More Pages, More Photos, More Gear

Beatles Gear: The Ultimate Edition
All The Fab Four’s Instruments, From Stage To Studio
 Andy Babiuk

                 

 
The book was lauded by fans and critics alike: The Chicago Tribune said it “may be the ultimate specialized study of The Beatles’ equipment.” Library Journal proclaimed it “A fresh, highly readable perspective on the group’s well-documented history.” And, the San Jose Mercury-News called it “the ultimate Beatles fanatic book.”
 
Fifteen years later, Babiuk once again turns his keen eye to the Fab Four with Beatles Gear – The Ultimate Edition (November 2015, Backbeat Books). Double the size of the original and featuring 625 additional photographs, the all-new edition provides fresh insights into Beatles history, exploding myths and uncovering dozens of new stories along the way. John, Paul, George and Ringo’s moves from cheap early instruments to the pick of 1960s technology are carefully and entertainingly documented in an easy-to-read narrative, fully illustrated with many previously unseen photographs, a cache of rare memorabilia, and a unique collection of specially photographed actual Beatle instruments.
 
Among the new photographs in Beatles Gear: The Ultimate Edition are those of Lennon’s original 1962 J-160E Gibson Acoustic guitar.  Lost for more than 50 years, Babiuk was instrumental in authenticating the guitar, which will be sold at auction in Beverly Hills in early November. Also shown in luscious quality throughout the book are 43 of the group’s original instruments, many 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.
 
As we continue to find new ways to explore their sound, from vivid remasters of their original recordings to cutting-edge video games, The Beatles remain at the forefront of popular music. Beatles Gear: The Ultimate Edition 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.
 
With a foreword by acclaimed Beatle author Mark Lewisohn, Beatles Gear: The Ultimate Edition tells it like it was.
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR  
     
Andy Babiuk is a musician, author, consultant, and owner of the boutique music shop Andy Babiuk’s Fab Gear in Fairport, N.Y. He is a founding member and bassist of the super-group, The Empty Hearts (est. 2014) featuring Elliot Easton of The Cars; Clem Burke of Blondie and Wally Palmar of The Romantics and was also a founding member and bassist for The Chesterfield Kings. Babiuk is also the author of Beatles Gear (2001), The Story of Paul Bigsby (2009), Rolling Stones Gear (2014). A leading authority on vintage guitars, he also serves as a consultant to The Rock ’n' Roll Hall of Fame and for auction houses in New York and London. Babiuk continues to lecture about all that is Beatles and Rolling Stones gear all over the world.