5 comments about The Luthier's Handbook: A Guide to Building Great Tone in Acoustic Stringed Instruments.

1. I'm not luthier even if I would like to be. When I boght the book my purpose was to understand why some instruments sounds good and other sound bad. Reading it I understood the many varibles to consider when designing and thus building an acoustic instrument.



2. I thought that this was a very good product, one that was easily read and that was very nicely laid out.



3. A 5 STAR rating still does not give this book the credit it deserves compared to ALL the other books written on guitar construction "Tuning".
   
   Although I am not a luthier, I have spent a lifetime earning a living in the field of structural vibrations, and as such, I can firmly say that this is the only guitar construction book I have read that gets it ALL right with regards to "tuning" the instrument during construction to achieve the desired response. Most of the Masters seem to know how to "tune" a guitar, but I think many may not truely understand the technical details of the process.
   
   Yes, as one of the reviewers stated, it may be too complicated for some beginners, but the title says "Luthier's" Handbook, not "Beginner's" Handbook.
   
   I plan to build my first guitar (or more) during my retirement and entend to use this book as my "Bible".



4. Very Very Poor.
   A complete waste of time and money.
   All about his theories (some of which are scientifically incorrect)without any real practical guidance.
   I'm sure he can build a great guitar or mandolin, but this book puts YOU no closer to achieving a good result.



5. This is one of the most incredible books I've had the pleasure of reading. This is not a "how to" book but more of a "why and what if" book. The insight the author has into his craft is something I, being a carpenter / builder can only aspire to have. It inspires you to create. Read this book any brace yourself for a life of creating musical instruments that you will never part with

5 comments about Beginning Autoharp Instruction Book.

1. If you only buy one Autoharp Instruction Book, this is the one you need to get. It is very easy to understand. You will be playing in minutes. I have several Autoharp Instruction Manuals, but not one can compete with this book. Everthing you need to know, is located in the book. It's a great book and well worth waiting for.



2. I have several autoharp instruction books and this one is the best of all of them. Everything is clearly explained and illustrated, each lesson building on the previous one.



3. This was the book I used when I first began learning the autoharp. I found it very helpful, more so than other books. My only complaint is that there isn't a sequel.



4. As stated in other reviews, I am an absolute beginner with the Autoharp. I purchased this book along with another but this is currently the book I am working out of. Excellent information on the Autoharp as well as music theory. Many old favorite songs that are easy to follow. I really appreciate the finger positioning explanations for both 12-15 bar and the 21 button Autoharps. The text provides various strumming techniques followed by an appropriate song on which to practice. You can learn to play a number of songs by simply strumming the chords or use the varying techniques to make them sound special. An excellent choice for the beginner with a lot of material to further develop skills.



5. Bought an OS15-purchased the book-just in case...there's more to the AutoHarp than just "button-pushin'" and this book makes the case!
   
   Some History, clear, concise instructions on starting to play, etc. Excellent starter songs-to boost one's confidence on up to more advanced strum/pluck patterns. This book is well-done and an excellent resource-even as a previously trained musician-there's always more to learn! Glad I bought it!

5 comments about Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method: Grade 1 (Grade 1).

1. I got this book after having previously purchased Ralph Denyer's Guitar Handbook. This book is most certainly not about the modern guitar you might be thinking about if you're learning to play The Beatles, Metallica, U2, Aerosmith, or any rock or hard rock bands from the last fifty plus years.
   
   This book's version of "modern" guitar seems to be talking about the semi-classical/folk tunes that a young guitar player might be interested if they were growing up around 1920 or 1930.
   
   This isn't to say that the book has nothing positive to offer. It is very well laid out and does introduce concepts about scales and chords in a way that is not too quick for the beginner. It is a good book, but it may be a little old, and therefore, not what you're looking for.



2. I am a "self-taught" guitarist of over 30 years. Last year I decided to get serious about guitar and put some order around all the stuff I've picked up over the years. I can't count the number of instructional "stuff" I've purchased over the years. I wish I would have found this text earlier. I would have saved myself lots of money and frustration! If you want to know how music theory relates to your fretboard and *really* be able to play any kind of music, this is the book for you. If you want a quick answer or a formula for playing rifts to impress your friends, you probably won't like it. This book is for someone who sincerely wants to work toward mastering the instrument. The course is not a destination, but rather the beginning of a journey that will bring you hours of enjoyment as you discover how music theory is related to the fretboard. For best results, find a good instructor with a sense of humor to help you; it's a good investment.



