Invented by a California radio repairman, the "Strat" became an instant staple for rock 'n' roll musicians, starting with Holly, and won iconic status when Hendrix vaunted his on stage as he famously performed The Star Spangled Banner at the 1969 Woodstock concert. Following a complete history of this distinctive instrument's development, this book offers extensive portions of interviews with dozens of great guitarists like Dick Dale, Otis Rush, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards, Buddy Guy and many more. These musicians describe their first experiences with the Stratocaster, why they choose it over other guitars, the individual models they own, and playing techniques that maximize the Strat sound. Always in demand, the Strat has to be one of the most popular collectors' items. When I started, even though it was still a relatively expensive guitar, it was still within the price range of most collectors and/or players who were looking for something to keep into their old age. "From a technical standpoint, it was a genius invention because it's absolutely practical -- it moulds into the body perfectly. As soon as you hold one, it embraces you," said Smith, an acclaimed jazz recording artist. Also, the likes of Rickenbacker, Gretsch, National and Epiphone, which have increased less quickly until recently, now seem to be making up for lost time. Who can forget the singular sound of the Everly Brothers' guitar in 'Wake Up Little Susie' and 'By By Love'? It was the sound of a Gibson flat top, one of the finest acoustic guitars ever produced. He so improved the clarity of the amplified vibrating string that he gave almost every style of music played on the guitar a means to sound better. For five decades, finicky musicians made pilgrimages to Leo's R&D labs to discuss their musical frustrations and seek better ways for guitars to function. The construction, technology and player-centric design of this guitar makes it truly state of the art. The electric bass guitar is a stringed instrument similar to an electric guitar but larger in size and with a deeper tone. It is also closely related to the double bass and shares things in common with a range of bass instruments. Ultimate Guitar.
