Hand Made, Hand Played: The Art & Craft of Contemporary Guitars

Hand Made, Hand Played explores contemporary handmade guitars and the luthiers who build them. This digital PDF edition is available for instant download after purchase.

Robert Shaw presents guitars as musical instruments, designed objects, and examples of specialized craftsmanship. The volume features more than 300 handmade guitars, illustrated with color photography and accompanied by maker and instrument information.

The book is suitable for guitar players, craftspeople, collectors, and readers interested in guitar history, design, and lutherie.

Book Overview

This Music reference book surveys the art and craft of contemporary guitars by author Robert Shaw. Its introduction considers the development of independent guitar building after the folk boom and British Invasion, followed by sections devoted to major guitar types and construction traditions.

The coverage includes acoustic guitars, acoustic basses, archtop and other jazz instruments, Hawaiian and resonator guitars, hollow- and solid-bodied electric guitars, and electric basses. Entries provide guitar specifications, photographs, and information about the artisans who created the instruments.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• An introduction to the rise of contemporary independent guitar building and lutherie.
• Acoustic guitar sections covering historic, classical and flamenco, flattop, and acoustic bass instruments.
• Archtop, other jazz, Hawaiian, and resonator guitars.
• Hollow-bodied and solid-bodied electric guitars, plus electric basses.
• Examples associated with guitar-making figures including C.F. Martin, Les Paul, and Leo Fender.
• Bibliography and other resources, a photographers index, and a web directory and index of luthiers.

Why This Book Matters

Hand Made, Hand Played documents the range of contemporary guitar making and the skilled makers who work beyond mass production. It places modern handmade instruments within a broader account of guitar culture, design, and craft.

Its combination of visual documentation, instrument specifications, and maker information makes it useful for readers studying guitars as both functional instruments and crafted objects.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download, not a physical book. There is no physical shipping, and access is available after purchase.

The PDF works with appropriate Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and compatible reading apps. Device features may vary by application.

FAQ

When can I access the book?
Access is available after purchase, with instant download of the digital PDF.

Will I receive a physical copy?
No. This product is a digital download, so no physical copy is shipped.

What devices can open the file?
The PDF can be opened with suitable Kindle apps, tablets, desktop or mobile devices, and compatible reading apps.

Download this digital edition to consult Robert Shaw’s visual and factual survey of contemporary handmade guitars.