Elektor’s New Electric Guitar Book Unveils Manufacturer Secrets

Guitar electronics is a niche branch of electroacoustics which until now has not been taken too seriously in technical literature. However the interest is there; many a musician is keen to know more about the operation of his or her instrument. The brand new book ‘Electric Guitar – Sound Secrets and technology’, published by the makers of the international electronics magazine Elektor, aims to close this gap; not being content to stay on a superficial level, it delves astutely into the innards of electric guitars and basses.

The underlying sound of electric lead and bass guitars is determined largely by their electrical components. But, how do they actually work? Almost no one is able to explain this to the true musician with no technical background. This book answers many questions simply, in an easily-understandable manner. The author, Helmuth Lemme, unveils what have, until now, been regarded as manufacturer secrets. The examination explores deep within the guitar, including pickups and electrical environment, so that guitar electronics are no longer considered highly secret. With a few deft interventions, many instruments can be rendered more versatile and made to sound a lot better – in the most cost-effective manner.

The book attempts to build a bridge between musicians and technicians. Helmuth Lemme: “Musicians are usually emotionally-led artists who express their work through sound and lyrics, whilst technicians have to wind wires around magnets and measure physical magnitudes. These are two entirely different worlds. It was important for me to find a balance between technical and theoretical precision on the one hand and practical clarity for the musician on the other.”

‘Electric Guitar – Sound Secrets and technology’ is available from the Webshop at Elektor.com.

ISBN: 978-1-907920-13-4

Soft Cover, 287 pages.