3. I disagree with some reviewers who feel this is just old fashioned - well it is old fashioned as it was first written in 1946 - but for what it does, teach you to play music on guitar, it's OK. There's very few other books that do that well. But these Mel Bay books are so cheap, they are worth it just for the music reading practice. It's not a book for starting to play guitar, it's a book to help you read music on guitar. I'll give it 5 as it's such good value for money and forcing you to learn music - something you need to do sometime before you get real good - or risk looking a moron in front of other musicians who've taken the time out to learn standard notation.
   
   Why read? Well it's a bit like being able to speak a language but not be able to read and write it. TAB is specific for guitarists and bass players - if you'll ever need to communicate your musical ideas to any other players you'll need standard notation. And if you want to be a pro, we shouldn't even be having this discussion - it isn't an option.
   
   There's also Mel Bay's newer, William Bay written series of 5 books based on these called Mastering the Guitar. These have a newer feel. But they are very similar.



4. The instructor asked me to return it because he didnt want me to use that book, therefore I never opened it and cannot give a review.



5. There are many complaints about this book. The first two I read said the book was outdated, or not modern. I agree-both of those statements are true.
   
   Another complaint is that this book is boring. Tenting Tonight might not be your cup of tea, along with many others.
   
   Before you listen to any of these reviews, take another look at the cover. I don't think people are paying any attention to the big number one on there. This is book one of seven.
   
   Have you ever looked at the material in book seven? Go to a music store and leaf through a copy. I guarantee you that most guitarists you run into will not be sight reading that material.
   
   If you go into learning the material with the view that it is not modern or boring, you are not going to learn anything. Have you ever wondered why this series of books has been around for so long? You will learn, if you put in some effort.
   
   If you find book one too easy, try book two. Is it the material that is too easy, or the fact that, before long, this series of books will definately show you flaws in your technique that need to be worked on?

5 comments about The Funkmasters-the Great James Brown Rhythm Sections.

1. Go no further, it's all broken down for you here: the history, the songs, individual tracks. This is a great learning tool and obviously a labor of love.



2. As a guitarist, this book rules for expanding your chord base and learning new rhythms. The CD tracks are great to play along with on repeat until you nail 'em, and the historical text is a nice bonus. Quit dorking and buy this book, whether you are just beginning or an expert guitarist. It is a NO BRAINER!



3. Really a great book. Has a bit of interesting history about James Brown.
   
   Really breaks down the interplay between drums, guitars, and bass on JB's band. Also provides some insight into the different bassists during JB's career. Finally, really provides a good description of the rhythmic interaction between the drummer and bassist.
   
   If you want the FUNK - start here.



4. I've always wanted to understand how James Brown got that Funk sound. This book breaks it down for drums, bass, and guitar. It isolates each part so you can focus on finding the groove. The transcriptions are accurate, although some recordings may have variations depending on the player. The book also gives a brief history of the players behind the Godfather of Soul. Bootsy is a monster, and this book has his lines laid out for you. Worth it!



5. Great book for any player. A good 101 of subdividing the funk riddim for both non solo players. These skills are adaptable to almost all other styles of music. Pick it up!

5 comments about RHYTHM GUITAR BOOK/CD/BONUS DVD: FOR BEGINNER TO ADVANCED STUDENTS (Progressive).

1. I've gotten a fair collection of how-to guitar books. This is one of the best. The DVD is a nice mixture of short snippets to quickly show a technique, and longer "tunes" that require a bit of practice. And the book matches the DVD pretty well while filling out the lessons.



2. I'm a bass player and I have never understood chords. With this book I was able to learn all the basic chords and a bunch of other chords (sevenths, sus's, barre chords, etc) in just a few weeks.
   
   A little musical knowledge helps, but its just not necessary. Trust me, If I can use this book, anyone can.
   
   I almost sound like I know what I'm doing!



3. Although there are several instructional books on rhythm guitar (and I think I have all of them on my shelf!, this seems the most complete. One shouldn't expect highly sophisticated rhythms from any instructional book, but what is presented here is more than adequate for success. The full range of chords and ways to weave them into the backbeat is clear and easily understood. Of course, serious players will go beyond this eventually, but at that point, no appropriate instructional book will be necessary....or available. I highly recommend this book.



