The Strat in the Attic 2: More Thrilling Stories of Guitar Archaeology

I've been meaning to write a 5-star review for the first "Strat in the Attic" and haven't gotten around to it yet, thought I've bought additional copies for friends and relatives who appreciate beautiful guitars and classic tales. I held off buying Vol. 2 for some unfathomable reason, maybe because of reviews talking about lesser-quality photos. But after reading Vol. 1 over and over, like a fine wine, I realized that Dickerson's writing is the draw, and the photos are the icing on the cake, so I took the plunge! And Vol. 2, in my opinion, may be even better than Vol. 1!! If for no other reason than, Hendrix-fan that I am, the essay on "The Magic Strat" absolutely stole my heart! No spoilers here, but Deke Dickerson is not only one of the world's foremost guitararchaeologists, but he's a heck of a... well... anyway he's a great writer. Who would've thought that the same '58 Strat passed through the hands of Buddy Holly, Hendrix, Billy Gibbons, Ritchie Blackmore, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton??? Dickerson's love for the music, the players, the genre, the instruments, and for CLEAN amps (??? who would've thought???) is a delight. This is an excellent book and Dickerson is my favorite guitar writer. Keep up the great work, Deke!~! Thanks for these first 2 treasures, and we look forward to many more!!

I'm a fan of all things Deke. Deke has an easy-to-read writing style, and the stories are interesting. Deke's interest in and knowledge of vintage guitars exceeds mine by a very very wide margin, and I am not always as enthusiastic as I think he would like for me to be about the instrument or person being described. Nevertheless, in my retirement I spend a lot of time at auctions and flea markets, and I know the thrill of the great find. Deke's books feed this interest very effectively. Deke frustrates me because he is a superbly talented artist who, in my opinion, undervalues his own talent and ability. When I see him playing live, he too often treats his unbelievable ability as a party trick or a stunt. The truth is, he is easily one of the best guitarists playing in any genre, and he is a good writer to boot.

This was a wonderful book, especially as a follow up for Strat In The Attic. Deke Dickerson is a great writer and this covers some additional territory that wasn't covered in the original book. Look, even if you don't like or care one iota about guitars, the stories are fun and really cool. This book also has the unintended consequence of exposing people to early music industry icons and the business in its' earliest stages. And you'll get exposed to some musicians and music that you'd probably never heard of any other way. Deke thinks of himself as quirky and unusual. I hope he puts this quirkiness to good use by writing more books and making more music. If I had one criticism, it'd be that this book doesn't include a teaser trailer for Strat In The Attic 3 and 4!

If you liked the 1st book,you'll enjoy this one. It was tough to put it down without reading another chapter.

Deke captures the heart (the hoarding heart) of every guitar player I know! Not only have both books deepened my knowledge of some very fine luthiers and introduced me to others, but they've made me appreciate the music that compels every guitar player to pick up an instrument. This is a must read whether you just scraped together a few hundred bucks to buy your first guitar and amp (mine was a black 1980 Gibson Sonex-180 and Peavy practice amp) or you've been collecting and trading guitars in the 20 years that follows! Thanks Deke and everyone who contributed to the writing of this book- I could only put it down to pick up a guitar to noodle something I was inspired to play as I read!

Every so often Deke would post tales of amazing finds of his while on tour or visiting estate sales on his facebook page. It wasn't just these rare pieces of music history that he would unearth, it was the stories attached to them that intrigued me. Being somewhat old-school, I suggested (as did many others) perhaps half jokingly / half serious at the time "Deke, you should really put these together in a book". You can certainly imagine my delight when he did just that, and the result was "The Strat In The Attic". Now just a year later, Deke is back with another volume, this time compiled with not just his own personal finds, but from those that contacted Deke after reading his first volume. What makes it most enjoyable for me, is the research that Deke will do to provide the reader more information. So those tunes you grew up listening to as a kid that were perhaps part of your parents', or grandparents' record collection, these would have been the guitars used for those very recordings. You certainly don't have to be a guitar geek to appreciate this book, but if you're a music enthusiast like myself then you'll certainly enjoy this book or know someone who will.

Another great collection of stories......but I didn't like 'being had' about the Magic Guitar. Damn you, Deke!!! grrrrrr I loved this book....and I'll reread both books again and again. I know there are zillions of stories out there. A book that contained them would rival in size a bill being passed by congress about the height of toilet seats. My only bitch is a story about West Coast jazz/country guitarist, Jimmie Rivers doubleneck Gibson SG (12/6) was missing. Yeah, I know, get a life. Frankly, Mr. Dickerson, you could write these books all the way to volume 2000 and I and others here would own every one. Little did I know, the green Standel amp plugged into a dc inverter in a jeep and riding around the California State Fair grounds jamming in 1965 would be worth tons of dough. I wonder what my first electric, a Westbrook made in Japan would be worth today? I know...nothing!

More interesting tales,like vol.1

The second volume makes, like the first one, for engrossing reading. I mean, if you are into stuff like this. But I'm only middlin' pleased with it. For one, I think the layout could have been better also with the first one. But now, wha's up with you guys? Mostly B&W photos, almost all quite small, printed on low-quality paper, the few color photos too, not on glossy like in the first volume. C'mon, you surely can do better than that. That is definitely not up to today's standards. It's surely a step backwards. Don't you know we have high-resolution cameras today? There is no need for making a color pic the size of a postage stamp.

Still reading, loved the first book and this one is looking good also, a must read for guitar folk, author tells a good story,and is one lucky dude for all his finds and GIFTS, ah well someone has to do it.

Fabulous and very entertaining!! Not just for guitar collectors but probably of real interest to GAS addicts! There are two of these books and both are terrific! Telling the stories of how many wonderful old guitars were tracked down, stumbled upon or gifted by generous owners to the author and his fellow contributors! Very highly recommended

If you want to read about Fender Stratocasters or Gibson Les Pauls this book isn't for you. Deke digs deep with stories about lost and obscure guitars that most of have never heard of, which makes this book all the more interesting.