I just checked tracking at Fed Ex, and I get mine today.
Can't wait. There goes the workday! 
| Official Luthiers Forum! http://mowrystrings.luthiersforum.com/forum/ |
|
| Wonderful book on historic guitars http://mowrystrings.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10102&t=13363 |
Page 1 of 1 |
| Author: | Todd Rose [ Fri Aug 24, 2007 12:08 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
When I was at Charles Fox's shop this spring for his Contemporary Guitar Making course, he showed us a wonderful book called La Chitarra di Liuteria - Masterpieces of Guitar Making, by Stefano Grondona and Luca Waldner. It is full of beautiful photography and insightful writing about historic guitars and their makers. It's primary focus is the evolution of the classical guitar, with a lot of emphasis on the importance of Torres. There is an especially interesting chapter on the famous cardboard (sometimes called papier mache) guitar that Torres made. Stefano Grondona is a guitarist, and Luca Waldner is a guitar maker. The book comes with a CD of Grondona playing pieces on a dozen or so of the guitars featured in the book, including the cardboard guitar. There is also a two CD set of the same plus more music played on these instruments (this is available separately, and may be hard to find; I got a copy from Barnes and Noble but they told me it was their last). I couldn't recommend this book/CD more highly. It is very well worth the price. I am a steel string player myself, and steel string design and building is my primary interest (though I love all kinds of music and all kinds of instruments). However, I've been so inspired by this book and the accompanying music that I am planning to build my first classical soon. The two CD set has gotten tons of air time in my house and shop, and it continues to enchant me, my family, and our friends. The book is out of print, and I only found a copy through an Italian web site (it was published in Italy). However, I had written to Guitar Salon International in Santa Monica, and recently got the following email from them. Jump on it! Dear Todd, Thanks for your message. The book/CD package "La Chitarra di Liuteria" (Masterpieces of Guitar Making) is no longer in print, but we recently found (new, unopened) copies in our warehouse. In case you're still interested in obtaining a copy, it will be available through our web site shortly. It is priced at $119. If you'd like to place an order right away, please feel free to call or e-mail me at this address. Kind Regards, Ken Nagatani Guitar Salon International 1455 19th Street Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 586-1100 ext. 106 ken@guitarsalon.com |
|
| Author: | Robbie O'Brien [ Fri Aug 24, 2007 12:35 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
Yes, A very good book indeed! A Brazilian friend of mine recently made a cardboard guitar based on the Torres design and it sounds just as good if not better than his other guitars. |
|
| Author: | WaddyThomson [ Fri Aug 24, 2007 1:40 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
Thanks, Todd. I just sent Ken an email requesting a copy. Sure hope I'm able to get one. That would be a great book to accompany my copy of Romanillos' book on Torres. |
|
| Author: | Martin Turner [ Fri Aug 24, 2007 10:15 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
Thanks for the info Todd. |
|
| Author: | WaddyThomson [ Fri Aug 24, 2007 12:23 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
I got one. They shipped it today. Thanks Todd for letting us know. This book sounds really great. Also, Ken, at Guitar Solo, said he had one, and the CD is really outstanding, and that Grondona is a great player. |
|
| Author: | jfrench [ Fri Aug 24, 2007 12:35 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Waddy - Grondona is a personal favorite of mine. You'll love the CD. Search for Stefano Grondona on YouTube. He plays a really nice Romanillos in those videos. |
|
| Author: | Martin Turner [ Fri Aug 24, 2007 12:36 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
[QUOTE=WaddyT] I got one. They shipped it today. Thanks Todd for letting us know. This book sounds really great. Also, Ken, at Guitar Solo, said he had one, and the CD is really outstanding, and that Grondona is a great player. [/QUOTE] I emailed Ken and got a very prompt response. Excellent service. Cheers Martin |
|
| Author: | WaddyThomson [ Fri Aug 24, 2007 12:54 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
I'll say. I emailed him before they got to work, left my number, and he called me when he got in. Very nice. Thanks for the YouTube tip, Joshua, I'll take a look. |
|
| Author: | Carey [ Fri Aug 24, 2007 12:59 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
There is also available a Stefano Grondona CD on the Stradivarius label where he plays the music of Bach, Scarlatti, and Froberger on an original (second-epoch) Torres guitar. Excellent sound and performance, with deep shuddering basses and beautifully lilting trebles.. Still in print, afaik. |
|
| Author: | Todd Rose [ Fri Aug 24, 2007 1:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
The two CD set I was referring to is on the Stradivarius label and is called Lo Cant dels Aucells. I'm afraid that it, like the book, may be out of print. |
|
| Author: | Martin Turner [ Mon Aug 27, 2007 10:03 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
For any Australians buying the book I just paid $US119 for the book plus $US40 postage and insurance. |
|
| Author: | Jim Kirby [ Tue Aug 28, 2007 9:36 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
Just to let you know, as of afternoon 8/28 there are still copies available. Ken gushed about it on the phone and said I'd be guaranteed to enjoy it. Another down, not sure how many to go. Jim |
|
| Author: | DP LaPlante [ Wed Aug 29, 2007 2:38 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
Just ordered one here......... |
|
| Author: | WaddyThomson [ Wed Aug 29, 2007 2:53 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
I just checked tracking at Fed Ex, and I get mine today. Can't wait. There goes the workday!
|
|
| Page 1 of 1 | All times are UTC - 5 hours |
| Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group http://www.phpbb.com/ |
|