12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
The Black Strat 2nd Edition... a bit disappointing, Oct 24 2008
By R. Yeager "Beizeiten" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Pink Floyd: The Black Strat: A History of David Gilmour's Black Fender Stratocaster (Hardcover)
First off, this book is an interesting read for any David Gilmour fan. However, I feel that the people who buy this book are interested in some technical guitar information. The average Pink Floyd fan would probably not be interested in this book to being with.
The book primarily tells the history of David's Black Strat. There is some coverage of his Telecasters and Lewis guitar. It briefly discusses what tours and albums he used the Black Strat on, but not with any real specifics. A page or two on Dark Side, one page on Wish You Were Here, a page or two on Live at Pompeii. Nothing really detailed.
My disappointment was the lack of technical info. There is talk of David's mods, or attempted mods, but again, no specifics; literally, a paragraph or two. I wish there was more in-depth talk about the pickups, wiring, and little tips and tricks. Like I said, nearly everyone that buys this book, not only likes David Gilmour, but they probably play guitar themselves, and are looking for some tips to try on their own guitars, or really nail that sweet Gilmour tone.
All that being said, I enjoy the book. It's not that expensive and it is interesting to read about the history of some of David's guitars. I was surprised there was no talk of the "#1" Strat. If you're looking at this book hoping to find some real specific guitar info, you'll be disappointed. I wish Phil made it half technical manual and half history book. Maybe a third edition will have the specifics on pickup windings, mod wirings, tricks, failed mods, etc.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book for Pink Floyd/David Gilmour fans and the stratocaster connoisseur, Nov 12 2008
By Amer Villaruz - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Pink Floyd: The Black Strat: A History of David Gilmour's Black Fender Stratocaster (Hardcover)
I was highly anticipating my copy of this book after having read a review of it in GUITAR WORLD Magazine. I'm a huge fan of both Pink Floyd and the Fender Stratocaster, and it just felt "right" for me to own such a book. As soon as I received it I read it cover to cover in a few hours, all the time worrying that I would be disappointed with a mediocre tribute to David Gilmour's iconic guitar. I'd like to say now that this book is ANYTHING BUT DISAPPOINTING. In the book Phil Taylor lovingly and meticulously chronicled the "ordinary stratocaster guitar that David bought at Manny's in 1970", but which eventually became the iconic Black Strat which David used for most of his landmark guitar melodies and solos throughout the pinnacle years of Pink Floyd and through his solo career. The book is rich in photographs of Dave performing with the Black Strat as well as close up shots of the guitar as it went through its many modifications throughout the years (which I particularly enjoyed). Phil Taylor wrote with devotion, and gave me a sense of the tremendous impact that this plain guitar has had on the music culture. It seemed that Phil had more of a sense of this than even Gilmour himself (no offense, Dave) who "never treated the guitar with any reverence" and "just considered it a working tool". It seems Phil felt strongly that the Black Strat's story should be told, and having read the book myself, I heartily agree. My hat's off to you Phil. This is a must have book for die hard Pink Floyd, David Gilmour, and Fender Stratocaster fans everywhere.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very detailed and entertaining., Nov 2 2008
By T. Dupont "Tim D" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Pink Floyd: The Black Strat: A History of David Gilmour's Black Fender Stratocaster (Hardcover)
I've always liked Pink Floyd. I've never really been a huge fan but I've always appreciated their music and have enjoyed their live videos. I'm a guitar player and I enjoy music history and I loved this book. It's not only detailed regarding all of David Gilmour's guitars (especially of course the Black Strat), but it gives a great history of the band and the changes they went through as they went from experimental art band to the mega superstars who could fill arenas and stadiums. Phil Taylor knows his stuff and doesn't leave a thing out. I appreciate the deatil he has put into his work, making it a fun and entertaining read. The pictures are great and varied and I enjoyed this book a lot. It encouraged me to revisit my Pink Floyd CD collection and appreciate David Gilmour and co. again. Experimental and not afraid to take chances, catchy and commercial without trying. And David Gilmour is one extra cool MoFo. Thanks for the book...