Book Description
Like no other instrument, a grand piano melds engineering feats with the magical sounds of great music: the thunder of a full-throated bass, the bright, delicate trill of the upper treble. Alone among the big piano companies, Steinway still crafts all of its pianos largely by hand, imbuing each one with the promise and burden of its brand. In this captivating narrative, James Barron of The New York Times tells the story of one Steinway piano, from raw lumber to finished instrument. Barron follows that brand-new piano -- known by its number, K0862 -- on its eleven-month journey through the Steinway factory, where time-honored manufacturing methods vie with modern-day industrial efficiency. He looks over the shoulders of men and women -- some second- and third-generation employees, some recently arrived immigrants -- who transform wood and steel into a concert grand. Together, they carry on the traditions begun more than 150 years ago by the immigrants who founded Steinway Sons -- a family that soared to prominence in the music world and, for a while, in New York Citys political and economic life. Barron also explores the art and science of developing a pianos timbre and character before its first performance, when the essential question will be answered: Does K0862 live up to the Steinway legend? From start to finish, Piano will charm and enlighten music lovers.
Customer Reviews:
A Captivating "Biography".......2007-08-25
I took my copy of "Piano: The Making of a Steinway Concert Grand" to the beach with me. I read it in 4 days! Mr. Barron infuses a wealth of information into a wonderful story about this piano,and oh so much more. Before you know it K-0862 is a character you care about. I cannot imagine anyone not finding something to love about this book!!! Masterfully written!
K-0862 my NEW friend.......2007-08-22
K-0862 became a living...feeling...emotional entity by the end of this book........A very very original idea (to breath life into this piano) and well written. Actually EXTREMELY WELL WRITTEN book...My NEW favorite among all books...right up there with OVER THE EDGE OF THE WORLD......... The two most enjoyable....... educational........ books I have ever read!!!!!! KUDOS!!!!!!! I hated when i got to the end of this one!!!!!!
Story of a Steinway Concert Grand Piano.......2007-05-12
Excellently and diligently written, this little book tells the story of one Steinway concert grand piano from conception to adolescence. Barron loves the piano, respects the Company, and is dilgent in showing the evolution of Steinway, as well as the creation of one, new opus - a 9 foot concert piano. Barron introduces us to the barons of Steinway and the individual craftsmen who hand make these excellent instruments. To me, the quality and individual character of each Steinway piano are no longer a mystery.
Each time I play my own small grand piano (a quality A B Chase, close replica of the Steinway model S), I think of the efforts that went into it. Unlike Yamahas and such, the Steinway is an almost hand-built piano from a Company which has never relented in its determination to produce the best.
The book also explains why age is not all that becoming in the tonal life of a piano. The instrument has a birth, a development, and an aging process which are measured in tonal character progress, not just years. The aged Steiway seems a time integral of all that has come before - including hundred year old designs and techniques, and all the way up to its last tuning.
If you think a piano is a piano, is a piano, Barron's book will change your outlook.
A Very Nice Book for What it Is.......2007-04-18
The writing style is very engaging and readable. It is more about the people who build the pianos and the history of Steinway than it is about building a piano, but still a nice read.
After reading this you might be interested in: The Violin Maker: Finding a Centuries-Old Tradition in a Brooklyn Workshop by John Marchese, and then perhaps Guitar: An American Life by Tim Brookes (these two books a longer and more detailed then Piano but are similarly styled).
Last minute gift for the piano enthusiast........2007-04-11
pricey, but less expensive than giving lessons to someone who thinks they have talent. :D
Book Description
What a thrill for any musician: playing a fine-sounding instrument that he or she has lovingly crafted from scratch. With this richly illustrated manual, well-known luthier and guitarist John Bogdanovich shows exactly how to build that first, beautiful guitar, using traditional, time-tested methods. All that’s required are basic woodworking techniques and a minimally equipped shop. Bogdanovich discusses the anatomy of the guitar, sound, choosing an instrument, selecting woods, templates and molds, and preparation. In more than 300 pages of text, he painstakingly lays out the details of construction, from assembling the neck and sides to installing the fingerboard and bridge.
