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Reference & Miscellany

A DIRECTORY OF HAWAIIAN MUSIC RECORD COLLECTORS by Keith Grant Photo

That this guide exists is testament to the love of Hawaiian music that drives these collectors. Grant's seminal attempt to sort and list known major or of particular-interest Hawaiian music record collections both past and present is a commendable part of keeping this history and music alive. Listed in alphabetical order, surname first. Comb-bound, 31 pp.
676-1 $10.00

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

ALL MUSIC GUIDE REQUIRED LISTENING - CLASSIC ROCK edited by Vladimir Genin Photo

From Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Bruce Springsteen to the Beatles, the Who, and the Rolling Stones, this is the ultimate guide to rock & roll's most enduring artists. It's all here: 1000 expert reviews of the most famous rock albums and the forgotten jewels from the classic rock vaults. This grab-and-go book is an experience in itself, with iconic album art, inspiring reviews, and quick-reference artist, song, and album lists, making it an indispensable tool for building a no-risk album collection. 271 pp.
49-331779 $16.95

ANALOG MAN'S GUIDE TO VINTAGE EFFECTS by Tom Hughes Photo

Every facet has been gathered: vintage effects history, guide to manufacturers, effects technology, interviews with major designers and manufacturers, photos, FAQs, the state of the stompbox today and its future. Covers many rare pedals, as well as the majors in depth. First-rate production, with coated paper and full color; catalog reprints, lots of black & white photos, an effects directory, more. A great book by some of the most knowledgeable folks around. 280 pp.
640-1 $47.95

BETWEEN THE STRINGS: THE SECRET LIVES OF GUITARS by John Schroeter, intro. by B.B. King Photo

100 stories of life with the guitar, by an astonishing group of musicians: Johnny Cash, Peppino D'Agostino, Kathy Mattea, Bob Weir, Randy Bachman, Vince Gill, Taj Mahal, Keola Beamer, Doc Watson, Jack White, Chet Atkins, The Edge, Les Paul, many many more. Distilled down to the artist and the guitar: the first guitar, the one that got run over, that miraculously returned years later, that he dove into a flood to save, that saved his life, that sounded great even with the hole in the top; the names, and stories of the guitars that have shared their lives. Recommended! 350 pp.
02-20913 $18.95

BLUES FOR DUMMIES by Wayne Baker Brooks, Cub Koda, Lonnie Brooks Photo

Book/CD set. Get your mojo working as you take a musical trip from the Mississippi Delta to Chicago's gritty South Side with this insightful music lovers' guide to the blues. Blues guitarist Lonnie Brooks serves as your tour guide through the life and times of the blues, from the acoustic mystique of Robert Johnson and Son House to the urban blues players of today: John Lee Hooker, Robert Cray, B.B. King, Etta James, Koko Taylor, Stevie Ray Vaughan, more. Make tracks to the best blues clubs with this easygoing reference. Listen to some of the greatest blues recordings of all time from Muddy Waters and Little Walter to Bobby "Blue" Bland, Buddy Guy, and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown on the CD. 372 pp.
02-802 .. list $24.99 ours $10.00

CLASSICAL GUITAR ANSWER BOOK by Sharon Isbin Photo

In this updated edition, Sharon Isbin, the classical virtuoso who heads the Juilliard School Guitar Department, answers 50 essential questions about performing, practicing, and choosing and caring for your guitar. The questions were asked by Acoustic Guitar magazine readers and answered by Isbin in four years of Master Class columns. An absolute must for every classical guitar player. Includes new appendices of resources for classical guitarists and students. 88 pp.
49-330443 $14.95

DON'T GET TAKEN - TAKE CONTROL, 12 THINGS EVERY MUSICIAN NEEDS TO KNOW by Tom Sabella Photo

As a musician, it is important to be aware that you are a businessman as well as an artist in order to make and keep your money. This book gives practical advice in 12 essential areas every musician needs to know: Leadership, Manageability, Building Relationships, Goal Setting, Knowledge, Business Basics, Business Savvy, Get Connected, The Power of a Press Kit, Advertising and Public Relations, Know Your Audience and Merchandising and Distribution. "(Tom) has provided guide lines and advice that I wish I would have had when I started in the music business." - Phil Keaggy. 115 pp.
699-1 $9.95

