Guitar: An American Life

Tim Brookes chronicles his quest to have a custom acoustic guitar built by Vermont luthier Rick Davis, while exploring the instrument's role in American culture. The narrative alternates between updates on his guitar's construction and investigations into guitar history, manufacturing, and folklore. Brookes travels across the United States interviewing guitar makers, collectors, and musicians to understand the guitar's evolution from European import to quintessential American instrument. His research spans the rise of Martin and Gibson, the impact of blues and rock music, and the modern craft guitar movement. The book combines memoir, journalism, and cultural history to examine why the guitar maintains such a powerful grip on the American imagination. Through stories of wood selection, traditional craftsmanship, and musical innovation, Brookes reveals the instrument's unique position at the intersection of art, industry, and personal expression.

Readers appreciate Brookes' parallel narratives - both following the construction of his custom Greven guitar and exploring broader guitar history. Many note his engaging writing style and personal anecdotes bring technical details to life. Positive reviews highlight: - Detailed descriptions of guitar-making process - Balance of personal story with cultural history - Accessible writing for non-musicians Common criticisms: - Too much focus on author's personal journey - Uneven pacing between historical sections and memoir - Some find technical details overwhelming Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (137 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 ratings) "Like sitting with a friend who tells great stories about guitars" - Goodreads reviewer "Expected more history, less autobiography" - Amazon reviewer "Perfect mix of personal narrative and guitar craftsmanship" - LibraryThing review The book resonates most with guitar enthusiasts who enjoy memoir-style narratives rather than pure historical accounts.

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The Guitar Maker by John Monteleone The biography of master luthier John D'Angelico traces the evolution of guitar craftsmanship through twentieth-century New York.

Guitars: From the Renaissance to Rock by Tom Evans and Mary Anne Evans The comprehensive history of the guitar spans five centuries of technical innovation, cultural influence, and musical development.

The Birth of Loud by Ian S. Port The parallel stories of Leo Fender and Les Paul trace the development of the electric guitar and its impact on American music.

🎸 Author Tim Brookes commissioned his dream guitar from Vermont luthier Rick Davis after his beloved Fylde was damaged during air travel. 🎸 The book weaves together three narratives: the history of the guitar in America, the crafting of Brookes' custom guitar, and his personal journey as a guitarist. 🎸 The guitar's popularity exploded in America during the 1800s partly because it was one of the few instruments that could be easily carried by traveling musicians on horseback. 🎸 Rick Davis, who built Brookes' guitar, uses traditional methods and spends approximately 100 hours crafting each instrument by hand. 🎸 The book explores how the guitar transformed from a "parlor instrument" associated with women and refinement in the 1800s to become a symbol of rebellion and rock 'n' roll in the 20th century.