Beatles Gear: All the Fab Four's Instruments from Stage to Studio Hardcover – February 1, 2010

I recently purchased this book after seeing it listed on Amazon.com. Although I read quite a few books, the bulk of which are either academic or professional oriented, this book kept my attention for hours on end. In my opinion the author, Andy Babiuk did an incredibly fine job at citing so many facts, including dates, places and people that had something to do with their equipment. He even includes numerous color photographs of both the Beatles and their various equipment throughout this 250 page book. The book flows in a chronological sequence, from the mid-1950's when they first met, to their final recoding work in 1969. The author also cites many other well known musicians and their inter-action with the Beatles during the Fab Four's popular career. He writes in a very upbeat style, never demeaning anyone, and maintaining good clean language throughout this fantastic book. In the rear of the book he supplies a well done index and endnotes in which formally documents his various references. Very professionally written!I was particularly interested in reading this book since I started playing the guitar back in the early 1960's and I still tinker around with various instruments now and again. I have personal knowledge and memories of many of the guitars, amps, drums, keyboards, etc. that Mr. Babiuk mentions in his book, and I can assure you that he is right on when he discusses the various technical features of the Fab Four's equipment. Accordingly, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has a passion for learning more about rock & roll musical equipment during the Beatles era or perhaps anyone who may enjoy learning more about the equipment's technical difficulties that the Beatles had to contend with while performing on stage or in the studio (a subject rarely ever discussed). Since the book's theme is on their equipment, readers not desiring to learn about such technical matters may wish to read a book that deals more with the Fab Four's lives. As for me, this book will remain in my library's reference section for a long time. Again, excellent job Andy Babiuk - my hat is off to you!

This is a book that should have been published a long time ago. Great photos and they really do their homework and research as far as what instruments were used at what times. A must have for any Beatle fan. Think of it as a companion to the Beatles Recording Session book. Two complaints: 1. As with most Beatles material, they gloss over late 1965 and 66, especially with photos. This was when the Beatles were reinventing themselves artistically and created some of thier most critically acclaimed work and their most imitated sound. When a song sounds Beatle-esque it usually sounds like 1965/1966. Maybe it's a lack of documentation during this period. 2. There are a lack of info and pictures regarding the myriad other instruments which "Pepper" their songs. You get to see a Bach trumpet made famous by Penny Lane, but not much else. It's not that they should or could track down the original instruments, but more visuals would be nice as you read along. This is especially true with the indian instruments, which made up so much of the Beatle sound but are visually almost non-existant in the book. What about a Bass harmonica, French Horn, clarinet, Sitar, Tambora, Indian Harmonium, The EMI sound effects closet? A great book that could be perfect if not for these two flaws.

Like most fans of everything Beatle, guitar collectors in particular, I had been looking forward to this book for a long time. It's publication had been a much anticipated event in Beatle newsgroups and guitar collector circles for several years. Now that it's finally arrived ... well .....For the most part the book is well researched and well written but what it doesn't contain .... well, there's the rub! There is a plethora of information about drum kits, amplifiers, keyboards and effects used by the Fabs. The problem is with the guitar info. A smattering of new information is revealed regarding the usual Gretsch, Rickenbacker and Hofner instruments. But most everything about these instruments has been available for years and has been discussed ad nauseum by Beatle guitar mavens. For example, contrary to the review by James Bradbury in Acoustic Guitar (#113, May 2002), the fact that it was Harrisons J-160E that was stolen, not Lennon's, is hardly the result of incredible detective work by Babiuk. This fact had been known for years. Most other reviews I've read also tend to credit Babiuk for "discovering" information that has already been well promulgated. The fate of George's first Country Gent, the story behind his Les Paul theft, the creation of "Rocky", tales of the Rosewood Telecaster, etc., etc. -- nothing new here. What I was looking forward to was some deep background on some of the lesser known guitars such as the Gibson ES-345, the SG, Johns' Gretsch Nashville, Paul's Esquire Custom, George's mid 60's sunburst Gibson J-200 with the troublesome tune-o-matic bridge and others. And whatever happened to John's sonic blue strat?? Not much was offered however, most of these pieces barely receiving a paragraph or two of coverage - and what is offered often contained errors. For example, the picture Babiuk offers of George's J-200 is that of a blonde model with a standard bridge saddle, not even close to the model George owned! Often, in fact, he offers more information on guitars they owned but never recorded with than he does on actual "Beatle guitars" - the lengthy treatment on Lennon's Guild 12 string for example. The book is peppered with errors and omissions like this. Even more frustrating is Babiuks description of photos of rare instruments or rare photos of their standard models, yet the pics are not reproduced for the reader! Photo ownership and copyright difficulties perhaps, but very irritating nonetheless!For the casual Beatle fan or guitar aficionado, this is a fine book, even with it's many problems. But any book about Beatle gear is going to be about guitars! For the collector of Beatle guitars this volume contains much of interest, some new pics, but ultimately falls short of what it should have been.

Lewisohn's 'Sessions' gave us a great insight into the Beatles recording history, but too much was left unanswered. Not any longer because Andy Babiuk's book does much to fill in the gaps. Here is the definitive guide to how the Beatles got their sound. All the instruments used, some dating back to the mid fifties, have been tracked down & photographed with relevant details given. The photographs are perfect eye candy for anyone who loves old music gear and the text is well written with attention to detail. It is laid out in chronological order which is effective & has it's merits, though my only quibble would be the lack of a definitive chapter on HOW the Beatles were recorded. By this I mean the types of microphones, mixing desks & tape machines they used. These details can be found, though you have to do some sifting through the pages to get what you want about the studio gear itself. However, this is a superb book and essential reading for anyone who takes the Beatles music seriously.

I've really enjoyed reading this book it not only gives you a great insight into the gear the Beatles used right down to the early fX pedals to their amps and guitars and other vocal fx in the studio but it almost tells the life story of each Beatle and lots of info on who they met along the way, how others influenced them etc etc. As a massive Beatles fan I've read quite a few books but this beats them all and if you play in a Beatles tribute band you will love this its a valuable asset.

The "Beatles Gear" book is well written, informative and has excellent photographs of the musical instruments used by "The Beatles". It is a hard book to put down and I fully recommend this book to anyone interested in the musical evolution of this exceptional band.The hardback book was delivered promptly and well packaged.Thanks JJ Ridley

Amazing insight into not just the equipment but how the Beatles developed their sound. A must for all fans! If your man is a fan ladies.....treat him to this. Prepare to spend some time alone afterwards though! ;-)

Dind't read it completely yet , but boy what a great book not only on the Beatles gear but also about the production and the way they made music...One of the best book so far about them.