FINGER FITNESS - THE ART OF FINGER CONTROL with Greg Irwin Photo

A multitude of hand exercises that will benefit any guitarist, bassist, keyboardist or anyone who works extensively with their hands. This program takes an athletic approach to hand conditioning to build strength, dexterity, coordination, and independence. Clear photos of each exercise. Spiralbound, 80 pp.
553-1 $17.95

FLYING BURRITO BROTHERS' - THE GILDED PALACE OF SIN by Bob Proehl

The album "Gilded Palace of Sin" was released in 1968, and was a commercial dissapointment. Nearly 40 years later front man Gram Parsons is still spoken of as the patron saint of alt-country, emblazoned with a shining cross, dead at 26. Overshadowed by Parsons, this album remains an anomaly in the country rock genre, a map in miniature of a moment in music, and warrants discussion as more than part of the Parsons legacy.
on order, expected arrival date 10/20/08
542-208 $10.95

GAS! LIVING WITH GUITAR ACQUISITION SYNDROME by Jay Wright Photo

A hilarious, tongue-in-cheek book for guitar players and collectors who suffer from Guitar Acquisition Syndrome. Contains insights, tips, confessions, and stories from over 200 "afflicted" enthusiasts from 23 countries. The perfect all-occasion gift for any guitar enthusiast. 185 pp.
665-1 $16.50

GRATEFUL DEAD GEAR - THE BAND'S INSTRUMENTS, SOUND SYSTEMS, AND RECORDING SESSIONS FROM 1965 TO 1995 by Blair Jackson Photo

ON SALE!! SAVE $16.45!! The first in-depth examination of every aspect of the Dead's technical side, including their recording methods. From the "acid tests" of the mid-'60s to the "wall of sound" in the '70s and up to their exceptional later touring systems, the Grateful Dead were always on the cutting edge of technological innovation. Includes clear and concise explanations of the band's equipment technology, instrument design, and studio recording techniques, plus a history of the group. Features more than 100 photos and diagrams, new interviews with band members and tech personnel, more. 287 pp.
49-331453 .. list $34.95 ours $18.50

GUITAR MAN: AN AMATEUR STRUMMER'S JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY by Will Hodgkinson Photo

A novice guitar fanatic's hilarious and heartwarming quest to learn to play guitar well enough to perform a concert - in six months! His trip becomes an odyssey: he chats with British folk legend Bert Jansch, ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, reclusive folk guitar legend Davey Graham, more. He travels to America, visits Roger McGuinn from the Byrds. He continues to the deep South, looking for the spirit of Robert Johnson, and drops in on T-Model Ford, an old bluesman living in Mississippi. Gloriously readable. 292 pp.
542-149 $16.95

GYPSY JAZZ: IN SEARCH OF DJANGO REINHARDT AND THE SOUL OF GYPSY SWING by Michael Dregni Photo

A vagabond music, Gypsy jazz is played today in French Gypsy bars, Romany encampments, on religious pilgrimages, and increasingly, on the world's greatest concert stages. Beginning with Django Reinhardt, Dregni follows the music as it courses through caravans on the edge of Paris, along the Gypsy pilgrimage route to Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, and finally to the new era of international Gypsy stars such as Bireli Lagrene, Boulou Ferre, Dorado Schmitt, and Django's own grandchildren, David Reinhardt and Dallas Baumgartner. Hardcover.
542-201 $27.95

HEALTHY STRING PLAYING - PHYSICAL WELLNESS TIPS FROM THE PAGES OF STRINGS MAGAZINE Photo

String players account for the highest percentage of chronic and acute performance-related injuries. You can avoid stress and injury by practicing healthy string playing. The articles collected here address issues such as repetitive stress injury, tension-free bowing tips, performance anxiety, playing hurt, and treatment options, with chapters on exercise, stretching, Pilates, yoga, and other wellness topics. With helpful tips from performers, teachers, students, and doctors to keep you playing your best. 159 pp.
49-695955 $14.95

HOW TO BE YOUR OWN BOOKING AGENT - THE MUSICIAN'S & PERFORMING ARTIST'S GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL TOURING, REVISED 2ND EDITION, 6TH PRINTING by Jeri Goldstein Photo

