Zappa Gear: The Unique Guitars, Amplifiers, Effects Units, Keyboards and Studio Equipment

This is a very interesting book for musicians who are also Zappa afficianados. I'm a bass player and guitarist who is a also a big Zappa fan so I'm interested in Frank and I'm interested in the gear. It's pretty comprehensive - right down to Frank's espresso machine and his metronome so very detailed. Having said that, its not quite as well written and researched as Andy Babiuk's painstaking 'Beatles Gear' book which admittedly sets the bar extraordinarily high and takes a lot of beating. The book on the Beatles gives a lot of 'human interest' background to the acquisition of certain pieces of gear - this book is more just a list of kit (although with some background detail at times). Nevertheless, it's a great read, very informative and with access to Dweezil and Gail gives a more 'Zappa family' prespective on things which the Babiuk book tends to lack (understably as Babuik had four band members to deal with rather athan an individual). Very good value and indispensible to the 'muso' Zappa fan. Great book - and by an Englishman too!!! (P.S. - Since when has Leigh-on-Sea been a 'fishing village'? -(you'll see what I mean if you get the book!) - it's a Southend suburb!!

It is difficult to put into the words how much diligence, dedication and just plain hard work has gone into Mr Ekhers’ first book. It is a remarkable, almost academic, work that describes the guitars, amps, keyboards, effects etc. that Frank Zappa used in innovative musical ways throughout his career. The book is fully illustrated, beautifully written with many little stories from many sources (including the Zappa family and the many techs who looked after the gear) and little histories of the many makers whose products FZ would inevitably have modified to his particular requirements. This book is not just for Zappa fans, but would also be recommended reading to anyone interested in the creation of electric music during the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, as it describes in some detail how all the equipment worked and how it was used by Zappa. I hope Mr Ekers sells loads of these books to reward such impressive scholarship; (written by the parent of a son with a penchant for modified Les Pauls and SGs…).

Really good Zappa resource, very well illustrated.

I received my copy just a few hours ago, and I'm already through most of the guitar section. It's a fascinating insight into all of FZ's musical instruments and equipment, including his percussion stuff. Clearly a labour of love, the author has had the full co-operation and approval of the Zappa family and Frank's friends and colleagues and, because of that, it feels very personal and authentic. The book deals in-depth with how Frank modified his guitars to get his unique sounds, as well as his various effects pedals, amplifiers and speaker cabinets etc. Any idea what his "Bulgarian bagpipe" sound is and how to make it? You will after you read this book. A must-read for any FZ fan, especially if you're a gear nerd!

Interesting but expensive

I love this. I'm a professional backline technician, also a musician... who is a huge fan of Frank Zappa and this book is a lovely, well researched and well written 'connection' between artist and gear that fascinates me. Frank's choices and interests and sometimes flippant attitude towards gear is thoroughly engrossing. Best thing I have read in ages! Highly, highly recommended.

Fantastic book. Really enjoyed reading it. If you live geeking out over guitars and amps you will love it.

This book is a must for hardcore Zappa fanatics!! Well produced, hard cover, loads of great photos, a perfect coffee table book and would make a great present for the Zappaphile in your life!