Customer Reviews:
The best one I read.......2007-04-11
This book is an example of passion with the guitar. It's well written, beautifully photographed covering all steps of classical guitar construction that follows a high grade standard. Even if you don't want to build a guitar, buy it just for the beauty of its pages. I have bought a lot of books about lutherie, but this is one is far the best.
It makes evident in every detail how Mr Bogdanovich loves what he do. Seems to me he had a very good time written it. Go deep!
Excellent..........2007-03-09
Very well written and presented, although I agree that there's nothing truly 'modern' here; a formal presentation of lattice bracing or composite tops (10 year old technology) would be needed to earn the 'modern' moniker. But for traditional style building (with interesting personalized wrinkles) it's an excellent text. Highly recommended, and the first true competition for the Cumpaino.
Excellent book.......2007-02-18
The author starts the budding luthier with the construction of molds and jigs. The order in which this is presented is excellent: by the time you get to the construction of the solera, you should be quite proficient at cutting the outline of the guitar in MDF (medium density fiberboard) with a 14" band saw. My solera turned out very well. A note on materials: John notes that the material for the molds will require two 4' x 8' sheets of 3/4" MDF and 1/2 of a 4' x 8' sheet of 1/2" MDF. 4' x 8' sheets of MDF are VERY HEAVY and impossible to work with in a small shop. I purchased 2' x 4' sheets instead and the results were great. Also, a 2' x 4' sheet 5/8" thick should be substituted for one of the 3/4" sheets, for the lining bender jig. This will save a bit of planing.
One should note the typo on page 51: under "Cutting the Pieces," "10 inches wide and 20 inches long" should be "10 inches wide and 24 inches long." On page 58 where John specifies "six pieces 24 1/2 inches x 10 1/2 inches," pieces only 24" x 10 1/2" will do very well. The plan for the caul on page 123 is missing. The author says it was accidentally cut out of the book, and he wrote, "The laminations are masonite thinned down to about .090 to make them easier to bend. I use about four of them. The outer one has sixteen pieces of 3/4 MDF glued from top to bottom along the length as shown on page 123. The pieces that go over rounded areas must be shaped to fit flat on their entire surface."
The author will offer printed plans for the guitar at some point in the future.
Overall a very nice book. I've just finished bending the sides according to John's instructions and I look forward to the next steps in this very interesting project.
An excellent book for classical guitar makers.......2007-02-15
This book is sure to please the most discriminating maker of guitars. The photos of all the different phases of guitarmaking are clearly explained with a multitude of colored photos. The language is clear and concise. The illustrations and color photos speak for themselves, of the many varied operations involved in guitar making. My only problem was figuring out how to make a 15ft and 25 ft radius jigs.Of all the 12 books I own on guitarmaking. This book, in my opinion, is the most comprehensive in detailing , every aspect of this demanding and rewarding craft. My hats off to Mr. bogdanovich for an excellent job.
Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk.......2007-02-06
Jack Bogdanovich's book is a must for anybody who might be considering making his or her own classical guitar, and very interesting for those who like the instrument, but have no plans to build one.
If you have a chance to lay hands on one of his guitars, you'll see that he can walk the walk; read this book, and you will know that he can talk the talk, too.
I have trouble figuring out which end of a screwdriver to use, but with Jack's book in hand, I think even I might be able to follow his detailed and well-illustrated instructions without hurting myself too bad.
It's a steal at this price.
Book Description
Here are the traditions of harpsichord making as they might have been taught to young apprentices in five countries where the craft once flourished: Italy, Flanders, France, England, and Germany. The period covered ranges from approximately 1500, when concrete data became available, to 1800, after which the nature of the instrument is no longer of musicological significance.
The author's aim is to "give enough information to make it possible for builders of harpsichords to base their work on certain knowledge of the designs and methods of earlier makers; to guide players of the harpsichord in their search for appropriate instruments, dispositions, and registrations in recreating the music of the past; and to serve as a useful body of information for historians and editors of early keyboard music."
