Dick Boak

Larry Bartram

(Book). A Stowaway Ukulele Revealed: Richard Konter & the Byrd Polar Expeditions is the unlikely and compelling story of a globe-trotting, ukulele-strumming Brooklyn sailor named Richard Konter and his famous autographed instrument. At the height of the ukulele craze, Konter was a go-to arranger for Tin Pan Alley composers and publishers. In 1926, Konter shipped out as a member of the crew of the Byrd Arctic Expedition. As a riveted world followed their progress (and that of their arch-rival, Roald Amundsen, the world's greatest polar explorer), Konter managed to get his ukulele aboard Byrd's plane for the first successful polar flight. A keen contributor to history in the making, Konter managed to obtain the autographs of more than 150 individuals, both famous and unknown, all of whom respected the importance of Konter's North Pole ukulele. Later, Konter accompanied Byrd to Antarctica and later married, for the first time at age 80, the love of his life. For the first time, A Stowaway Ukulele Revealed: Richard Konter & the Byrd Polar Expeditions details the marvelously diverse cast of characters who autographed this little instrument, presenting mini-biographies and photographs to illustrate the interconnected web of lives brought together by Konter. New archival research, interviews, and imaging all combine to make A Stowaway Ukulele Revealed: Richard Konter & the Byrd Polar Expeditions a spellbinding read that blends biography, music, polar exploration, history, determination, courage, and romance.

Richard Konter and the Byrd Polar Expedition

A Stowaway Ukulele Revealed

A stunning tribute to the artistry of the Martin Guitar Company's custom guitarts takes a close-up look at more than one hundred of its finest instruments, created for such musicians as Eric Clapton, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Sting, Paul Simon, Johnny Cash, and others. 25,000 first printing.

A Showcase of Artists' Editions, Limited Editions and Custom Guitars

Martin Guitar Masterpieces

Richard Johnston

Mike Longworth

Part of a two book set, this book provides information on guitar bodies, necks, headstocks, bridges, woods, as well as other chapters covering Models by Style, the Custom Shop and limited editions. All the lesser known instruments like archtops, electrics, mandolins and ukuleles are included as well, all very collectible. The book ends with exhaustive appendices covering production numbers, retail prices, and instrument specifications. Since Martin guitars are the world's most collectible acoustic guitarline, this book will undoubtedly be the most sought after reference book by any collector or owner of a Martin. If you own a Martin, you own a piece of history and this book will help you discover when it was made and how. This authorized book will finally answer any questions on the stories behind some of the rarest instruments.--Publisher's description.

A Technical Reference

Martin Guitars

The formula for C.F. Martin & Co. s success has always been an unparalleled commitment to precise handcraftsmanship blended with optimum tonewoods, innovation, and singular design. This family business has persevered from the Civil War through the present and remains the oldest surviving maker of stringed instruments in the world. It is the largest and most respected producer of acoustic guitars in America. The images in this book trace the remarkable development of the acoustic guitar in the hands of six generations of Martin family members who have managed the business from 1833 to today. C.F. Martin & Co. captures the buildings, employees, musicians, and exquisite instruments that have contributed to a lasting legacy."

Dick Boak

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