[.ca] Guitar Player Repair Guide: How to Set Up, Maintain, and ... (ISBN 0879302917)

Gave me the confidence to dig in.:
I've been playing for years, but never did much more than change my strings. I decided it was time to learn how to start adjusting my own guitars so I bought a few books on the subject; this is the one that I keep turning to. Very thorough instructions with helpful illustrations and photos; recommendations for a basic journeyman toolkit all the way up to what you need to start your own repair shop. Separate sections are included for Fenders and Gibsons, recommended setup tolerances etc; The interviews with the master guitar players are interesting, if a little superfluous, but their techs are also interviewed, and provide useful tips and tricks. I have only 2 nits to pick: some of the illustrations- such as the one on how to wind strings properly-could be more clear. Perhaps with arrow directions (I know this probably makes me sound like a ..., but this book is so close to a 10 that I figure I'll just mention it .) Finally, it's getting a little bit dated, having been written in the early 90's right after SRV's untimely death. Certainly the principles and methods of guitar repair and setup haven't changed since then, but a new millenium edition would be great. Overall, an excellent, book and if you're like 99% of guitarists out there who need a guide that will show you how to set up your collection with confidence, but don't need to become a luthier, this might be the only book you need to get.

A best all-around general reference available:
This is the most comprehensive book I've ever found on guitar adjustments, repairs and refinishing. If you're going to do anything more than install strings on your guitar, it's a "must-buy". The author is specific and detailed in every process described, and he covers just about every aspect of guitar care. he has information specific to Fender and Gibson, among other brands. He covers general maintenance issues such as installing strings, adjusting intonation, etc. that every player ought to be able to do. He also gets deep into details on major repairs, refinishing, the tools involved - you name it. The author is very specific about materials and finishes, down to showing how to repair individual chips and cracks and what to use on nitro vs. poly finishes. While there is more detail here than the casual user needs, I've always felt that it's better to have MORE detail then needed rather than too little information. This book guided me through a complete 12-coat refinish of a bass, plus defretting the fingerboard. The result was excellent.

informative and friendly:
I agree with all the other positive comments (that would be all the other reviews) and I have one minor problem with the writing style: he keeps saying you should "get a professional to fix it" if you have any doubts about your own abilities... I wouldn't be reading the book if I just wanted to get someone else to do the work! I reffretted my acoustic that I've had for almost 20 years using this book and it plays better than ever! I learned a lot about many other aspects of repair that I might never use (and wouldn't have thought about on my own) but am glad I know now.

Must Read for Players:
I have Erlewines other great book on setting up guitars. This is also a great book. Very informative and surprisingly entertaining.

A comprehensive introduction to guitar repair/maintenance:
This is a good book that provides a lot of information -- far more than most non-luthiers will ever need... but it is there just in case. I found that it helped me talk with my local luthier about getting my guitars set up, and it gave me the confidence to make a small repair myself (glue down a loose fret end). There is some uncommon advice that could only be given by somebody who had done this work for years e.g. don't use lemon oil, which although popular tends to discolor plastic trim. The book also took the time to consider the stratocaster style guitar and Les Paul style guitars separately -- a good idea since Fenders particularly can have a range of issues (e.g. related to the neck attachment and tremolo) that are not relevant to the Les Paul. Dan also includes set-up information from some top guitarists (such as BB King). So if it is that darn good (and it is) why only 4 stars? Well, the book is looking dated now -- it could with a good overhaul, not from the author but from the publisher, to make the text more readable and the images clearer (like the excellent DK range of books).