Author:Phil Taylor
‘I told Phil that I wasn’t interested. It seems a daft idea to me, writing a book about an ordinary guitar that I bought at Manny’s.’ Thus spoke David Gilmour over ten years ago about this excellent book, now in its fourth edition, lovingly put together by Phil Taylor, his personal guitar technician and studio manager. It’s a weighty, A4 sized tome, printed on thick, top quality paper, with a fantastic array of superbly detailed photographs of the instrument, and a clear narrative following the journey of the guitar through the years. The book briefly touches on some of Gilmour’s many other guitars, but the main focus is of course on the iconic black Fender Stratocaster, which over the years became virtually synonymous with the music and sound of both Pink Floyd and his solo work. Staring life as a humble 1968-69 Strat with black painted over the original sunburst finish, it has been subject to many modifications over the years, and the level of detail provided on these changes is in depth to say the least, covering all the numerous mods made (and sometimes reversed), each individual one being lovingly documented and clearly illustrated and explained. There are wiring diagrams, information on the type of strings used and the different necks and pick-ups that were fitted as requirements and personal preferences changed over its four decades of use. There’s even a spec sheet showing the precise detail of the instrument’s set up in case you want to try and replicate that unique and iconic sound yourself. There’s also lots of other fascinating background information, for example I hadn’t realised that for ten years, having fallen out of favour, the guitar was simply an exhibit in various Hard Rock Cafés in the US, before its time inevitably came round once again. The book gives a fascinating insight into the history of not just the guitar, but of one of the most successful rock bands of all time. The writing, the graphics and the archive photos are a credit to the author, for whom this has obviously been a long term labour of love, and it’s certainly no dry technical manual written solely for guitar nerds either – even if you can’t play a single note, you will find this a fascinating read. Put this one on your Christmas list – you won’t regret it!
Length of Read:Medium
Might appeal to people who enjoyed…
Pink Floyd, guitars.
One thing you’ve learned
In June 2019, the instrument was sold at Christies, raising almost $4 million for charity, but wouldn’t it be a shame if it was never played again and just became an artefact to admire on a wall somewhere.
Vulpes Vulpes says
I bought this for Vulpes Minor on the occasion of his recent birthday. He’s a useful player, with a small but top quality collection of geetars. He hasn’t stopped bubbling on about how brilliant it is since he got this book.
fishface says
Sadly, given the sudden splurge of coverage regarding Eddie Van Halen’s battle with oral cancer,
I imagine a similar book regarding his famous Frankenstrat could be pending.
Twang says
I saw the very item at the viewing for the recent auction. Whilst DG is right, it’s just a basic Strat and also Tigger’s Broom as pretty much all of it has changed over the years other than the body, it has an aura around it by association. I was moved.
Arthur Cowslip says
“Tigger’s Broom”! Took me a minute or two to work out what you had meant to type there…..
Tiggerlion says
I can officially state that my broom no longer has any of its original parts.
Billybob Dylan says
When was this published? Amazon (US) only has used copies for sale, and the cheapest copy is $147.00!! I just want the book, not the actual guitar!
Just checked Amazon UK, and they have a new paperback copy for 37 quid. That’s a bit more like it. Shipping charges will probably be astronomical, assuming they’ll even ship it here.
Bargepole says
The link on Amazon UK is the only official source. They will ship worldwide I believe.
Podicle says
Bugger. Been chasing this for a while but Amazon UK won’t ship to Australia. The old edition on the Australian site costs $900!! If anyone in the UK is willing to purchase and forward this on I will happily pay in advance over PayPal.
Vulpes Vulpes says
Happy to arrange that if you like, though I have no idea how much the postage to Oz will be – it’s a fattish tome!
Drop me a PM if you want me to order you a copy – approx. £37 at the mo’ here in the UK just for the book. I doubt the postage will be that much again, but I’d advise stumping for some form of guranteed delivery/loss insurance, so it could almost double the cost. Still a lot less than your local dodgers want for an out-of-date edition!
Podicle says
Pm sent. Thank you.