4. I have been following the "Progressive" series of guitar method books since day one. I've managed to accumulate nearly all of them. All I have to say is one thing. If you are serious about being a well rounded guitarist and musician, without the complex, boring, and pointless music method books their are out there today, then you need to get these books, study them, practice the lessons, and most importantly, review, review, review; this is what will make you into the musician you need to be. Based on a rigorous practice regime, and following the series of Progressive books, you can become a complete guitar professional from novice level within 1-2 years, providing you use all the tools available to you; books, CD's, jamming, theory, playing in a band, etc. Remember, most guitarists haven't had formal lessons, they've learned off records, CD's etc. but with this series of books you have a tap into what the modern guitarist needs to learn, understand, and use as an accomplished guitarist/musician/songwriter. Get these books for your kids, students, yourself, even your grandmother. They are the best!



5. My niece's guitar teacher strongly recommended this book/cd/dvd pack, so I bought it and have been very pleased with it. What I like is that, unlike some other books, it starts you out with simple chords and while progressing through more difficult chords it weaves in individual notes and reading sheet music. What helped me make initial progress was when I learned, in only a few sittings, the first 5 or 6 chords and began making simple melodies by putting them together.
   
   Five years ago I bought an acoustic guitar with every intention of learning how to play it, so I bought a different book/CD pack and got started. The focus was on learning each individual string one at a time (I could only play Beautiful Brown Eyes and Jingle Bells so many times) so I soon lost interest having only learned 3 strings and 3 frets and a couple of (now) annoying songs.
   
   Get the Progressive Rhythm Guitar book and enjoy playing much sooner.

5 comments about Building Walking Bass Lines.

1. I've owned this book for over 10 years and it's just as relevant now as it was then. I was looking to grow my playing when I was younger and this book was a step in that direction. At the time I knew nothing about chord structures, music theory, or much else, for that matter, but Ed breaks it down for you simply and clearly. I worked through the whole book as a kid and a lot of the knowledge in it ended up helping me quite a bit when learning jazz in university. Now I'm learning to play cello and want to improve my improv skills. This book has been my go to again. I have the theory knowledge and know how to play walking bass lines, so that part wasn't needed this time 'round, but rhythm tracks and charts included have been very useful and I've spent many hours soloing over them. Thanks for such a great book Ed!



2. This book and CD are an excellent guide on how to build walking bass lines. The exercises start very simply (root, root and fifth, chromatic approach etc..) and build skills steadily. Highly recommended if (like me) you don't find it easy to construct good bass lines.



3. This book is very helpful to theory and practice of bass lines whether in jazz or any other. I enjoy playing along with the CD that comes with it. I've used some of the lines to improvise with a guitarist and we simply jam for fun. Its very good and I suggest it for the intermediate player to learn great theory and to help develop new bass lines.



4. First of all this book assumes you know how to read music--I have never yet bought a book without tabs. Second every example is in ther key of C. I am so sick of piano books that only teach in the key of C. And especially Guitar and bass as the MAJORITY of us DO NOT read music that is why the TAB system was created. This is lazy and disgusting because the key of C has no sharps and flats. Now I have to tracnscribe all the examples into tab and transpose them.



5. Depending on your knowledge of theory, for me this is by far the best beginner book I have come across. It really communicates to you the different ways to start walking in which many books fail to do. My lesson teacher told me to get it. Of all the walking bass books I've looked at this one makes a lot of sense. Definitely a must buy if you want to learn how to walk bass. Mel Bay Walking Jazz Lines for Bass by Jay Hungerford is also a good book to check out, but definitely get this book by Ed Friedland.

2 comments about Suzuki Violin School, Vol. 1 (Suzuki Violin School).

1. This is the 3rd CD from the Suzuki series we've purchased. Like
   the 1st two CDs, it's good, clear and well played. The piano accompaniment is not overwhelming nor is it too soft. My daughter enjoys listening and playing her violin along with these CDs. It's a good idea to have this to play the new songs so your child can hear the pieces for Book 3 of the Suzuki pieces. She asks for it when we're in the car so that she can listen to it while I drive.



2. David Nadien's CD is a great version - it includes the piano accompaniments so that your child can play with the CD.

5 comments about Old-Time Fiddle for the Complete Ignoramus (Book & CD set).

