Hand Made, Hand Played by Robert Shaw (2008, Paperback)

This is an extraordinary book! More than 300 handcrafted guitars are discussed. Each guitar profile is at least a full page in length with museum quality photographs. The detail is fabulous! The building components for each and every guitar are listed. There is a bio on each craftsperson, including their building philosophy and desired outcome.

This book has been done with exquisite taste. High gloss pages, great typography and a full list of contributing luthier's websites. Guitars reviewed include acoustic, archtops, bass, electric, harp, electric bass, double necks, classical, flamenco, and some that honestly can't be categorized.

If you are a luthier, a want-to-be luthier or a player who is curious about the art and craft of guitar building, this fascinating testament of contemporary guitars will delight you for hours on end.