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Instruments & Gear Reference Materials

Having a stronger understanding of how your musical equipment works - and how to maintain and repair it - is easy when you own the right instruments and gear reference materials. Whether you play the guitar, piano, bass, drums, mandolin or ukulele, this section is chock-full of reference materials for every one of those musical instruments. In fact, companies like Backbeat, Mel Bay, Centerstream Publishing and Artemis Music are all well-known for their top-notch reference books, and each have choices here.

With a catalog this comprehensive, you'll definitely benefit from refining your search by "Category" so that it sorts your options by your instrument of choice. For example, if you're a bass player, click specifically on "Bass Guitar" and only reference material for that instrument will appear. Need a suggestion? Check out the Mel Bay FAQ: Bass Guitar Care and Setup Book. This top seller contains instructions for fixing your bass along with photos, diagrams and sketches. From cleaning and restringing to adjusting the neck, bridge saddle, intonation and pickups, this book is perfect for teaching beginners and also as reference for pros.

Using the same "Category" and "Refine" functions, pianists and keyboardists will come across instruments and gear reference materials from the likes of Hal Leonard and Backbeat Books. Speaking of the latter, the Backbeat Books The Piano Handbook - A Complete Guide for Mastering Piano with CD Hardcover is a popular seller. Filled with easy-to-follow exercises and techniques in styles ranging from classical to jazz, rock and fusion, this handbook is ideal for anyone interested in learning the piano or improving their skills.

As for all you guitarists, your reference material choices are seemingly endless. Need some killer repair and maintenance guidance? Go with the Alfred Teach Yourself Guitar Repair and Maintenance Book. Want to learn more about various effects pedals and tones? Check out the Hal Leonard Introduction to Guitar Tone and Effects (Book/CD). You'll even find care and setup books for classical guitars; it's all here!

If you're passionate about playing music, it only makes sense to learn as much as possible about the musical instrument and gear you're playing on. Doing so will not only make you more knowledgeable of the equipment itself, but you'll gain more appreciation for how much detail and hard work went into its creation. With that in mind, you don't need to look any further for instruments and gear reference materials, so feel free to start building your collection from these pages any time now.