For a few years the only real reference book us pedal freaks had was The Stompbox by Art Thompson and although I went through the pages 100's of times, I still needed much much more. True, combined with the annual VG Price Guide you could get some idea of a rarity of an item, maybe some history and if you were very lucky a picture but that barely scraped the surface of what I was after.
When I came across the news that this book was coming out I remember uttering **** and excitedly telling a work collegue who had no idea what I was talking about!
This is a big book, 280 pages and when you get it, you know you're not going to get much else done for a loooong time!
The book is superbly written with a depth of knowledge that is outstanding. I challenge most people to not find at least one 'I didnt know that!' moment on every page. Also, after having used the aforementioned The Stompbox by Art Thompson, I was in heaven by finally having colour photographs and of such a high quality.
It travels through the history, present and future of the humble pedal encompassing many engrossing interviews with the makers. And as for the Hens Teeth section.....I've not even heard of most of them and made my collection feel somewhat inadequate although I do have a Parapedal so theres some hope!
If I could make one addition to the book it would be for a pedal index to look-up that potential E-bay bargain in a hurry but it would be an almost impossable task to list every pedal and the index would be massive.
This is a book you actually cannot be without whether a die-hard collector, a tone freak or just someone with an interest in the history of what helped create Rock and Roll.
Just off to play with my EMS Synth Hi-Fli ! :)
