Official Luthiers Forum!

I've been searching on-line for books that shoe the history of the company/models for Martin, Gibson, etc.
I thought I'd ask you folks what your favorites were before wasting any money. I just bought the MArtin Book, Complete History by Walt Carter--Hope its a good one.
Any good reads out there?

I have the following book in my library. This book spends more time on the history of CF Martin and Co rather than going into detail on the company's guitars.

Gura, Phillip F., 2003: CF Martin and his Guitars 1796 - 1873. The University of North Carolina Press.

ISBN 0-8078-2801-7

Hopes this helps

Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars is still the standard general reference
for the main manufacturers. If you're looking for something more specific
to Martin, Mike Longworth's book is still the best in my opinion.
Unfortuanely it is out of print and used prices are getting pretty
rediculous for a less than 20 year old paperback reference book.

It was undergoing edits and updates for a new edition with publication
dates getting pushed back again and again. Then when Mike Longworth
passed away a few years ago I believe Richard Johnston of Gryphon took
over the project. I've been waiting at least six years for the new edition,
but at this point I'm not holding my breath. Still if you can find a 2nd
edition paperback at a fair price it's a great reference. I only have a 1st
edition, but the 2nd has some useful updates.

For Gibson books, I haven't found one good single book that covers the
whole company. There are good seperate books for flat tops, archtops,
electrics, etc. Be careful, this is how it starts. I remember it starting by
looking for a few good reference books, and now I'm having to add new
bookshelves it seems every few months. I probably have more invested in
instrument books than I do in actual instruments.

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