The Black Strat by Phil Taylor makes a good vehicle to chronicle the history of Dave Gilmour, Pink Floyd and Gilmour's black Fender Stratocaster guitar. This book coincides with Fender's signature edition David Gilmour Black Stratocaster--an exact copy of the original instrument. Taylor is Gilmour's longtime guitar tech and, by default, the ideal "prism" to view the life of Gilmour's guitar from the day he bought it new in 1970 from Manny's Music to the present day.

Immediately interesting to guitar players on a number of levels, The Black Strat tells how the stock Strat was first bought as a replacement guitar when all of Pink Floyd's instruments were stolen. Regarded merely a "tool" by Gilmour, this storied instrument has traveled the world many times over and entertained many millions of people--it's a wonder that it is still around given all the opportunities for its damage or loss.

Like any other artist's tool, the guitar underwent modification after modification in search of functioning as the ideal "agent" to channel Gilmour's music and the sonic vision of Floyd's ever evolving music soundscape. Each modification is meticulous photographed; complete with schematics and added parts information. In a way, these mods track the (then) current thinking of guitarists and the technology available to achieve their sonic goals.

As a Pink Floyd history and without over-glorifying the band, The Black Strat succeeds with many excellent back-stories that celebrate their awesome worldwide appeal. With many great photos of Gilmour and the band, The Black Strat sells for $32 and is from Hal Leonard. It's available at music and bookstores nationwide, or through Music Dispatch at 800-637-2852 or www.musicdispatch.com.


Black Strat