Chronicles the history of the premier guitar maker and its Fender models from 1950 to 2000, profiling such instruments as the Telecaster, Stratocaster, and Precision Bass, while punctuating its timeline with musical highlights. Original.

(Book). The world's most famous guitar had a golden anniversary in 2004, and this official, authorized book/CD package offers the best photos, quotes, facts and sounds to properly celebrate this achievement. From Buddy Holly to Jimi Hendrix to today's hottest players, the Fender Stratocaster defines rock'n'roll for generations of fans and players. Special features include exclusive photos from the world's greatest guitar collection, as well as a CD with musical examples of famous Strat sounds and styles hilariously performed by Greg Koch even spoken excerpts from the author's interviews with the Strat's beloved inventor, Leo Fender. This book also recognizes that the Stratocaster's deeper significance lies in the music that guitarists have created with it. You'll hear what Strat players have to say about their instrument, their music and each other. The Fender Stratocaster both reflects and influences popular culture worldwide. The Stratocaster Chronicles focuses on the people who brought it into the world, the designers and builders who refined it, and the players who have taken it from there.

Gorgeously illustrated and authoritatively written, Fender 75 Years is the officially licensed celebration of the legendary brand's landmark anniversary, covering all of Fender's iconic guitars, amps, and basses.

In 1952 the first Gibson Les Paul solidbody electric guitar was made and 2002 will be the 50th anniversary of its creation. This book is a chronicle of the entire range of Gibson Les Paul guitars, the stories surrounding their creation and the artists (such as Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton) who played them. Made by the Gibson company, the Les Paul was the result of a collaboration with brilliant guitarist Les Paul, one half of the famous Les Paul and Mary Ford Duo. Every model is described and its different specifications unravelled, with colour photographs that reveal the complexity and beauty of these important guitars over the last 50 years.

Fender Amps is the first book to chronicle this company's amazing contribution to the amplifier, providing a complete overview of its history and operation. From the K & F amp of 1945 to the Custom Amp Shop line of today, you'll understand why musicians continue to collect, rely and relish the sound of a Fender amplifier.

Fender’s Stratocaster is arguably the number-one instrument icon of the guitar world. When introduced in 1954, its offset space-age lines, contoured body, and three-pickup configuration set the music world on its ear—it was truly unlike any guitar that had come before. In the hands of the world’s most beloved players, the Stratocaster has since become a popular weapon of choice among rock, blues, jazz, and country players and, not coincidentally, is also one of the most copied electric guitars of all time In this authoritatively written, painstakingly curated, and gloriously presented tribute to the 60-year-old Fender Stratocaster, author Dave Hunter covers the guitar’s history from concept, design, and model launch through its numerous variations and right up to the present. The story is illustrated with archival images of Stratocasters and their players in action, studio shots of Stratocasters of varied vintage and provenance, memorabilia associated with famous players, and profiles of over 30 noted Strat slingers through the ages. Influential rock’n’ rollers like Buddy Holly, Hank Marvin, Ike Turner, and Dick Dale; blues players like Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robert Cray, Bonnie Raitt, and John Mayer; metal gods Richie Blackmore, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Dave Murray; esteemed rockers Jeff Beck, David Gilmour, Ronnie Wood, Robbie Robertson, Rory Gallagher, Mark Knopfler, and Wayne Kramer; and post-punk heroes The Edge, John Frusciante, and Billy Corgan are all included. And so, of course, is Jimi Hendrix. With its unprecedented level of detail and stunning visuals, The Fender Stratocaster is the only book tribute worthy of the world’s greatest guitar.

Fender Classic Moments examines momentous musical events of the last half century, focusing on Fender artists. It features over 100 photos (some very rare and culled from private collections) and lively text chronicling great guitar moments and history-changing happenings. Includes photos of Elvis singing through a Fender amp at the 1955 Tupelo Fair; Dylan's amplified antics at the Newport Folk Festival; Hendrix's fury at Monterey; Clapton's comeback at Live Aid; Smashing Pumpkins at Lollapalooza; and much more.