Beatles Gear: All the Fab Four's Instruments from Stage to Studio - The Ultimate Edition | Fab Forum | The Beatles Bible

Zig said

I did not see a thread for the original book by Andy Babiuk, so will start this one. As the Topic Title indicates, there is an “Ultimate Edition” being released on 12/1/15. I’ve added it to my Mrs. Claus’ Amazon cart. Since I can’t discuss it until I read it, feel free to do so if you’ve done so (the original, I mean). I understand it’s a great book.

12/1/16, perhaps? It’s a great book (I’ve bought it twice). I wonder what exactly sets this edition apart, though, in price and kudos – what makes it Ultimate?!

Joe said

Ooh, I didn’t know this had been announced.

Way back in November 2014 I was contacted by someone who was working on the book (not Andy Babiuk), asking for details of a photo I have here somewhere on the site (Lennon playing Harrison’s Rickenbacker 425 about a year after it was thought to have been mothballed, and had been modified in the interim).

I tried to put them in contact with the photographer but I think it ultimately proved fruitless. Anyway, I pledged not to mention anything about the new edition of the book until they were ready to announce it, and I guess that time is now. Here’s what I was told:

The new version of Beatles Gear is going to be spectacular. I helped Andy back in the 90’s on the original version and by the time the finished product was turned in the Backbeat Books, it ran some 500 to 600 pages. They thought it was much too large (as all publishers do) and edited it down to to the 250 pages you are familiar with. However, Andy has a new publishing deal with Hal Leonard Publishing who loves the book. They are going to publish all the pages that were edited out of the original version, plus there are a number of updates on things that have come to light in the last 10 years. The new book will be double the size with lots of new documents and images. That’s why this image is so important. It significantly changes the known history of that guitar. Seemingly no one knows that that guitar was used in any way in 1964. We (both Andy and I) were blown away to see that image. AND, as I said earlier, the consensus was that the after market neck pickup was thought to have been added after it left George and the Beatles. This image disproves that.

I have an earlier edition but I’ll definitely get hold of the new one. Twice the size with new information, all meticulously researched – what’s not to like? Can’t wait.

Incidentally, Andy Babiuk has a website selling signed books and rare instruments: http://www.andybabiuksfabgear.com/

Here’s the announcement from the website:

This critically acclaimed book is now expanded with over 650 new and previously unpublished photos as well as plenty of new and never before told stories. This book is the first to tell the full story of how the Beatles made their music. It details exactly which guitars, drums, amplifiers and keyboards the Beatles used at the key points of their relatively brief but entirely revolutionary career…from the formation of the Quarry Men skiffle group in the 1950s to the dissolution of the Beatles in 1970.

It provides a fascinating fresh insight into Beatle history from an entirely new viewpoint, and along the way many myths are exploded and dozens of stories told for the first time, and many more since its first release.

John, Paul, George and Ringo’s moves from cheap early instruments to the pick of 1960s technology is carefully and entertainingly documented in an easy to read narrative, fully illustrated with many unseen photographs, a cache of rare memorabilia, and a unique collection of specially photographed actual Beatle instruments.

This landmark book is perfect for the fan absorbed by music rather than hairstyles, for the tribute band member with an eye for detail, and for any reader with an abiding interest in the 1960s.

At last, Beatles Gear The Ultimate Edition gets right inside the music. More than this, the book paints a vivid picture of the times, presenting new interviews with the people who made, sold and looked after the band’s gear. With Beatles albums still selling at the rate of thousands a day throughout the world, and renewed industry interest in the value of the band’s published portfolio, Beatles Gear arrives on the market with perfect timing.

Hundreds of photographs, many never before seen, will be a revelation to even the most informed Beatles enthusiast. Also shown in luscious quality throughout the book are 26 of the group’s original instruments, still owned by ex-members of The Beatles or their heirs …from George’s psychedelic Strat to John’s Bed In Gibson, and Ringo’s roof top Ludwig kit to Paul’s Hofner violin bass.

And while many other items used by the group have been lost, broken or damaged, exhaustive research has allowed the presentation here of 43 virtually exact duplicates of otherwise defunct Beatle instruments and gear. Prime advertising and publicity material provide an extra flavour of the period and complete this unique examination of the sound of the fab four.

The Beatles have had an unparalleled influence on the music of the past 40 years. And still today much rock music lends a retro ear to the group’s distinctive sounds and unique orchestrations not to mention the many tribute bands around the world who keep the flame burning. This fascinating documentary will become required reading for anyone keen to gain an expert’s inside knowledge of The Beatles sound.

That does make a considerable difference! Explains the hike in price too. I will leave some pennies alone in the dark in the hope that they multiply….