A chapter each is devoted to the five most important schools of harpsichord making. Over forty plates illustrate the most typical harpsichords of each country. Each set of drawings includes a plan drawn to scale, the interior of the instrument, and interesting details of action and construction. These are supplemented by reproductions of illustrations taken from early sources. The appendixes contain texts of relevant documents, including inventories of the shops of some prominent French makers and contemporary descriptions of instruments.
Mr. Hubbard has drawn material from contemporary descriptions of instruments and the mechanical arts such as those found in encyclopedias, technical treatises, books on music theory, and manuals for craftsmen. In addition he has examined hundreds of instruments in European and American collections. His exceptional position as an internationally known harpsichord maker as well as a student of harpsichord history allows him to discuss technical as well as historical matters that would be outside the competence of a musicologist.
Customer Reviews:
The definitive history of harpsichord making.......2006-08-09
A definiteve study by one of the leading exponents in the contemptorary rediscovery of the harpsichord. Strategically illustrated. Exhaustive bibliography. Reading this book will immerse you in the past practices of harpsichord-making, from sawyers and lumbering to varnishes and decorative painting. Amazingly juicy, written in a very engaging style. If you want to know the difference between the German and Flemish makers and their instruments, for example, you will find out about them here. I first read this book when I built a harpsichord kit in my teens. For a kid who hated history, I could not put this down. Hubbard exposes the reader to a well-hidden side of music-making. Stay away if you hate anything baroque or eloquently discursive.
Worth reading repeatedly.......2003-05-30
Frank Hubbard had an amazing combination of talents. As a harpsichord builder, he was one of the principal founders of present-day harpsichord-building practice, which produces superior instruments by imitating the masters of long ago. Hubbard was also a fine scholar: thoughtful, careful, endlessly knowledgeable, and often witty.
Hubbard's book, though nonfiction, has a kind of plot: he documents a slow-moving miracle of instrument-making that took place in Europe over a period of several centuries. Hubbard follows the important changes in building practice as the centers of innovation shifted from Italy, to Flanders, to France, and finally to England and Germany.
This book is a beautiful example what can be accomplished by scholars in the humanities--it's careful, rigorous detective work. Hubbard's endless labors made possible the lovely authentic harpsichords we enjoy today.
This is not a book for everyone, but if you're one of the many people who once put together a harpsichord kit, I'm almost certain you will enjoy this book.
Book Description
The definitive work on the design and construction of an acoustic archtop guitar by one of the most talented luthiers of the twentieth century. Benedetto walks the reader through all aspects of construction through to marketing your finished work. Includes a list of suppliers to acquire all the tools and materials listed; a list of serial numbers for Benedetto guitars; full-color plates featuring the author's models; photos from the author's personal scrapbook of players who endorse his guitars; and fold-out templates for construction. 8-1/2 inch. x 11 inch..
Customer Reviews:
Great, Informative Book.......2007-08-10
If you have an interest in building an archtop, you will want this book. Though it does not contain complete full-scale plans (you will either have to enlarge the included plans or order a separate full-sized set), there is nonetheless a wealth of information to satisfy both experienced and novice builders alike. The text is accompanied by numerous photos of Benedetto's shop, tools (many which are home-made), various guitar-construction operations in progress, and color photos of many of his own guitars. Yes, I suppose there is a subtle bit of self-promotion, as one Amazon reviewer complains. However, one can hardly begrudge Benedetto for this, considering that he has chosen so generously to share of himself. How many of Benedetto's competitors would be as willing to step up to the same plate? If you are serious about building an archtop, I would recommend purchasing the DVDs with the book. While Benedetto is very clear with his explanations, tap-tuning is probably something that requires the kind of hands-on demonstration gained from student-teacher interaction or, in the absence of that, video demonstration.
Good book bad plans.......2007-05-13
This is a good book to understand the making of Arch top guitars.
BUT, I was very disappointed from the plans, actually there are no plans at all
There is a small scale plan of the top, poor information
And a few sketches of the braces....waste of paper
If you need a good arch top plan - this is not for you. Buy a plan separately
Thanks
Yaron.
