Ted Beesley Book

jp

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I got lucky last week and scored the Ted Beesley Guitar History Volume #5 - Guild Guitars for $20.00 on eBay. They really don't come up for sale that often, and when they do, they seem to be radically overpriced.

It just arrived in somewhat decent shape. I can't wait to dig into it, well knowing that it's got a few flubs in it, according to Hans.
 

wileypickett

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There are literally dozens of books on Martin, quite a few on Gibson, but until Hans came along, Beesley's book was all we had, and errors and all, it's a respectable addition to the teensy Guild library.

Anyone know what became of Ted?
 

GAD

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There’s a lot more than a few flubs, but I still use it. I actually have all of the Guitar history books. They are an interesting window into a time gone by and The Beesly book makes you really appreciate the quality of Hans’ work.
 

jp

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Anyone know what became of Ted?
I can't find any information about him at all.

There’s a lot more than a few flubs, but I still use it. I actually have all of the Guitar history books. They are an interesting window into a time gone by and The Beesly book makes you really appreciate the quality of Hans’ work.
So true. The biggest flaws seem to come from his dependence on marketing catalogs, which we all know are riddled with mistakes. We're so lucky to have Hans to clarify and present primary source facts. Also, the beautiful photography of Han's book preserving images and details of models puts this books pictures to shame.

Still, it's good that there's more than one book out there. :)
 

GGJaguar

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Well, I know we had some flaws in the Ampeg book. They happen, no matter how careful you think you are. I think what surprised me the most was people coming forward with all kinds of info and telling us that we omitted this or we forgot to include that after the book was published. We can only write about what we know and, believe me, we went to great lengths to find info. A few people with info chose not share with us. The fact that Ampeg was practically a custom shop in the early days didn't help either. :rolleyes:
 

The Guilds of Grot

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Well, I know we had some flaws in the Ampeg book. They happen, no matter how careful you think you are. I think what surprised me the most was people coming forward with all kinds of info and telling us that we omitted this or we forgot to include that after the book was published. We can only write about what we know and, believe me, we went to great lengths to find info. A few people with info chose not share with us. The fact that Ampeg was practically a custom shop in the early days didn't help either. :rolleyes:
Did we know that you were involved with the writing of a book about Ampeg? If so, I must have missed it!
 
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GGJaguar

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Did we know that you were invovled with the writing of a book about Ampeg? If so, I must have missed it!

Yup, I was the technical editor. I wrote all the sections at the end of each chapter called "Tech Talk - About the Products". So, close to half of the book. :)

Ampeg book title page.jpg
 

jp

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So cool! I don't think I knew that either. I imagine you got to interview Jess Oliver?

He used to have an eBay store, and before his passing in 2011, I called his shop in NYC, and he answered the phone. I got to ask him a bunch of questions about my '67 B-18X. He was extremely patient and kind, without once sounding annoyed at me for being a fanboy.
 

adorshki

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Still, it's good that there's more than one book out there. :)
Also has info about years after Hans' book's cut-off, although I myself first noticed some glitches regarding my beloved "Fxxce" models a couple years back.
 

HeyMikey

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Very cool GGJ! Had a VT-22 as my primary amp in the 70-80’s that would blow the doors off of just about anything. Probably why I’m half deaf.
 

GGJaguar

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Very cool GGJ! Had a VT-22 as my primary amp in the 70-80’s that would blow the doors off of just about anything. Probably why I’m half deaf.

I'm surprised it didn't give you a hernia. ;)
 

HeyMikey

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I'm surprised it didn't give you a hernia. ;)

No kidding! I put casters on it but it still took two people. Not even in the same ballpark as that damn Hammond B3 coffin and Leslies we had to haul up and down stairs.
 

fronobulax

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No kidding! I put casters on it but it still took two people. Not even in the same ballpark as that damn Hammond B3 coffin and Leslies we had to haul up and down stairs.

My college roommate was the better bass player so I was one of the roadies. Keyboard player had a B3, Leslie and a Fender Rhodes. Luckily the roommate did not normally use all three 15" speakers we had which were about 50lbs each.

To unverr, kinda, the roommate had an Ampeg tube head. I kind of remember "B4" circa 1973 but the V4-B images don't quite match my faded memory.
 

hearth_man

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I wouldn't trash the Ted Beesley book! Until Hans comes out with volume 2 Ted's book has filled in alot of the blanks. Keep in mind it came out in the 90's. Who else provided that information? I'd say that for 15 or 20 of these past years it has been a valuable resource. Keep in mind it covers a very prolific time for Guild as far as models and variations go.

Having said that other very knowledgeable folks from LTG have done great work helping us fill in more of the blanks. Hans should top things off in wonderful fashion with vol 2.
 
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There are literally dozens of books on Martin, quite a few on Gibson, but until Hans came along, Beesley's book was all we had, and errors and all, it's a respectable addition to the teensy Guild library.

Anyone know what became of Ted?
Ted Beesley lives in England and has been retired for many years.
The book was the the result of research which was carried out over many years through the 1970s/80s. This was pre internet and also pre digital photo days.
Yes errors have become apparent, but because of Guilds random production methods an error may not apply to all guitars of a particular model.
Hope this explains a few things.
 
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