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RJS
Ha`aha`a
1635 Posts |
 Posted - 10/11/2005 : 4:52:37 PM
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Tim Brookes has written a fun book - part history of the guitar, part the story of his getting a custom made. He's got this quote in it that I just had to share. While I don't play the classical repetoire, and honestly feel bad about not doing so, I sure share the feeling behind the quote, and I do enjoy the droll humor.
"Classical guitar is an instrument played by socially phobic overachievers under a brutal regime of constant discipline until the results begin to approach what a guitar is truly capable of. By then, all but the best are broken men and women."
- "Guitar. An American Life." p.82
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 10/11/2005 : 6:14:23 PM
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I read about 170 pages of this book during my flights to and from Seattle. Interesting reading about the author's process of working with a luthier in building his dream guitar. Interpersed are chapters exploring the history of guitar, different styles of music and thoughts on why it became the most popular instrument in the USA. There is a chapter on Hawaiian steel guitar and mention of slack key. Another notable relevant to Taropatch.net is the story about Bainbridge Island luthier Ken Savage and where he got the most beautiful quilted maple. This is the very maple that Puna used to build his dream guitar. See this post for photos.
I haven't had time to continue reading since I returned home but so far definitely interesting. |
Andy |
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Reid
Ha`aha`a
Andorra
1526 Posts |
Posted - 10/12/2005 : 02:49:41 AM
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Is this the book by the guy who had a guitar made by VT luthier Rick Davis - Running Dog guitars? If so, I heard an interview of the author on NPR. The guy (if it was Brookes) was really interesting and funny.
Raymond, that quote is priceless.
...Reid |
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 10/12/2005 : 04:02:22 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Reid
Is this the book by the guy who had a guitar made by VT luthier Rick Davis - Running Dog guitars?
Yes, this is the book.
Guitar: An American Life (Hardcover)
by Tim Brookes |
Andy |
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sandman
Lokahi
USA
181 Posts |
Posted - 10/12/2005 : 05:11:10 AM
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Really an interesting book. It has gotten excellent reviews. One reviewer said if lapsed guitarists read Brookes they would get back to playing very quickly. Of course, this applies to no one here, neh? 
We are all true believers. And doers.
Sandy |
Leap into the boundless and make it your home.
Zhuang-zi |
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Puna
Lokahi
USA
227 Posts |
Posted - 10/12/2005 : 07:39:03 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Admin
Another notable relevant to Taropatch.net is the story about Bainbridge Island luthier Ken Savage and where he got the most beautiful quilted maple. This is the very maple that Puna used to build his dream guitar.
The book talks about Ken and the quilted maple on pp 27-28. I used his very last piece, so he had to begin the process (discussed in the book) of trying to get more. He finally got some a few months later.
Another item (that I'll have to tease Ken about): the book defines "luthier" as "a guitarmaker who charges more than $1,000 per guitar".
Of course, the second definition of "nut" is "b) Anyone who pays more than $250 for a used guitar"... |
Puna |
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