Craftmanship out in the open.......2007-01-05
Bob Benedetto has written the manual for all of us who would love to make our own guitar but lacked the information. Most of the details necessary have been kept by those who already build or their apprentices. In this book, he gives us enough specific, detailed info to build a very fine instrument on the first try, provided that we have some basic woodworking skills. The price in soft cover is very reasonable, and it makes fascinating reading even if you don't try your hand at making your own Jazz guitar.
dissapointing.......2006-10-15
I read this book cover to cover and was peaved that I'd blown my dollars on it. Benedetto may make some nice guitars. In fact, the feel of this book was more like marketing material for his guitars than of an honest technical work. There is page after page of cr@p. Benedetto endorsers, Benedetto serial #s and who owns them, pictures of the Benedetto crew at a trade show, pictures of his family. Gimme a break. This has zero to do with building a guitar and inflates the price of the book needlessly. As for the part of the book that actually does deal with building...there are bits in here that are informative about aspects that are unique to making an archtop. They are not presented as well or as thoroughly as they could be. I especially don't like how he dismisses techniques or ideas other than his own methods without any explanation as to why he's right and others are wrong. I'm also a little curious about suggestions he makes for building that he obviously doesn't follow himself. Example: he suggests making/using a non-adjustable bridge out of maple. Check the website for his guitars...how many have maple bridges? how many of his guitars come with adjustable bridges? of the non-adjustable bridges he does employ, none of them look anything like what he presents in the book. Get rid of all the clap-trap and the really good, essential, unique stuff could have been presented in a short booklet. As for the rest, meaning those aspects of building that aren't unique to archtops, there are much better resources out there.
Required Reading, Period........2005-10-14
This book is well written, well illustrated and encourging to those of us who might want to try to build an archtop (or any type of stringed instrument). As a beginner, I find that Mr. Benedetto's explanations on the building processes are refreshing and full of encouragement. While he explains the reasons for selecting top-quality (and expensive) tonewoods, he also demonstrates that a top-quality instrument can be built out of inferior (readily available) woods. The message I got was: "don't wait until all of the conditions are exactly right - work with what you have and overcome your limitations" His writing sparks the reader's imagination as to construction methods, jigs and fixtures. While a moderate amount of woodworking knowledge is assumed, his explanations are clear and concise. The illustrations are inspiring and make the reader want to run, not walk to the shop to begin work on an instrument. So, Run, don't walk to get this book. You will be miserable without it!!!
Book Description
Oklahoma! premiered on Broadway in 1943 under the auspices of the Theatre Guild, and today it is performed more frequently than any other Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. In this book Tim Carter offers the first fully documented history of the making of this celebrated American musical.
Drawing on research from rare theater archives, manuscripts, journalism, and other sources, Carter records every step in the development of Oklahoma! The book is filled with rich and fascinating details about how Rodgers and Hammerstein first came together, the casting process, how Agnes de Mille became the show’s choreographer, and the drafts and revisions that ultimately gave the musical its final shape. Carter also shows the lofty aspirations of both the creators and producers and the mythmaking that surrounded Oklahoma! from its very inception, and demonstrates just what made it part of its times.
Book Description
A complete behind-the-scenes history of the filming of the beloved musical classic, with anecdotes from the cast and crew.
Customer Reviews:
The Sound of Music: The Making of America's Favorite Movie .......2007-05-13
I bought this book prior to my recent trip to Salzburg, Austria. I found it very informative, and well written and certainly helped me in my quest to locate the various filming locations from the movie in Salzburg. There are some great behind the scenes photos, and excellent details about the actual production of the movie.
Any fan of The Sound of Music would thoroughly enjoy this book.
