American Basses An Illustrated History & Player's Guide

by Roberts, Jim

ISBN13: 9780879307219

ISBN10: 0879307218

Format: Paperback

Pub. Date: 2003-05-01

Publisher(s): Backbeat

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Summary

The first comprehensive book on American-made electric and acoustic bass guitars, American Basses offers a wealth of well-researched information about all of the important builders, from one-man shops to the biggest manufacturers. Hundreds of full-color photos illustrate the wide range of instruments available, and special insider essays take you step by step through the bassmaking process, from concept and design to final setup. Includes how-to tips from top builders and designers on topics such as: neck and bridge setup; active vs. passive pickups; bolt-on vs. neck-through design; tonewood characteristics; defeating hum and buzz; string angle and tone; and more. "What a book! I feel much closer to my bass guitar after having read American Basses." - Will Lee, Bass Player for The Late Show with David Letterman

Author Biography

Jim Roberts is the founding editor and former publisher of Bass Player. He has been playing bass since 1970

Foreword	p. VII
Acknowledgments	p. IX
Introduction	p. XI
A Note About Terminology	p. XIV
Designing a Bass: Three Views
Starting from Scratch	p. 1
Making a Concept Come to Life	p. 2
Breaking the Rules	p. 4
Building a Bass: the Quest for Tone	p. 5
Builder Profiles
	p. 11
	p. 27
	p. 31
	p. 44
	p. 49
	p. 51
	p. 71
	p. 87
	p. 89
	p. 94
	p. 112
	p. 118
	p. 133
	p. 138
	p. 139
	p. 149
	p. 162
	p. 178
	p. 182
	p. 182
	p. 184
	p. 187
Across the Pond(s): a Brief Look at the International Scene	p. 191
Sources	p. 195
Addresses	p. 196
Photo Credits	p. 200
Index	p. 201
Inside Info
A Field Guide to Alembic Basses	p. 16
Why Active?	p. 19
The Luthier's Workshop: Tools and Safety	p. 24
Demystifying Bass Setup	p. 37
In Search of the Perfect Pickup	p. 39
When Was It Made?	p. 57
Building Berry Oakley Jr.'s "Tractor" Replica	p. 64
Some Thoughts on Hardware and Pickups	p. 68
The Woods of Ken Smith Basses	p. 98
The Art and Science of Inlay	p. 102
Neck Wood and Tone	p. 110
Creating Signature Models	p. 113
Good Fretwork--The Key to a Great Bass	p. 122
Fingerboard Factors	p. 146
How to Defeat Hum & Buzz	p. 154
Active Electronics	p. 163
Bolt-On vs. Neck-Through	p. 169
String Angles & Tone	p. 189
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.