Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Just wanted to let everyone know that Andy Babuik's much anticipated "Beatles Gear" book is out. Just picked up mine over the weekend (Sat. 27th). I've only just gotten a little of the way into it so far, but I think this book is going to be THE "be all, end all" resource as far as a history of every single instrument The Beatles played from the days of the Quarrymen to the break-up. I found it interesting that the Rickenbacker 1996 played briefly by Lennon in late 1965 now belongs to Ringo Starr. Also Gretsch made a custom 12-string for Harrison, but he never used it because of the wide neck. He gave it to one of the members of Sounds Incorporated. Just a few of the stories contained in this incredible volume.
Comments anyone about this truly Fab book?

Jeff,
Where did you get your copy? How many pages?
Paperback or hardcover? How much?

Mine is on the way.

Picked mine up at Barnes & Noble. It's 256 pages and hardcover. The price: $40.00. So far this book is getting mixed reveiws over at Voxtalks. One complaint is that there aren't as many pictures as was originally hyped there would be. I'm suprised too that our favorite Beatles instrument Guru Nick Thiel wasn't involved in this book in one way, shape or form or another. It's still however a worthy addition to your Beatles bookshelf. Seek it out!

While photographic information is essential in answering many questions with regard to the Beatles' Gear, it is even more important to speak with those persons who actively participated in repairing, obtaining, selling or giving the gear to the Fab Four in the first place. I do not have my copy of Andy's book yet but am really hoping that he has had the opportunity to speak to those who had first hand involvement with the Beatles in some way. Time is running out for all of us, but particularly those who were with the Beatles in the 1960s. My hope is that we can find these folks and obtain oral history from them before it is too late. BTW, Amazon has the book for about $28.00 US. I can't wait to get my hands on this book.

I agree in regard to the photos Peter. This book certainly provides a lot of answers to questions people have been wondering about for many years. You and countless others won't be disappointed.

My copy is arriving tomorrow (11/5/01). I can't wait. I've been a Beatles fan and guitar collector for years. I've known the book was being written since 1999 and my wait will soon be over.

I really like the book. He told me that he had many awsome pictures, but could not get the rights to print them in his book at this time. I think its a great book and I appreciate the efforts that he put forward. Two thumbs up!

The book is awesome! Too bad Andy Babiuk couldn't get permission to use more photographs. A color center section of photos of actual Beatle instruments would have been nice.

My Beatles' Gear book is on its way. Strawberry Fields Forever.

I saw the book, it's great. Yes it could have used a lot more pictures. I'm waiting for one from A1books.com. I found it a little cheaper than Amazon. I also got the Yoko Ono "Yes" book, as well. I'm a LennonHead!

Gerald: Will you be getting the new May Pang book too?

A great book that I can't put down so far!!!

And as good as it is there is still room for growth...if Andy is reading, keep on the track of the still as yet unlocated stuff (the 'If I Needed Someone' 360/12, pics of George's 2nd Country Gent etc...)--also the Epstein/Stigwood deal with the old touring gear...if it's in the book I have missed it--Sorry!!! Great Reading.

I was wondering why George's Country Gentleman was nowhere to be seen in the Anthology series. Now I know. What I don't understand is how he could have just given away a guitar that was so identified with him at the time; especially when the first one had been destroyed? Then he tracked down the Les Paul Clapton gave him, when it was stolen. And finally, the guy he gave the Country Gent, as a gift, traded it for another guitar.

When you have access to essentially a limitless number of instruments, some of which were used precious little, it may be that your attachment to a particluar instrument is minimal. What appear to be "guitar icons" in the eyes of Beatle fans, do not seem to have been held in the same regard by John, Paul and George over the years. I am betting that they view our interest in their gear to be outside the limits of normalcy.