Wonderful Tribute To One Of The Most Loved Movies Of All Time.......2006-05-27
It's taken me a long time to track down this beautifully put together homage to one of my very favourite movies of all time. And what a total joy this book proves to be for anyone like myself who remains entranced by this magical film an amazing 40 years after its initial release. This superbly put together book by Julia Antopol Hirsch is most definately a labour of love and is filled with really everything you would want to know about this most special of movie musicals. Boasting a touching forward by none other than now deceased director Robert Wise the book takes us on a informative journey through the history of "The Sound of Music", from its formation as a hugely successful Broadway show right up to the planning, production, and release of the motion picture, then up to recent times where it examines the film's enduring popularity with audiences both young and old years after it's first release. The volumne has some wonderfully candid photos of the production during rehearsals at Twentieth Century Fox studios in Hollywood, to behind the scenes moments when cast and crew are relaxing between takes and even soaking up the local sights of beautiful Salzburg, Austria on those rare days when they had days off filming. The book also includes beautiful colour and black and white photos, a rare shooting schedule, cast and crew profiles, interviews with stars including Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, and a highly interesting look at the original premiere of "The Sound of Music" in 1965. In it's 226 pages it even also finds time to give an outline complete with photos of the real Von trapp family members with a special focus of course on the immortal real life Maria Von Trapp.
This book has quickly become a treasured part of my personal library and for any lover of "The Sound of Music", it is a indispensible companion for everything you would want to know about the whole history of this immortal musical. The book makes a perfect companion to the brand new 40th Anniversary DVD edition of "The Sound of Music" released late last year which is a treasure trove of all things "Music", and it has certainly informed even a "The Sound of Music" buff like myself of many things I did not know about the film prior to reading it. I highly recommend Julia Antopol Hirsch's warm, informative and at times even amusing tribute to Hollywood's most loved musical. Reading through its pages the book has succeeded in actually increasing my affection for star Julie Andrews and the film in general, no small task considering my lifelong love of this special film. Enjoy!
Great Book for All movie-goers;you will LOVE this one ! AA++.......2006-03-21
Very well written book. A must have for all ' Music, ' fans!
A "Sound of Music" must have.......2003-09-11
No "Sound of Music" collection is complete without this book. Its eight chapters take you through the entire Sound of Music experience, from the real Von Trapp family to the original stage production to the movie's production, release, and success. I have a hard time choosing what I like best about this book because it's so complete. There are eight pages of color photos, handwritten production notes, early storyboards, and a plethora of candid photos from the cast and crew's private collections as well as some memorable studio stills. Author Julia Hirsch integrates diverse elements and perspectives to give a thoroughly enjoyable and well-rounded look at this beloved film's journey from concept to the classic it remains today. You'll find interviews from every cast and principle crew member with special biographies of the more important players. Other features include shooting schedules and casting and location notes. One of the real treasures though is the stories that came out of this production and are told here. It is a simple pleasure to read about the people and friendships that made the movie so endearing and enduring. I can't recommend this book enough for "Sound of Music" fans. Not only will you read and reread it, you'll grow a new appreciation for the movie and want to watch it over again.
Very Fascinating.......2003-07-23
This book is extremely interesting! I very much enjoy all the "behind the scenes" of this movie. From the conception of the film making to the fruition is so captivating. After reading this, it makes me more appreciate the hardwork of everyone in this film. Despite of Christopher Plummer's thoughts and feelings about his role, he makes me more think highly of his skills. I find him a very wonderful and versatile actor. Very believable and what an awesome performance! I watched SOM again and again after reading this book. I don't think I'll ever get tired of this movie. My love for this movie hasn't faded since I was 15. I am in my golden years now and still loving every minute of it.
Book Description
A"sequel" to and builds on Violin Making, Step by Step. Full size drawings for the 4/4 (755 mm) cello and its inside mold. The process of making a master cello, including some alternate tools and techniques, is described in detail and illustrated with numerous photographs. This new (third) edition also includes full size drawings, measurements, etc. for a 7/8 "Guadagnini" cello.
The Strobel books for violin makers are professional, concise, and convenient, reflecting traditional, conservative, and artistic work. Some forty thousand sold, they are use internationally by student, amateur and professional makers in shops and schools, and referred to by manufacturers, sellers, users, and lovers of bowed instruments. High quality 8.5 by 11 in. paperbacks made to lie flat and last on your workbench.
Customer Reviews:
rebuttal of previous review.......1998-12-02
In preparation for building a cello, I have successfully built a violin using Mr. Strobel's "Violin Making Step by Step". I have reasonalble amatuer woodworking skills and simple but adequate tools and space. I also reviewed all of the reasonably obtainable sources on violin constuction and found Mr. Strobel's books to be more helpful than most. The author recommends the first time builder of a cello to first build a viloin in his preface to "Cello Making" and I heartily agree. The price of the wood is much cheaper and techniques can be mastered on a smaller scale. The price of his book is about that of one cello lesson and it will last a lot longer.