This award-winning, unique, step-by-step guide and resource is packed with helpful hot tips, savvy advice from industry professionals, realistic methods and action plans. Topics include the art of negotiating, tour booking, managing the road, making good cold calls, accessing the media, how to develop a press kit, funding sources, when to quit your day job, more. This completely updated edition provides current information about immigration regulations for touring artists, new advances in digital and electronic press kits, web design basics, fully updated resource sections following every chapter including recommended books, directories, websites, businesses, more, plus worksheets and a variety of forms you can copy for your own use. 492 pp.
477-1 $29.97

HOW TO MAKE A BAND WORK by Pete Wernick Photo

Good advice on getting gigs, promotional materials, band organization & harmony, stage presentation, recording agents, touring, concessions, song publishing & performing rights societies. Created especially for bluegrass/acoustic performers. 140 pp.
47-3 $19.95

HOW TO SUCCEED AS A FEMALE GUITARIST: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR WORKING IN A MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRY by Vivian Clement Photo

Book/CD set. Avoid the 20 common mistakes women make! Gain insightful tips and information about business, gear, performance and interpersonal relations - as well as important music lessons and exercises to improve your chord playing, songwriting, soloing and general musicianship. Interviews with Lisa Loeb, Allison Robertson of The Donnas and Alexx Calise. 95 pp.
20-26052 $19.95

HOW TO YODEL: LESSONS TO TICKLE YOUR TONSILS by Wylie Gustafson, Robert Paul Payne Photo

Book/CD set. Lessons, tips, techniques, and music needed to get that long-awaited degree in the high art of yodeling, and bask in the attention of adoring fans and lovesick coyotes. Simple instructions, illustrations, and examples combined with the CD make it easy to learn. Renowned country music artist and original Yahoo yodeler Wylie shares lessons, trivia, quotes, history, and other tidbits about yodeling, complete with hilarious sidebars.
on order, expected arrival date unknown
542-183 $9.95

JOOK RIGHT ON: BLUES STORIES AND BLUES STORYTELLERS by Barry Lee Pearson Photo

Pearson interviewed 100+ musicians over 30 years, recording and transcribing their stories. The result is a fascinating "blues quilt," offering an overview of the inner workings of the blues tradition. This collective history comes from well-known names: John Lee Hooker, Koko Taylor, David "Honeyboy" Edwards, and Little Milton, as well as lesser-knowns like Big Luck Carter, Henry Dorsey, Joseph Savage and J.T. Adams. 233 pp.
542-203 $19.95

KEEP YOUR GEAR RUNNING - ELECTRONICS FOR MUSICIANS by Patrick L. McKeen Photo

Written especially for musicians, bar & club owners, church sound system techs, or anyone who deals with music equipment. Know when a problem is occurring, learn to fix glitches, and realize when they're too big to handle on your own. Uses easy to understand terms and simple diagrams and covers such topics as components, speaker impedence, how batteries work, how wireless works, how tubes work, how recording gear works, why stuff breaks, lots more. Includes appendices and a glossary of terms. 256 pp.
01-910142 $19.95

LITTLE BLUES BOOK by Brian Robertson, illustrations by R. Crumb Photo

A funky celebration of America's troubadours in the school of hard knocks. Pithy quotes from blues songs are interspersed with short bios of blues legends and bits of blues history. Artists include Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Son House, Slim Harpo, Ma Rainey, Lil Johnson, and many more, both obscure and better known. Great drawings from famed cartoonist Robert Crumb! Book size is approx. 6 1/2 by 5 inches. 176 pp.
542-104 $9.95

MILLION DOLLAR BASH - BOB DYLAN, THE BAND, AND THE BASEMENT TAPES by Sid Griffin Photo

Tells for the first time the whole story of the Basement Tapes, recorded in summer 1967 when Dylan's career was at a crossroads. Recovering from a mysterious motorcycle crash, he gathered together a few musician friends in Woodstock, and informally recorded songs intended to be heard by no one but themselves. Instead, they changed music forever. Musician and author Sid Griffin examines the recordings in detail, demonstrating a musician's insight into the songs, the men who recorded them, and the times in which they were made. 336 pp.
49-331760 $19.95

