5.0 out of 5 stars Musicians and music lovers alike will appreciate this book!

L.F.M. · May 11, 2023

Loved this book! Coming from a music fan, this is an excellent book for anyone interested in the history and growth of Fender guitars and basses during a really interesting time in its evolution.One of the great things about this book is the wealth of information it provides. Michael not only covers the various models and their specifications, but also includes stories about the people who designed and played them. This adds a human element to the history and makes the book more engaging. And you get the inside details from the guy who actually designed them and sat with the likes of Buddy Guy, Tony Franklin, John Mayer and Eric Johnson. You don’t have to be a guitar or bass player to enjoy this read, just a music lover. And who isn’t?!The book is also filled with beautiful photographs, which really help bring the instruments to life. Whether you're a seasoned player or just a fan you'll appreciate the stunning visuals that accompany the text.Another strength of the book is Michael’s writing style. He writes in a clear, concise manner that is easy to understand, even for those who may not be familiar with all the technical terms associated with the design of guitars and basses.This makes the book accessible to a wide range of readers.Overall, "Fender : Electric Guitars and Basses 2002-2006” is a must-read for anyone who loves Fender guitars and basses or is interested in the history of the electric guitar or bass. The book is informative, engaging, and beautifully illustrated, making it a valuable addition to any musician or music enthusiast's collection.

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, informative, cool, classic

T. · May 26, 2023

If you are a music fan, a guitar fan, a classics fan, a person who wants to know more about what really goes on behind the scenes of the music world, then you need to grab this book! I read a lot, and like to know little things about the how and why things end up the way they do. While I don't play guitar or bass, the Fender electric guitar HAS to be considered a defining instrument of music history. And in this book, we get an absolute insider's look at the huge selection of instruments that Mike Tonn and team brought to the market from 2002-2006. Written by an insider, but written so well that he is telling a story about each instrument....you can feel the care and dedication Mike Tonn had in representing Leo Fender's original vision for the Company. Sounds like a dream job, working with really cool artists, and super talented manufacturing and design teams. I loved learning about how modifications were made to instruments literally on the fly while Mike was testing them out in the factory. I could flip through the pictures every day, they are amazing....like looking at Hot Rods! The book is fantastic, people involved in the creation of these instruments are amazing, and nobody other than a guy on the front lines could have written this book. Mike Tonn's love of the guitar, industry and people shines through in his narratives. As he says in the book, he's done most aspects in the music business, well now he can add successful author! Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book!

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful and informative book!

M.R. · May 17, 2023

I’ve known Mike since he joined our cover band playing Seattle clubs back in the 80’s. Mike worked at the biggest music store at that time selling gear to all of the “Seattle Scene” musicians. A number of which became huge bands that coined the term “grunge”.Meanwhile, Mike & I focused on writing and recording the tunes that we wrote and recorded an album & EP at our friend Floyd Rose’ house and recording studio.Our lives moved on and Mike continued in the business side of music. We kept in touch. We always have and I knew where he went when he moved to Arizona to accept his job at Fender. I really did not know exactly what he was doing there but I got the sense that it was a higher level position. When he moved back to the Northwest after Fender we began communicating again and were able to get back together and see each other again. It was then that he told me that he had a book almost done. 2 weeks ago he called me to tell me it was on Bolo. I ordered it immediately. I received it 2 days ago and I am having a hard time putting it down. I was quickly educated on what his job actually was.I love the guitars. I play guitar and bass and I have an American Standard Jazz Bass which just happens to BE one the basses in this book, but everything in here catches my eye. The stories are entertaining and informative. It dawned on me while reading this that no one other than Mike could have written this. I think every player or Fender guitar fan would find this book a great read and I would encourage anyone to pick it up!

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Informative and Entertaining!

D.C. · May 20, 2023

The short version of the review goes like this.If you are a fan of Fender guitars, buy this book. If you like guitars in general, buy this book.Now here’s the slightly longer version.If you had the opportunity to sit for a few hours and talk with a person who designed and developed instruments for, quite possibly, the most iconic electric guitar company on the planet how could you say no? That is what you get in this book. This is not just a book filled with pictures and specs. Each featured instrument has a story and each story is told by the guy who brought that instrument to life. He shares the process and tells you about the many talented people involved along the way. Were Eric Johnson, John Mayer and several other incredible musicians actually involved in creating their signature model guitars and basses or did they just allow Fender to slap their names on the headstocks? You probably won’t have the opportunity to ask Mike Tonn that question but the answers to that and many other questions are right there in the book. There are over 100 stories here and every single one is worth reading.Everyone who enjoys music and guitars will find something to love between these covers. The only problem I found with this book is now there is a huge list of guitars I want to buy and I can’t have all of them.