Flying V, Explorer, Firebird (Paperback)

Tony Bacon

ISBN 10: 1617130087 / ISBN 13: 9781617130083

Published by Hal Leonard Corporation, Milwaukee, 2011

Paperback. (Guitar Reference). Until the launch of the Flying V and Explorer in 1958, electric guitars were supposed to look like.guitars. Suddenly, Gibson turned conventional design upside down, almost literally, by using straight lines and angular body shapes, changing the way electrics could look and, in the process, creating a set of rare future collectables. Flying V, Explorer, Firebird tells the story of those first peculiar instruments and goes on to describe Gibson's second attempt at nonstandard designs with the Firebird of the early '60s. The book shows how most of these were a commercial failure at first and goes on to detail the influence of the designs on guitar-makers such as Hamer, Jackson, Dean, Ibanez, and BC Rich, all of whom embraced Gibson's original weird-is-good design ethic. In parallel with the story of the makers is an absorbing account of the players who discovered these odd-shaped instruments, including Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society), Edge (U2), and Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick). Interviews with players and makers illuminate the story of this fascinating assortment of electric guitar innovations, alongside specially commissioned images of every key model and brand and an enviable collection of guitar memorabilia, plus a gallery of leading guitarists photographed in action with their instruments. If it's weird and has strings, it's in Flying V, Explorer, Firebird . FLYING V EXPLORER FIREBIRD: AN ODD-SHAPTED HISTORY OF GIBSON'S WEIRD ELECTRIC GUITARS Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781617130083

Synopsis:

Until the launch of the Flying V and Explorer in 1958, electric guitars were supposed to look like guitars. Suddenly, Gibson turned conventional design upside down, almost literally, by using straight lines and angular body shapes, changing the way electrics could look and, in the process, creating a set of rare future collectables. "Flying V, Explorer, Firebird" tells the story of those first peculiar instruments and goes on to describe Gibson's second attempt at non-standard designs with the Firebird of the early 60s. The book shows how most of these were a commercial failure at first and goes on to detail the influence of the designs on guitar-makers such as Hamer, Jackson, Dean, Ibanez, and BC Rich, all of whom embraced Gibson's original weird-is-good design ethic. In parallel with the story of the makers is an absorbing account of the players who discovered these odd-shaped instruments, including Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society), Edge (U2), and Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick). Interviews with players and makers illuminate the story of this fascinating assortment of electric guitar innovations, alongside specially commissioned images of every key model and brand and an enviable collection of guitar memorabilia, plus a gallery of leading guitarists photographed in action with their instruments. If it's weird and has strings, it's in "Flying V, Explorer, Firebird".

About the Author: TONY BACON is a leading author on instrument history and a co-founder of Jawbone Press. His books include Paul McCartney - Bassmaster, 60 Years Of Fender, The Ultimate Guitar Book, and Electric Guitars - The Illustrated Encyclopedia.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Flying V, Explorer, Firebird (Paperback)
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation, Milwaukee
Publication Date: 2011
Binding: Paperback
Condition: new