(Book). Why does an electric archtop sound so different from a solidbody guitar when they have the same strings and pickups? Why does Eric Clapton use a vibrato Stratocaster with the vibrato arm removed and the mechanism blocked off with a piece of wood? Why does a strings-through-body guitar sound brighter than an instrument with the strings anchored at the bridge? The sound of an electric guitar is the sum of many parts. Every component; from the wood in the neck to the metal in the tuners and everything in between including the amount of air in the body affects the overall tone of an instrument. In this book; Dave Hunter looks at the development of the electric guitar since the earliest instruments in the late 1930s; and how; since then; guitar makers and players have sought to define and refine all the elements that create a guitars tone. This book includes: analysis of the different components that make up a guitar and how each affects the sound of an instrument; chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the main body types; their characteristics; and their strengths and weaknesses; in-depth specifications of over 70 guitars; interviews with significant people in the guitar-making world; audio examples of many of the guitar sounds described in the book. By looking at all the variables involved; this book will set you; the player; on the road to achieving that sound youve always wanted.
#2293173 in eBooks 2011-07-01 2011-07-01File Name: B00GQZPSQY
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. This book was a like an intensive workshop - full of great insightBy James BotdorfI just finished reading (devouring?) Dans book. Ive been shooting landscapes for a few years and am starting to shoot more active outdoor scenes. This book was a like an intensive workshop - full of great insight; practical tips and techniques to help me make that transition. Dans twenty years of experience in the field and as an instructor come through in his writing. Its like have a pro by your side to walk you through what you need to know - someone who wants to see you succeed.Chapter 1 (On Being An Adventure Photographer) sets the tone with a short intro to outdoor adventure photography and the importance of passion for the genre. The following chapters; then; lead into the "how tos" for facing the challenges ahead and enjoying the rewards.Chapter 2 provides a great overview of gear - from cameras and lenses; to memory cards and packs. Dan provides balanced pros and cons to the different options available (from DSLRs vs. mirrorless bodies to wide angle to telephoto lenses). He includes a look at the different kit combos he puts together based on the type of activity hes shooting. There is a great section of practical field tips for keeping your gear; your models and yourself safe and comfy in the outdoors.Chapters 3 (Technical Concerns) and Chapter 4 (Creativity) make up the bulk of the book. These two chapter alone cover more in-depth guidance on the "art" and "science" of photography than many books on the market. Both chapters are filled with great examples - often side-by-side shots of what works and what doesnt. This is a refreshing (and greatly helpful) departure from other books that feel more like a "best of" gallery with some obligatory text about how the photo was composed.Chapter 3 covers the technical aspects of putting a together a great shot. Composition; framing; exposure; vantage point and lines are discussed. Dan introduces the idea of the "limiting factor" that drives the decisions you make and the settings you choose to get the image you envision. There is an extended section on how the camera works (RAW vs. JPEG; metering patterns and autofocus). Ive never come across such detail - and it certainly helps to understand what the camera is doing functionally so you can learn to leverage - or compensate for - your cameras mechanics and software.Chapter 4 highlights different approaches to creativity - how to alter the look and feel of your images. A key idea in this chapter is the anticipation of the shot before it unfolds and how this can make a big difference in the quality of the images you take home. The chapter also includes a great discussion on different techniques to convey motion in a still image. Several ideas here that make for great self-exercises to try out. Another really good section is about "telling the story" - and how to share enough details - but not too many - so that viewers are left to fill in parts of the story themselves. Finally; the chapter concludes with a look at the post-production process (i.e. Lightroom). Several great tips here as well. I share Dans philosophy of doing the best in the field and minimizing the amount of post-workup.Chapter 5 covers using artificial lighting in the outdoors - a topic I personally find a bit intimidating. But Dan makes it sound pretty easy. He keeps it simple and real - from using small flashes to portable strobes. He provides tips and examples for a flash workflow - from flash settings and placement to shaping the light and triggering the flash(es).Chapter 6 is a look at the realities involved in going Pro. While outdoor adventure photography can be exciting in the field; the reality is that it involves lots of time in the office. Topics like making the jump; marketing yourself; keeping records and working with clients may not be glamorous; but they are the day-to-day stuff if you want to make this a career.The book closes with Chapter 7 - a collection of interviews with several pros including Corey Rich; David Clifford; Dan and Janine Patitucci; Matt Trappe; Trevor Clark and Jay Goodrich. Each was asked the same 10 questions and provide their thots on topics from how they got started; their biggest challenges; what sets them apart from others in the field; their take on social media and