Average customer rating:
- Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida: The Making of the Broadway Musical
- One of the better Broadway books
- Overall a fine book but lacking at times
- This is a heckuva book!
- A wonderful way to capture AIDA
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Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida: The Making of the Broadway Musical
Michael Lassell
Manufacturer: Disney Editions
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ASIN: 0786864842 |
Book Description
Enthusiastically anticipated as the latest Disney stage production, following the astounding success of Julie Taymors breakthrough production of The Lion King, Aida is certain to be a hit. Celebrated songwriter Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice present their version of the classic tale of Aidathe story of a love triangle in which the three main charactersRadames, Aida, and Amnerisare torn between love for each other and their greater duties. This colourful book contains all the excitement of the lavish production, detailing all the action on the stage and behind the curtain.
Customer Reviews:
Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida: The Making of the Broadway Musical .......2005-09-30
Amazing book, all Aida lovers should get it! The pictures are beautiful, and the information is really detailed.
One of the better Broadway books.......2005-07-16
I'm a fan of Tie-In books, whether they be for a movie, or Broadway. This one ranks fairly high up there, behind Rent
by the Johnny Larson Estate, the Renthead bible, but above the Beauty and the Beast book which was more pictures than information.
This one had tons of information, and a good selection of pictures. You get a fantastic idea of how they progressed from the original story to the Broadway show, and nice behind the scenes anecdotes. There are also some very beautiful 2-page spreads, such as when the two-starcrossed lovers meet in the museum. However, the book is rather thin compared to some, and thus it doesn't hold quite as much information as some would like it to. It certainly could have used more pictures.
One thing it doesn't have are production drawings and concept art (it has a couple but they're small), which I always love to see. Those really help get you visualize what the production team was going for originally.
Still it's worth buying, and I would recommend it very much to any Aida fan certianly.
Overall a fine book but lacking at times.......2004-04-27
You'll find this oversized book ripe with details, from conception to Broadway debut, and filled with pages of colorful photos that illuminate the production. Journalist and author Michael Lassell traces the show's history with interviews from those intimately involved, from writer and composer Elton John and Tim Rice to stars Adam Pascal and Heather Headley to costume designers and choreographers. His unrivaled access allows us to visit every aspect of the production.
The book is divided into four chapters: story, composition, production, and performance. The first section describes the timeless tragedy and romance of Aida and of its rebirth from acclaimed opera to modern day rock musical. John and Rice's hammering out the numbers is described in the second part, and we begin to see the show's evolution from its originally titled "Elaborate Lives" Atlanta production. Set design, art direction, scenery, and costuming are detailed in the third chapter, and the last focuses on performance details.
The most ardent fan will always find such books lacking, but in fairness it gives the common theatre-goer a good sense of the energy required to stage a Broadway production. One of the best features is the photos, both plentiful and saturated with color. I especially liked the visual contrasts between various stages of the show, such as early costume sketches compared with the final outfits. The breadth of interviews also conveys the passion of an extraordinary "Aida" team.
A couple of things could have been improved upon. While I enjoyed the pictures, there was a redundancy to some. Two full page spreads of "Dance of the Robe," for example, one to illustrate the lighting and a second to show the choreography, proved unnecessary. Space dedicated to "sequence shots," a cluster of essentially the same candid photo, could also have been better utilized with more production stills or, better yet, meatier text. At the core of the show is the story, its historical and contemporary implications, and this book doesn't drive into the heart of the characters quite forcefully enough. Lassell only dedicates several pages at the end to the actors' interpretations of their characters.
This is a heckuva book!.......2002-04-16
This is an excellent book and very informative. It tells you about all of the changes that the show went through. It has wonderful pictures. They're all in color and they bring back memories of the show. I had had the good fortune of seeing the show with the entire original cast still intact. There were no understudies that day and I was so happy. I'm still trying to remember where that scrim in Fortune Favors the Brave came from. My only complaint is that they didn't tell the name of the man who played Radames before Adam Pascal took over in Chicago. Buy this book. You will thank me.