MUSIC MAKES YOUR CHILD SMARTER by Philip Sheppard Photo

Book/CD pack. Immediately the author makes three assertions: 1. Music can have a profound, positive effect on your child's mental and physical development, 2. Every child is musical, 3. Listening to music is beneficial, but making music is better still. The book is divided into two sections: Section 1 shows how music has been shown to improve childrens' mental and physical development, language skills, math ability, social skills, memory, teamwork skills, self-expression and creativity. Section 2 is a practical guide for involving your child in music. Covers: first songs to sing (lyrics included), movement songs, action songs, interactive songs, songs for rocking, songs for bouncing, playing your first instruments, making instruments with your children (with instructions and diagrams). The 53-track CD includes recordings of songs referenced in the book, music for movement, more. Hardcover. 347 pp.
01-951689 $22.95

MUSIC MAKES YOUR CHILD SMARTER by Philip Sheppard Photo

Book/CD pack. Immediately the author makes three assertions: 1. Music can have a profound, positive effect on your child's mental and physical development, 2. Every child is musical, 3. Listening to music is beneficial, but making music is better still. The book is divided into two sections: Section 1 shows how music has been shown to improve childrens' mental and physical development, language skills, math ability, social skills, memory, teamwork skills, self-expression and creativity. Section 2 is a practical guide for involving your child in music. Covers: first songs to sing (lyrics included), movement songs, action songs, interactive songs, songs for rocking, songs for bouncing, playing your first instruments, making instruments with your children (with instructions and diagrams). The 53-track CD includes recordings of songs referenced in the book, music for movement, more. Softcover. 347 pp.
01-952723 $19.95

MUSICOPHILIA: TALES OF MUSIC AND THE BRAIN by Oliver Sacks Photo

Music can move us to the heights or depths of emotion. Indeed, music occupies more areas of our brain than language does - humans are a musical species. Sacks's compassionate, compelling tales of people struggling with different neurological conditions have fundamentally changed the way we think of our own brains, and of the human experience. Here he examines the powers of music, from a man struck by lightning and suddenly inspired to become a pianist at the age of forty-two, to an entire group of children with Williams syndrome who are hypermusical from birth, to a man whose memory spans only seven seconds for everything but music. Our exquisite sensitivity to music can sometimes go wrong: catchy tunes can subject us to hours of mental replay; a surprising number of people acquire musical hallucinations. Yet far more frequently, music goes right: it can animate people with Parkinsons disease who cannot otherwise move, give words to stroke patients who cannot otherwise speak, and calm and organize people whose memories are ravaged by Alzheimers. Hardcover. 381 pp.
542-174 $26.00

R. CRUMB'S HEROES OF BLUES, JAZZ, & COUNTRY by Stephen Calt, David Jasen, R. Crumb, intro. by Terry Zwigoff Photo

A collection based on the trading card sets created by Crumb in the 1980s. These are packaged with a 21-track CD selected by Crumb, featuring original recordings by Charley Patton, Dock Boggs, "Jelly Roll" Morton and others. The CD is divided into "Heroes Of The Blues," "Pioneers Of Country Music," and "Early Jazz Greats." A brief biography of each musician is provided, along with a full-color original illustration by Crumb. Hardcover, 240 pp.
542-156 $19.95

ROADWORK: ROCK & ROLL TURNED INSIDE OUT by Tom Wright with Susan VanHecke, foreword by Pete Townshend Photo

ON SALE!! SAVE $13.95!! As a friend and cohort of some of rock music's biggest legends - the Who, Rod Stewart, the Rolling Stones, the Eagles, Joe Walsh, and countless others - photographer Tom Wright was given unparalleled access to almost every aspect of the musicians' lives, on and offstage. Roadwork is a compilation of groundbreaking photographs and the true stories behind them. Gritty and realistic, poignant and beautiful, these photos powerfully deconstruct the glamour of life on the road, capturing the true essence of rock 'n' roll. Over the years, Wright has allowed almost no commercial access to his work; his photographs have been available to only the musicians he's worked with...until now. Includes 180 black and white photos (60 of those are full page) and an eight page color section. Hardcover. 303 pp.
49-331431 .. list $29.95 ours $16.00

SANTORELLA'S NEW DICTIONARY OF MUSIC TERMS Photo

126 pages of definitions, informative reference charts & music theory. Half-size, 126 pp.
444-220 $8.95

