Amplified: A Design History of the Electric Guitar

An in-depth look at the invention and development of the electric guitar, this book explores how the electric guitar’s design has changed and what its design over the years has meant for its sound

A heavily illustrated history with amps turned up to eleven, Amplified celebrates this beloved instrument and reveals how it has evolved through the experiments of amateur makers and part-time tinkerers. Digging deep into archives and featuring new interviews with makers and players, it will find admirers in all shredders, luthiers, and fans of electric sound.

‘A great resource for all guitar players, tinkerers and enthusiasts. Paul Atkinson’s well-researched book provides essential and fascinating facts of this unique instrument’s development over the course of more than a century.’ - Paul Brett, rock guitarist, journalist, guitar designer

Paul Atkinson has dug deep into the history of the electric guitar to create a detailed view of the ways in which makers and musicians have tried - and in many cases succeeded - to move its design forward. This engaging new book will be required reading for anyone interested in the development of one of the most popular and revolutionary instruments ever created.‘ - Tony Bacon, guitar historian and author