the rise of video; and advice for emerging pros.Overall - a TON of great stuff jammed into this book. Youd have to attend several weeks of workshops to get this much info. Personally; Id like to have read a bit more on topics like working with models and video techniques; but thats nitpicking about not getting a cherry on top of a 1/2 gallon sundae! Im looking forward to taking all my notes and heading out to the put them into practice!3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great for both beginners and prosBy JillLike many people in this age of smart phone cameras; blogs; and Instragram; I didnt set out to become a photographer. I was a weekend warrior outdoor enthusiast with a 2.1-megapixel Fuji point-and-shoot when I first decided it would be fun to document my adventures in an online journal. My first images were often flat and featureless. Id click through them on the screen and feel disappointment. "This isnt what it was like at all."Since those early days of blogging; Ive made consistent efforts to improve my photography techniques in order to produce images that better tell the story I want to tell. Im still far from a professional. I still dont own a DSLR; opting to continue using an upgraded version of a snapshot camera for portability and ease of use. So its refreshing when I come across a guide with truly helpful tips and explanations for people like me mdash; people who dont have a photography background or extensive knowledge of the gear or technical terms; but want to take the best outdoor and action images possible."Outdoor Action and Adventure Photography;" a full-color paperback written by Anchorage-based; award-winning outdoor photographer Dan Bailey and recently released by Focal Press; is the best guide Ive yet come across. Bailey is a personal friend of mine; which is how I came to acquire this book in the first place; after effectively giving up on technical photography guides. Ive read others; but couldnt plow through dry explanations and technical terms; and didnt retain any of the information within.Baileys book is different mdash; Id dare to call it a page-turner. With an engaging and relatable style of writing; Bailey explains the basics of gear; technical concerns; creativity; and lighting techniques. Its illustrated in beautiful full color with hundreds of Baileys own images; so you can see exactly what hes describing. The conclusion of the book deals with the ends and outs of professional photography; along with profiles of other outdoor photographers; lending to the well-rounded perspective of the book. Baileys techniques are good enough for pros; but described in such a way that theyre accessible even to beginners and those who dont have a photography-specific background.Im not a technically-minded person; and this is the area of photography where Ive always struggled the most. Bailey gives a good overview of different types of camera bodies; lenses; and other gear employed by the adventure photographer; written for the layman. He addresses technical concerns that caused several "Ah-ha!" moments as I was reading. "So thats how you do it." Baileys section on creativity offered thoughts on personal expression; and considerations on how to develop ones own style to create images that arent the same as every other snapshot on Instagram.Baileys decades as a pro photographer shine through in his writing. Hes an experienced teacher who wants you to succeed; so much so that hes willing to share all of his secrets; whether youre an enthusiastic hobbyist or an aspiring pro who may become his competition. Anyone who regularly takes photos of outdoor adventures and action sports can benefit from Baileys book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. AN ASTONISHING ACTION-ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY HANDBOOK!!!!!!By COSMIC TRAVELERAre you an aspiring and emerging photographer? If you are; then this book is for you! Author Dan Bailey; has done an outstanding job of writing a book where the techniques and insight; were pulled directly from nearly 18 years of him working as a full-time pro and teaching other photographers.Bailey; begins by looking at what advantages and disadvantages each type of gear offers; and how it can help you create the kind of imagery you want to make. Then; the author discusses how composition is a creative aspect of photography; and how there is a definite technical aspect to the process of analyzing a scene; recognizing the relationships that exist between different subject elements; and; quickly establishing how to frame it all within the boundaries of your viewfinder. He continues by showing you that with photography; and especially with adventure photography; creativity is largely about finding new ways to wow your viewers and temporarily transport them into your world. Next; the author lays out a selection of flash equipment and light-modifying tools; and; shows you a few fundamental techniques that can help you get started off by using camera flash in the outdoors. Finally; he explains that with the advent of digital imaging technology; lighter cameras; the Internet; the iPad; self-publishing; new media; and an enormous worldwide appetite for images; means more opportunities for photographers than at any time in history.From selecting the right equipment; to refining your eye and technique; this excellent book shows you how to capture motion; emotion; and moments that convey the true sense of adventure for whatever sport you like to shoot. This great book also includes a wide variety of subject matter and equipment; partly because it reflects the diversity of what the author shoots; but; also because the author recognizes that everyone has a unique style of dealing with their gear; working within their scene; directing their models and yes; living the outdoor life.