SCIENCE AND METHOD IN GUITAR TECHNIQUE by Jorge Cardoso Photo

The first incarnation of this book was as an exhaustive historical comparative survey published in the prestigious French magazine "Les Cahiers de la Guitare." Written in 1973, it revolutionized musicians' approach to instrumental technique. Underpinned by solid, current scientific evidence and the most efficient guitar experience gleaned from the history of the instrument and long-forgotten traditions, it takes an in-depth look at how we can develop an infinite range of fine skills on the instrument. Since its publication this book has been used as a tool for technical development and training, as a classic reference work for numerous treatises on other instruments and in the prevention of work-related illnesses and problems common among players. 208 pp
02-21695 $47.95

SECRETS ALL GUITAR PLAYERS SHOULD KNOW, 2nd EDITION by Dave Cavanagh Photo

Hundreds of useful tips from a professional player and repairman with 35 years experience. With just the right amount of humor he fills you in on such things as tuning tricks, copyright info, guitar buying, stage presence, traveling tips, care and feeding, action adjustments, strings, intonation, tone, fret wear, practicing, guitar parts, and lots more. Straight answers for all those nagging questions you have about your guitar! This updated edtion includes a new chapter on 12-string guitars and a table of stringed instrument tunings and string sizes. From autoharp to zither, if you know the name of the instrument you can find out what notes to tune it to and the sizes of missing strings! 65 pp.
643-1 $19.95

STRANGE BREW: ERIC CLAPTON & THE BRITISH BLUES BOOM 1965-1970 by Christopher Hjort, foreword by John Mayall Photo

An absorbing and readable account of the British blues boom through the interconnected lives of its three principal guitarists: Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor and their various bands including John Mayall's Bluebreakers, Cream, Fleetwood Mac, Blind Faith, The Rolling Stones, and Derek & The Dominos. The day-by-day format uses new research including eye-witness accounts, press reports, concert reviews, set lists, tour dates, recording studio data, and more, to reveal connections between musicians, bands, studios and venues, uncovering new facts and correcting dozens of myths and half-truths along the way. 352 pp.
49-331498 $29.95

STUNTOLOGY by Sam Bartlett Photo

It's a manual for mild mischief, a field guide to minor havoc, it's the return of the dreaded stunts and practical jokes! Each of Sam's unique cartoons shows you, in amusing detail, such hysterical feats as: "Bouillon Shower," "Napkin Balancing Stunt," "An Orange Had A Baby," "Turkey Baster Stunt," "French Fry Catapult," "Milk Cartons, Exploding," "Noodle Sneeze," and lots more. No fiddle tunes, but still great fun! Collected from previous issues of the "Journal of Stuntology." 122 pp.
594-1 $14.95

TEACHING GUITAR by Jody Fisher Photo

Book/CD set. Indepth guide to making a living as a professional guitar teacher. Written by a seasoned pro, it contains teaching tips, musical examples, and business advice for optimizing personal income while developing a career as both a teacher and musician. The enhanced CD - which works as software - has backing tracks, sample forms for bookkeeping and tracking student progress, more.
20-22916 $17.95

THE ART AND TIMES OF THE GUITAR - AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF GUITARS AND GUITARISTS by Fredrick V. Grunfeld Photo

First published in 1969, this reissue remains unchanged from it's original text. An appealing blend of humor and history make this an enjoyable read. Packed with many, many b/w illustrations that feature the guitar in sculpture, painting and etchings from ancient times through Renaissance, Baroque and Modern eras up to the late 1960's and photos of Woody Guthrie and Jimi Hendrix. 341 pp.
124-43 $27.95

THE BEST MUSICIANS' JOKES by Bruno Kassel & Carlo May Photo

What's the difference between a Stratocaster and a Les Paul? A Stratocaster burns hotter: a Les Paul burns longer. More than 500 hilarious jokes about musicians and their respective genres; foreword written by drummer Pete York. 112 pp.
02-21170 $9.95

