From: pdickof@meena.cc.uregina.ca (PDICKOF)
Subject: Good books
Date: 20 Dec 1992 12:02 -0600
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.4-b1  
Organization: University of Regina, Regina, Sask., Canada

How about book-reviews on the good books people know on guitar-related topics?
Perhaps there'll eventually be an FAQ. I'll start.

Neville H. Fletcher and Thomas D. Rossing
The Physics of Musical Instruments
Springer Verlag, New York 1991
ISBN 0-387-96947-0
ISBN 3-540-96947-0 (two ISBNs; I've not seen that before, Why?)

	This is the best physics book on instruments I have seen. Does all of
        the standard vibrating string, etc, but then goes on to deal with stiff
        strings, loaded strings, motion in the end supports, etc. Also a brief
        intro to strings coupled to soundboards, non-linear systems. The second
        part handles sound waves in air, pipes, horns, etc. Then chapters on
        specific instrument classes (stringed = guitars and Lutes, Bowed,
        Harps and Harpsichords and Clavichords, Piano). Lots of references.

        In the end however, the state of the art seems to only be able to give
        vague qualitative correlation between physics analysis and the
        interests of musicians (for example, no reasonable discussion of how to
        choose strings for an instruments based on your timbral requirements
        and the physical properties of the strings.)

        I am unaware of any other book that comes close. Calculus required.

Charles Duncan
The Art of Classical Guitar Playing
Summy Birchard (sp?)

	I used to own this and am considering re-purchasing. It seems to me the
        most clear, practical guide to a variety of technical issues. I had
        Carlevaro's "School of Guitar" at the same time (not any more), and
        thought it less clear (it's in translation), and more radical; I
        considered Duncan better (though I suspect that many of the ideas in it
        are originally from Carlevaro). I would really like comments and
        comparisons here, especially from Mark Basinski as a former student of
        Carlevaro's. 


Lee F. Ryan
The Natural Classical Guitar
The Bold Strummer, Westport Conn
ISBN 0-9332240-50-8

        I like this too. It is less concerned with mechanical nitty-gritty than
        Duncan, more with the mental game; concentrating, relaxing.


Peter P\"affgen
Die Gitarre
Schott, Mainz, 1988
ISBN 3-7937-2355-8

         In German. The best history of the Guitar I've read. Starts with
         Hittites, Egyptians and ancient Greeks as a sort of possible
         pre-history, then from European middle ages through to Eliot Fisk,
         Kazuhito Yamashita, Manuel Barrueco.

         Deals with the debates (eg. size of Vihuela, relationship to Guitar)
         by presenting what is known, then what is surmised (and distinguishing
         between them!), finally making a best-guess judgement. I'm no expert,
         but it seems even handed and thorough, but still for a general
         audience.


Does anyone want to compare Weigand's Playing the Elizabethan Lute, Bueten's
Method for the Rennaissance Lute and the new Poulton book reviewed in the
last Soundboard? Are there others? Where to start? What's for experts?

How about a comparison of the various Guitar magazines?  Not just the english
ones either; there are Gitarre & Laute (German), and I have seen a variety of
Spanish things over the years, I can't remember any names. 

Peter Dickof, E-mail: pdickof@meena.cc.uregina.ca
Newsgroups: rec.music.classical.guitar