A wonderful way to capture AIDA.......2000-11-28
I saw Aida on Broadway and was impressed by the music, the acting, the scenery, and the dancing. When I discovered this book, I found a way to relive the moment. I enjoyed looking through the photos of this book and showing them to people who have not yet seen the play on Broadway. I also enjoyed reading all the behind the scenes comments by the actors and actresses. All in all, I have found this book a great way to cherish one of the greatest musicals on Broadway.
Book Description
Pluck them, bang them, shake them, and blow into them! These instruments—from wood temple gongs to water drums and stamping tubes—produce every type of joyful noise. Make a fun “gourd orchestra” of rattles, like a Mesoamerican Indian rain stick and African shekere; a Caribbean guiro; a gorgeous mbira or thumb piano; and friction drums that wail or roar. There are instruments from near and far, from the unusual to the familiar banjo and guitar. Tips on choosing, cleaning, and sealing a gourd, and decorating and playing the finished instrument, help to create beautiful music.
Customer Reviews:
incomplete directions and materials lists.......2000-12-09
This book does not compare to Ginger Summit's previous books on gourd crafts. The material lists are incomplete and the instructions are poorly written. It was extremely frustrating, particularly to construct the thumb piano, to have incomplete parts list and the book assumes that the user has a fairly extensive knowledge of tools. I do NOT recommend this book to anyone who wants a quality folk type instrument. I have constructed four instruments and found the general directions poor. It was interesting from a historical folk instrument aspect but was not functional for helping one learn to create gourd instruments.
Not much for quality instruments.......2000-09-06
This book gives wonderful history and inspiration to anyone interested in crafting musical instruments from gourds. Having crafted several instruments myself, I found the real, usable information in this book rather limited, especially if you're looking to build a quality instrument. I would suggest the gourd crafter check out the book "Making Wood Folk Instruments" by Dennis Waring. The instructions are much better and in many cases can be altered to use gourds rather than wood.
Making Gourd Musical Instruments.......2000-03-26
A fantastic companion to "The Complete Book of Gourd Craft" (by the same authors). The history lesson on each type of instrument is wonderful for both adults and children. The photos of both ancient and new instruments are a pleasure to look at and an inspiration to get going on a project while the instructions for making the instruments are basic enough to get started and then let your imagination run wild. If you need more help with basic gourd craft, just refer to "The Complete Book of Gourd Craft" Happy Gourding!
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- Real-Time Object-Oriented Modeling
- Rediscovering God in America: Reflections on the Role of Faith in Our Nation's History
- Rock n' Blues Harmonica: A World of Harp Knowledge, Songs, Stories, Lessons, Riffs, Techniques and Audio Index for a New Generation of Harp Players (Includes ... book and 74 minute stereo CD Jamming Buddy)
- Rockin' Out: Popular Music in the USA with CD (3rd Edition)
- Same Kind of Different as Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together
- Scars of Sweet Paradise: The Life and Times of Janis Joplin
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- The Fires of Heaven
- Professional Pattern Grading for Women's, Men's, and Children's Apparel
- History: Fiction or Science
- Identification Manual for Wetland Plant Species of Florida
- History: Fiction or Science
- Taylor's Guide to Orchids: More Than 300 Orchids, Photographed and Described, for Beginning to Exper
- Metal Ions In Biological Systems, Volume 39: Molybdenum and Tungsten: Their Roles in Biological Proc
- The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Construction
- Handbook of Monetary Economics Volume 2
- Weiss Ratings' Guide to Banks and Thrifts: Summer 2002
People and Pianos: A Pictorial History of Steinway and Sons
Steinway and Sons
The Piano Book: Buying & Owning a New or Used Piano
The Piano Shop on the Left Bank: Discovering a Forgotten Passion in a Paris Atelier
2006-2007 Annual Supplement to The Piano Book: Buying & Owning a New or Used Piano (Annual Supplement to the Piano Book)
