Rock Hardware

In the 1950s, rock and roll was played on simple instruments with simple audio equipment. But today, rock music can be as technically complex as any Hollywood blockbuster. Rock Hardware uncovers how the instruments and technology of rock have evolved, giving new insight into the mechanics of rock music's most famous moments on stage and in the studio. The book explores the range of instrumental and technical choices, including acoustic guitars, electric guitars, basses, amps, drums and percussion, keyboards, electronic music, brass, woodwinds, live sound systems, and recording technology. An absorbing narrative and 200 striking color photos depict the design intricacies of classic and contemporary landmarks in rock's fascinating instrumental history. Rock Hardware gives today's musician an understanding of how to choose from the vast array of old and new instruments, and how to combine the tools and technology to create their own new milestones in rock history.

Library Journal

Discussions of rock hardware are usually of interest only to rock musicians, as anyone who has ever been friends with one can attest. But this beautifully illustrated, well-written book manages to make the history of electric guitars, keyboards, winds, and even studio production and live sound recording both accessible and interesting to lay readers and musicians alike. Each of 14 chapter-essays focuses on the development and usage of an instrument or class of instruments in pop music. Though some of the information is rather technical (and some of the writing a bit stilted), most of it is presented in a clear and concise style-probably because most of the book's contributors are freelance writers and editors used to writing for magazine audiences. Lavishly illustrated with high-quality color and black-and-white photos, this title does an admirable job of filling a gap in the literature and is recommended for all popular music collections.-Rick Anderson, Contoocook, N.H.