THE BEST OF STUNTOLOGY by Sam Bartlett Photo

Forget YouTube. Now you can amuse and embarrass yourself live, by performing the silliest, stupidest, funniest pranks and parlor tricks right in the comfort of your own living room. Or better yet, at any fancy restaurant, cocktail party, classroom, or business meeting. Created by mando and banjo player Sam Bartlett, Stuntology is a collection of more than 300 off-the-wall stunts, each illustrated step-by-step in a charmingly folk-art comic-strip style. Here's the Open a Beer with Your Eye Socket Stunt. The Balance a Teacup on the Point of a Knife Stunt. The Eat Like a Lizard Stunt (best performed at an important lunch meeting). And a Salami Stunt, not to be tried unless you are profoundly bored. This is a funny, funny book--goofy, inspired, and filled with an irresistible irreverence. 328 pp.
705-2 $12.95

THE BIG BOOK OF STUNTOLOGY by Sam Bartlett Photo

The irreverent Mister Bartlett returns with even more of the stunts you love to irritate your friends with! Nearly 200 new stunts and no crossover with his previous book! These outlandish pranks, games, odd sensations and absurd languages include such gems as: "Weird Neurological Stunt," "Nasal Hexagon Tracing Stunt," "Pumpkin Throw-Up Stunt," "Onion Jousting," "Dog-Snorting," "Hideous-Endless-Stream-of-Snot Stunt," "Didgeri-Don't," "Change Channels with Your Uvula Stunt," "Slug-Hiding Stunt," "Scare the Passengers," "Bing Crosby Language," and lots more. Release your inner 12-year old today! Or give it to a 12-year old whose parents you can't stand! Works either way! 202 pp.
413-23 $20.00

THE BILLBOARD ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF COUNTRY MUSIC by Tony Byworth 3 Photos

From the earliest days of country to the latest artists, the Encyclopedia tells the story of a great American genre in words and pictures. Chapters trace the history chronologically, from early hillbilly (Roy Acuff, The Carter Family), "singing cowboys" (Gene Autry, Roy Rogers), bluegrass (Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers), honky-tonk (Hank Williams, Ernest Tubb), rockabilly (Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis), and Nashville (Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline), to country rock (the Byrds, the Eagles), outlaws (Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard), mainstream country and pop crossovers (Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton), and the neo-traditionalists (Garth Brooks, Emmylou Harris), as well as more recent "alternative country" (Lucinda Williams, Gillian Welch), and the bluegrass revival (Alison Krauss, Bela Fleck). Hardcover. 320 pp.
542-170 .. list $50.00 ours $25.00

THE ELECTRIC GUITAR SOURCEBOOK - HOW TO FIND THE SOUNDS YOU LIKE by Dave Hunter Photo

Book/CD pack. Why does an electric archtop sound so different from a solidbody guitar? How does an ash body differ from alder? An invaluable guide to components, construction and that grand enigma we call Tone, this is the first book to explain how how all aspects of an instrument work together to give it its own distinct sound. Includes an analysis of the different components that make up a guitar and how each affects the sound; a breakdown of the main body types, their characteristics, strengths and weaknesses; in-depth specifications of over 70 guitars; more. Use this book to find the right combination for your own perfect tone. CD includes comparative samples of many of the guitar sounds described in the book. 207 pp.
49-331416 $24.95

THE GUITAR PLAYER BOOK: ARTISTS, HISTORY, STYLES, TECHNIQUE, AND GEAR by Mike Molenda, foreword by Les Paul Photo

An encyclopedic reference for guitarists. Includes valuable information for improving your playing and exclusive interviews with masters such as Chet Atkins, Duane Allman, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, more. 224 pp.
542-132 $24.95

THE GUITARIST'S GUIDE TO FINGERNAILS by Rico Stover Photo

A concise, clear picture of the fingernail, its anatomy, health; how to obtain strong, healthy nails and what products to buy. Includes an analysis of all currently available artificial nail systems (acrylics, wraps, gels and glue on tips) with a discussion of the potential health risks involved. Introduces a revolutionary new artificial nail system that is nontoxic, removable yet effective, with no risks to the health of your natural fingernail. 28 pp.
02-21258 $9.95

THE LANGUAGE OF THE BLUES, FROM ALCORUB TO ZUZU by Debra DeSalvo Photo

A witty, ribald, and unparalleled dictionary of blues terminology, packed with anecdotes from DeSalvo's interviews with legends like Little Milton, Robben Ford, Henry Gray, John Hammond, Robert Jr. Lockwood, Jimmie Vaughn, more. Belly fiddle, buffet flat, mojo, faro, stavin'chain - learn the history of terms like these. An invaluable reference and a fascinating read. 173 pp.
542-135 $16.95

