adding more complex structures. A visual system that virtually eliminates the use ofstandard music notation allows guitarists who are used to using guitar tablature to feel totally at home. Songwriting issues are also analyzed including key changes and writing songs in minor keys. The straightforward style ofthis book will have musicians writing on a keyboard with ease - even if they never have before.This book helps both Keyboard and Guitar players to find and develop interesting chords and chord sequences on a Keyboard and then use them to write their own songs. Rather than trying to teach intricate pieces of music the book breaks things down into a simpler style and concentrates on basic chords and ideas starting with a simple three-chord song and gradually adding more complex structures. A visual system that virtually eliminates the use of standard music notation allows guitarists who are used to using Guitar tablature to feel totally at home. Songwriting issues are also analyzed including key changes and writing songs in minor keys. The straightforward style ofthis book will have musicians writing on a Keyboard with ease – even if they never have before.

19.99 £
Backbeat Books
Introduced in 1954 as one of Gretsch's Guitars of the Future the White Falcon was an overwhelmingly impressive instrument. The influence of this spectacular new guitar spread to other models and guitarmanufacturers. It was the dawn of a half-century of awe-inspiring guitars which are now favored by widely popular artists including Pete Townshend Tom Petty Alanis Morisette Sheryl Crow John Frusciante Bo Diddley and more.This book compiles the best of Gretsch's inventions over the past 50 years and tells the stories of their creation and the men who created them. Includes 100 photos! (8-1/2″ x 11″ 144 pages)Introduced in 1954 as one of Gretsch's Guitars of the Future the White Falcon was an overwhelmingly impressive instrument. The influence of this spectacular new guitar spread to other models and guitar manufacturers. It was the dawn of a half-century of awe-inspiring guitars which are now favored by widely popular artists including Pete Townshend Tom Petty Alanis Morisette Sheryl Crow John Frusciante Bo Diddley and more. This book compiles the best of Gretsch's inventions over the past 50 years and tells the stories of their creation and the men who created them. Includes 100 photos! (8-1/2 inch. x 11 inch. 144 pages)

16.99 £
Backbeat Books
Electric Guitars and Basses tells the story in full colour of one of the most influential forces on American culture in the 20th century - the Electric Guitar. From the earliest 'lap steels' that reshaped the sound of Hawaiian music the the 'Spanish-neck' models that created a new voice in the Jazz world and powered the early rock and rollers and on to the solid body models that shattered conventional ideas of Guitar design and Guitar music all of the classic and historically important models are displayed and discussed by Guitar experts George Gruhn and Walter Carter. This new edition features an additional 16 pages of important instruments andnewly discovered information.

16.95 £
Backbeat Books
The latest edition to Tony Bacon's acclaimed series of Guitar books 60 Years Of Fender gives a year-by-year history of the most successful Electric Guitar maker. In 1950 Leo Fender introduced to the world the solidbody Electric Guitar - the instrument known as the Telecaster. He soon added two more classics: the Precision Bass (1951) and the Stratocaster (1954). Fender's sleek adaptable Guitars have since fuelled modern music - from country to rock - and have been heard in the hands of virtually every guitarist of note from Buddy Holly to Kurt Cobain from Eric Clapton to John Mayer. Illustrated with an unrivaled gallery of colour photographs of instruments players and memorabilia this revised and updated edition expands upon 50 Years Of Fender (published in 2000) covering nine more years of the Fender story. A must-have for any Fender fan. Highly entertaining. - Guitar Player The latest edition to Tony Bacon's acclaimed series of Guitar books 60 Years Of Fender gives a year-by-year history of the most successful Electric Guitar maker. In 1950 Leo Fender introduced to the world the solidbody Electric Guitar - the instrument known as the Telecaster. He soon added two more classics: the Precision Bass (1951) and the Stratocaster (1954). Fender's sleek adaptable Guitars have since fuelled modern music - from country to rock - and have been heard in the hands of virtually every guitarist of note from Buddy Holly to Kurt Cobain from Eric Clapton to John Mayer. Illustrated with an unrivaled gallery of colour photographs of instruments players and memorabilia this revised and updated edition expands upon 50 Years Of Fender (published in 2000) covering nine more years of the Fender story. 'A must-have for any Fender fan. Highly entertaining.' - Guitar Player