• Eric C. Shoaf

    Montrose – The Very Best of Montrose

    Ronnie Montrose is known less for his guitar capabilities than for fronting a mid-’70s hard rock band that featured an unknown lead singer named Sammy Hagar. Still, Montrose released a quartet of heavy albums before heading into solo-artist obscurity. This new collection from Rhino features 18 tracks selected by Montrose, who also provides commentary in…

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  • Eric C. Shoaf

    Guitar Picks

    What's So Special About Guitar Picks

    You may have one in your pocket. They only cost about 25 cents. But if you have always used one to play guitar, you are lost if you don’t have one. They are picks! Skinny little bits of celluloid, plastic, nylon, or any of a hundred other substances. There really isn’t anything special about picks…

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  • Eric C. Shoaf

    Guitar Picks

    What's So Special About Guitar Picks

    You may have one in your pocket. They only cost about 25 cents. But if you have always used one to play guitar, you are lost if you don’t have one. They are picks! Skinny little bits of celluloid, plastic, nylon, or any of a hundred other substances. There really isn’t anything special about picks…

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  • Eric C. Shoaf

    Bay State Parlor Guitar

    The Parlor Guitar

    The parlor guitar. Designed by Mr. Parlor? No. First manufactured by the Parlor, Inc? No. Endorsed by the well-known recording artist, Parlor? Now don’t be silly, of course not! Then why call it a parlor guitar? The answer is more complex than it sounds, but a parlor guitar was played in the parlor. What? Let’s…

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  • Eric C. Shoaf

    Tony Bacon – 50 Years of Fender

    In 1950, Leo Fender began production of the first solidbody electric guitar, and music hasn’t been the same since. Celebrating the anniversary of the event, this book provides a year-by-year chronicle of the evolution of Fender and its world famous guitar models. The book highlights the process of reevaluation and reinvention, noting Fender’s focus throughout…

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