The Guitar Player Repair Guide

This is the most comprehensive book I've ever found on guitar adjustments, repairs and refinishing. If you're going to do anything more than install strings on your guitar, it's a "must-buy".The author is specific and detailed in every process described, and he covers just about every aspect of guitar care. he has information specific to Fender and Gibson, among other brands.He covers general maintenance issues such as installing strings, adjusting intonation, etc. that every player ought to be able to do. He also gets deep into details on major repairs, refinishing, the tools involved - you name it.The author is very specific about materials and finishes, down to showing how to repair individual chips and cracks and what to use on nitro vs. poly finishes.While there is more detail here than the casual user needs, I've always felt that it's better to have MORE detail then needed rather than too little information. This book guided me through a complete 12-coat refinish of a bass, plus defretting the fingerboard. The result was excellent.

Any Luthier or Luthier wannabe will find this reference a nirvana of guitar goodies. Dan Erlewine is the modern master of guitar repair and set-up and his text is proof. You might have run across his tips and techniques in Stewart-McDonald's Guitar Shop Supply Catalog. This book is not only helpful for a plethora of repair tips; it is also a must-have for any guitarist. Erlewine shares his knowledge of how the guitar works and how to make yours sound and play it's best. You'll love this one!

Dan Erlewine is undoubtably one of the great masters of guitar repair, but what really sets him apart is his willingness to share the techniques and tricks he's picked up over the years. Too many books gloss over the details- "now attach the bind..." Atach it? How? To what? WIth what glue? The reader is left wondering, and eventually gives up or tries hit and miss to figure it out.But Erlewine takes you through the whole process step by step, assuming nothing. He'll show you how to replace a bit of chipped inlay, or a cracked top, using tools you can buy and some you can make yourself as well. Simply the best book for the beginner and the expert alike.

I agree completely with the other reviewers, but would like to say that in addition to the excellent technical information of guitar/bass mainatnenace, there is very useful historical information contained in the Guide. For instance, if you've ever wondered about the evolution of Fender guitar and bass neck shapes over the years... its covered in two interesting sections, one on guitars neck shapes and another on bass neck shapes.On the maintenenace front, even if you get a luthier to do all your setups and adjustments etc, this book is still very valuable in terms of being able to develop a basic understanding of what luthiers do.... so that you can establish a meaningful to a dialogue with a luthier on exactly what it is you are wanting them to do for you.

Anyone who knows of Dan Erlewine(?) or has seen his repair videos knows that he is a genius repairman! This book took me from knowing nothing about guitar repair- to doing my own fret jobs! This book is way under-priced once you realize how much money you are saving in repairs. Plus, no more waiting 2 weeks to get your guitar back from the shop just to realize that the bonehead who "fixed" it actually totally screwed it up! In this book, Dan explains everything in 'real-people' terms and really lines it out for you- lots of pictures!!! A MUST HAVE!