1. this book and cd was all i needed to be playing old-time music by heart in a few short sessions. It's wonderful. The book isnt so much a "how-to" as it is a "hey, come sit down and i'll tell you about fiddling" kinda book. very enjoyable to read, simple steps, and teaches you to teach yourself. if you're even thinking about getting into fiddling, get this book!



2. After taking violin lessons for 3 months I came across this book. I with I had started with this instead of Strings 2000. The writing is very humorous and all the basics are covered - D, D Dorian, A, A Minor, C, G... Tunes are simple but the author encourages improvisation and tell you how to do that! I showed this book to my violin teacher, who is predominantly classical and jazz, and she promptly bought a copy. This book makes learning the fiddle fun!



3. In good shape and with lots of helpful tips on how to begin playing fiddle. There is even some info I couldn't find anywhere else. It's very casual and provides a down to Earth motivating approach to teaching beginner fiddle.



4. This is a pretty fun fiddle book. I have bought several books, but this one is the best basic book and CD that I have.



5. If you just beginning to play Old Time Fiddle, then Wayne Erbsen's "Old Time Fiddle for the Complete Ignoramus" is the best instructional material you can get. After sampling the instructional materials out there, I feel it is THE BEST book and CD to start with. Instead of other books that just throw songs at you, Wayne TEACHES you, step by step, taking care to present the simple things first and in the right order. The book is written with humour and an understanding of what the novice fiddler's problems will be. That insight is the mark of a good teacher. The CD is simply beautiful with the songs played up to speed and slowly as well; the playing on the CD is inspirational; if these demonstrations don't motivate you to play the fiddle, then you've taken up the wrong instrument! One of the best features of the book is the way the tablature is written. Instead of just using "numbers" (signifying fingers) the way other books do, Wayne has you reading NOTES in no time, which is going to be alot more valuable in the long run when confronting standard notation in other situations. In conclusion, I'm very glad I started with Wayne Erbsen's book; he promises that you "will" be fiddling in a very short time and he keeps that promise!

5 comments about Picture Yourself Playing Violin (Picture Yourself).

1. YES!!! The PERFECT way the understand and learn violin! Take some advice from someone who has tried almost everything, GET THIS BOOK if you want to learn violin!



2. This book is a MUST HAVE to learn violin, I got this book with Mrs. Seidel's Beginner DVD Series, and we absolutly LOVE IT!!



3. This book is perfect. This is the most complete, comprehensive and concise introduction to the violin available.
   
   The book's breakdown is as follows:
   
   Chapter 1: Getting Acquainted with your New Best Friend
   Chapter2: Bowing Techniques
   Chapter 3: Fingering Techniques
   Chapter 4: Music Theory
   Chapter 5: Specialty Techniques
   Chapter 6: Beginner Songs
   Chapter 7: History
   Chapter 8: Continue the Journey
   
   Also included is a DVD that instructs you on every concept in the book as well as a performance, with metronome, of the beginner songs.



4. This is a pretty good product, but the DVD is definitely a do-it-yourself job. It's a bit hard to navigate the DVD menu which is not organized very well.



5. The book covers all the basics needed to learn and maintain your violin and very easy to use. The dvd is great companion to the book as well. Recommended for any beginning violinist.

5 comments about The Mandolin Chord Book (Mandolin).

1. As the others have said this is a good book to keep handy for your practice sessions. The only gripe I have is that if I want to learn how to play an Am7b5 I want to look in the key of A section. But that chord is the 7th chord in a harmonized B scale so it's in the "Key of B" section. If I want to find a G anything chord I expect it to be in a section on G chords, not in G for some chords and C for others and in A minor for others. This means that quite often you have to search the book to find the one you're looking for.

   Lots of good chords here. They're just organized oddly.




2. As you've most likely read in other reviews on this product, chords in this book are organized by key and not alphabetically. I really hated the organization of the chords at first. However, after some amount of initial frustration the more I used the book, the more I appreciated it. I would never have thought to order a chord reference in this fashion. It's turned out to be quite a useful reference tool.



3. Simple and good for a beginner like me. A good tool.



4. The booklet is very handy and the way the chords are arranged (by key) is good.



5. "Get you a chord book," said the crusty old guy who restrung my mandolin. As a beginner, this book is top-notch, presenting the chords in their keys.