Rating: 
Summary: Not the best available on this subject
Review: Although there is valuable information to be gotten from this book, it is just like most guitar repair books in that it assumes prior knowledge and leaves questions unanswered. It's shortcomings can be attributed to trying to cover too much information. There are better books out there.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Fix-It Guide For The Guitarist
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: This book is excellent!!!
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: The *Real* techniques form a master
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Has interesting information on refinishing guitars which could easily help someone who just wants to repair small scratches.
Rating:
Summary: Not Just Repairs, History Too!
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: informative and friendly
Review: I agree with all the other positive comments (that would be all the other reviews) and I have one minor problem with the writing style: he keeps saying you should "get a professional to fix it" if you have any doubts about your own abilities... I wouldn't be reading the book if I just wanted to get someone else to do the work!
I reffretted my acoustic that I've had for almost 20 years using this book and it plays better than ever! I learned a lot about many other aspects of repair that I might never use (and wouldn't have thought about on my own) but am glad I know now.
Rating:
Summary: Buy 'em cheap and Fix 'em up !!
Review: I aquired this book both for an interesting read and also to try and learn what to look for (or avoid) in purchasing used guitars for the purpose of restorations. I'm very pleased with the book. It has enough technical data and detailed set-up specs and procedures to satisfy "nuts and bolts" questions, but also contains enough stories, history, and interviews with some very famous players and their instruments to keep you interested between the technical goodies. The book focuses mainly on cleaning, restoring and setting up vintage instruments. Everything from properly reviving a thorougly used/abused finish to replacing a worn out nut or rusted bridge. There is information on both acoustic and electric guitars and basses, with the majority of the content pertaining to electrics (more to go wrong = more to fix). Especially useful was the detailed chapter on the correct, professional procedures for setting up a guitar, complete with factory specs for the most common models and tips for getting the best playability according to your particular style. The book also touched on basic electronics, but there isn't enough info here for a beginner to undertake any drastic re-wiring, etc. The overall message of this book definitly leans toward restoration rather than modification. Armed with this book, the average guitar enthusiast could certainly gain enough knowledge to confidently return a neglected or vintage instrument to "almost new" and well set-up condition. Thats what I did, and it was a blast!! Have Fun,
Glen
Rating:
Summary: Buy 'em cheap and Fix 'em up !!
Review: I aquired this book both for an interesting read and also to try and learn what to look for (or avoid) in purchasing used guitars for the purpose of restorations. I'm very pleased with the book. It has enough technical data and detailed set-up specs and procedures to satisfy "nuts and bolts" questions, but also contains enough stories, history, and interviews with some very famous players and their instruments to keep you interested between the technical goodies. The book focuses mainly on cleaning, restoring and setting up vintage instruments. Everything from properly reviving a thorougly used/abused finish to replacing a worn out nut or rusted bridge. There is information on both acoustic and electric guitars and basses, with the majority of the content pertaining to electrics (more to go wrong = more to fix). Especially useful was the detailed chapter on the correct, professional procedures for setting up a guitar, complete with factory specs for the most common models and tips for getting the best playability according to your particular style. The book also touched on basic electronics, but there isn't enough info here for a beginner to undertake any drastic re-wiring, etc. The overall message of this book definitly leans toward restoration rather than modification. Armed with this book, the average guitar enthusiast could certainly gain enough knowledge to confidently return a neglected or vintage instrument to "almost new" and well set-up condition. Thats what I did, and it was a blast!! Have Fun,
Glen
Rating:
Summary: Must Read for Players
Review: I have Erlewines other great book on setting up guitars. This is also a great book. Very informative and surprisingly entertaining.
| 
