"A very well written book and easy to understand. With the other forms of D added in it is like getting 4 books in one. I find it surprising that as long as this tuning has been around no one has written a book on it before. Thanks so much for a great book." - Robert JU. Sears / Amazon Review
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Willard P. on Amazon: 5.0 out of 5 stars There is hidden gold in this historical review of lap steel guitar. Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2021. Verified Purchase. Review of “Lap Steel Guitar.”
If you are a beginner at lap steel guitar playing, this book will provide you with an overview of those who went before. It goes all the way back to the earliest history of the instrument with players such as Billy Hew Len ( who played amazing music despite the lack of most of his left hand ) and Sol Hoopii, who was one of those who set the bar for us. You will begin to understand the roots of our instrument and its styles. It's not a method book -- there are plenty of those out there. It's more of a history/philosophy book. Some of the greatest wisdom in the book is in the interviews with the late Bob Brozman and some of the other players. To learn to play any instrument requires a study of not only the music, but the thoughts behind the styles. You will find that in here.
April, 2021 aia email from Peter Cane, Australia:
" I now have a comprehensive range of books by Andy Volk. They have provided me with everything I need to know about lap steel guitar. Within the volumes of his books is concise, well written and easy to understand text with diagrams on playing techniques not to mention a whole book on tunings and why they came about and also string gauges to use. There are a great many songs to choose from and a must for your library. The information he provides is simply massive. Thank you, Andy" - Peter Cane ( recycled lap steel player)
Amazon:
Guitar man 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book! Great book covering Open D and related tunings. Helpful. Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2021Tom Madsen 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book. This book has helped me a lot. Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2020
Exploring Open D - Review on Amazon by Robert J Sears: “A very well written book and easy to understand. With the other forms of D added in it is like getting 4 books in one. I find it surprising that as long as this tuning has been around no one has written a book on it before. Thanks so much for a great book.”
“Recent comments from buyers of EXPLORING C6TH LAP STEEL:
”After viewing many “lessons” on youtube, I finally bought a book and this one is the best. Not only are several tuning s listed, there are also lessons and exercises for picking each cord. This book is great for me, a beginner.”
”I made small, although satisfying, progress on my own just learning where the chords are, and to play chord scales. But the lightbulb didn’t go on until I bought Andy Volk’s excellent Exploring C6th Lap Steel Guitar.””
"Fast Shipping! Easy to read and understand. Mr. Volk puts information together that is useable and he has done all the work to give you a lot of information that would take years to gather. Highly recommended. I play lap steel and Weissenborn guitars." - Dave Sky / Amazon Customer Feedback
“For less than the price of a single private lesson, here is a book that will escalate you from “ex-guitar player” to understanding the missing pieces when learning C6th steel guitar.”
“Just got my copy a few days ago of Andys book on B11th arrangements and am totally impressed...great selection of tunes and the arrangements look “doable” and the ones I have tried out sound great as well. He is a real gentleman to deal with, goes the extra mile for his customers ...”
“Just got Andy Volk’s excellent “Exploring Open D and Related Tunings” and I’m absolutely loving it. I’ve been playing Dobro in open G for years, I’ve dabbled in D but it never really took - until now ...”
“LAP STEEL GUITAR”
If you’re captivated by the fat whine of a Supro steel, the cutting cry of a tripleneck Fender Stringmaster, or the mellow twang of a Weissenborn hollowneck acoustic, you’ll flip over Lap Steel Guitar. Author Andy Volk has interviewed or profiled more than 40 great players of all styles — including Hawaiian, country, Western swing, gospel, Cajun, and roots rock — and gathered info crucial to anyone who wields a tone bar. ... ”
““LAP STEEL GUITAR”
A must have for non pedal steel players!! Lots of great pictures and information!!”
“EXPLORING C6TH LAP STEEL
”... I also would recommend Andy’s book if you have some knowledge of the way music works and the basics of theory. I recently acquired it and, being a steel guitar player, 10 years later I am still learning new things by going through this book. I can’t recommend it highly enough”
“EXPLORING C6TH LAP STEEL
I purchased Andy Volk’s Exploring C6 Lap Steel book, and wow! This is perfect. Exactly what I was looking for. I’m slowly working my way through the book, and couldn’t be happier with the helpful explanations and diagrams of rudiments like scales and arpeggios in C6 tuning. Well worth the purchase. ”
“I’m slowly working my way through your book of B11 Arrangments and finding it great, particularly the Jazzier tunes. As an ex-armpit player, relatively new to Lap Steel, I’ve not yet delved into Haiwaian tunes, but I”ll try some of them soon. ... I really like the way that your arrangements leave the tunes open for improvisation and personal changes.
The tab is easy to follow and the chords are great when input to BIAB to make backing tracks.
I’m a believer when it comes to your books. ”
“EXPLORING C6TH LAP STEEL
Thank you for such an excellent book!
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“EXPLORING C6TH LAP STEEL
... Can’t believe how much material you managed to cover and explain so well, both the technical and feeling aspect; great drawings & quotes ...
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“18 ARRANGEMENTS IN B11
Received your B11 book in good order and I am thrilled to have it. ...
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“EXPLORING C6TH LAP STEEL
... big thanks to you Andy for putting in the time and effort for a wonderful book. Great for someome getting into C6 like me. As a Rock and Blues player, the open tunings E, E7, G etc. have been my staple for many years, mainly because the bands I work with need those tunings.
I’ve now time to move sideways into C6.
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EXPLORING C6TH
Like many, I had been playing guitar for decades, and somewhat new to the Steel Guitar. I have been memorizing tunes, patterns, etc. Had a couple other books as well on C6th.
I had enjoyed reading Andy Volk's book, Lap Steel Guitar and found it easy to read and engaging. I stumbled across his instruction book on C6th and thought it too may be a good read. My assumption was correct.
He has a very organized, easy to understand approach, that leaves out the mystery.
For less than the price of a single private lesson, here is a book that will escalate you from "ex-guitar player" to understanding the missing pieces when learning C6th steel guitar.
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Steve Marinak
“~ GUITAR DREAMS ~
Andy Volk has gathered together a group of artists that seem to transcend a simple “guitar player” or “guitar maker” tag and are the real definition of Guitar Hero. They have each devoted their lives to their instrument and have contributed mightily to making music for all of us to enjoy. For me, one of the best things about this wonderful book is the fact that I was unfamiliar with several of the players and Volk’s interviews and writing only made me want to immediately look them up so that I could hear the music behind the stories. Anyone interested in guitar players or playing, in myriad styles going way beyond the household names of Clapton, Hendrix, Atkins, et al should get this book now.”
“I just want to say hi and thank you for your AMAZING work on these books! Happy customer from Stockholm, Sweden.”
Exploring C6th Lap Steel
“Your C6 book has helped me realise it is a completely different instrument and it has got me starting on the basics. Now I am working on damping and exploring the scales and intervals. Loving it.”