THE MUSIC LESSON: A SPIRITUAL SEARCH FOR GROWTH THROUGH MUSIC by Victor Wooten Photo

From Grammy Award-winning musical icon and legendary bassist Victor L. Wooten - an inspiring parable of Music, Life, and the difference between playing all the right notes ... and feeling them. This journey with the teacher who taught him about Music will inspire you to grow as a musician and a better person. Wooten reveals the laws of sound, vibration, rhythm & creation in ways that help unlock the musical being in each of us. Half-size. 273 pp.
542-197 $15.00

THE MUSICIAN'S ULTIMATE JOKE BOOK - OVER 500 ONE-LINERS, QUIPS, JOKES AND TALL TALES compiled and edited by Kevin M. Mitchell Photo

This most complete collection of humor about and for musicians includes one-liners and jokes ranging from Chopin to Lennon, Gillespie to Presley. A must-have for every band director, music teacher, classical musician, jazz performer, cover band leader, accordion player, and person who knows an accordion player but doesn't like to admit it. 122 pp.
49-331232 $9.95

THE NASHVILLE NUMBERING SYSTEM - 2ND EDITION: AN AID TO PLAYING BY EAR by Neil Matthews Jr. Photo

For many years, musicians in Nashville have used a system of numbers, rather than standard music notation, in playing and singing. Matthews invented that system and wrote this book. Also includes quotes, stories and photos of country and pop stars. The second edition features 12 songs to play: "Beautiful Brown Eyes," "Blue," "Boot Scootin' Boogie," "Green Green Grass of Home," "Heartbreak Hote," "I Fall to Pieces," "King of the Road," "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to Be Cowboys," more. 64 pp.
49-704491 $9.95

THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS MUSIC COMPANION FACT BOOK by Dale Nobbman Photo

Comprehensive biographical sketches of the men and women who wrote, composed, and translated the most famous traditional Christmas songs of all time. Their true-life stories and achievements are fascinating and inspirational for anyone wanting to know more about the people behind the music. 151 pp.
49-101178 $24.95

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

UKULELE PLAYERS GUIDE by L.A. White, Jr. Photo

A compendium of useful information for those who have advanced beyond the beginner stage. Includes: buying & repairing used instruments, royalty-free music, sheet-music & recordings, converting guitar chords to ukulele chords, basic music theory, why White believes you need at least four ukes, much more. Lots of history wrapped around invaluable lists, advice, more. Half-size, 209 pp.
664-1 $19.95

VOICES IN JAZZ GUITAR: GREAT PERFORMERS TALK ABOUT THEIR APPROACH TO PLAYING by Joe Barth Photo

A thoroughly researched book on jazz guitar. Barth's methodical approach to interviewing jazz guitar icons is impressive and his ability to maintain easy rapport with each artist is masterful. Features John Abercrombie, Howard Alden, Jimmy Bruno, Larry Coryell, Al DiMeola, Sid Jacobs, Pat Metheny, Pearl Django, Leni Stern, many more. A great addition to jazz guitar canon and a must-have for aspiring jazz musicians serious about our great American art form. 488 pp.
02-21133 $29.95

WHAT WOULD KINKY DO? HOW TO UNSCREW A SCREWED UP WORLD by Kinky Friedman Photo

A collection of his best essays from his columns, as well as brand new essays on the current state of the nation. Hilariously raunchy, sometimes poignant, and always insightful. With fearless wit and wisdom born from many a late night's experience, Kinky offers both pearls and cowpats that touch on life, death, and everything in between. He invokes Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Judy Garland, George Bush, and other cultural touchstones; reflects on Texas etiquette, smoking in bars, mullet haircuts, immigration policy; advises on how to deliver the perfect air kiss, and what to do when a redneck hollers, "Hey y'all, watch this!" Hardcover, 268 pp.
542-202 $23.95

YOU ARE YOUR INSTRUMENT - THE DEFINITIVE MUSICIAN'S GUIDE TO PRACTICE AND PERFORMANCE by Julie Lyonn Lieberman Photo

This unique guide helps musicians: open up new avenues of expression through a pain-free, healthy fluid approach to music-making; overcome performance anxiety, general tension, and muscular injury; and increase learning skills. 152pp.
309-11 $19.95