Hi to everyone on the Rickenbacker Forum,

I’d like to introduce myself, my name is Andy Babiuk. I’m the author of the books Beatles Gear, The Story of Paul Bigsby and a new book Stones Gear, a history of the Rolling Stones equipment, which I co-wrote with Greg Prevost the singer in my band. Stones Gear will be released in the fall of 2012 by the Hal Leonard Publishing Group.

Friends of mine who post on this and other sites have told me of the cool community of gear enthusiasts out there that dig all the fab Beatle equipment. I’ve been meaning to hop on and check it out but I’ve been so busy with all the wacky projects I’ve got going on that I’ve just never had enough time. Well, I have a new project that I’m working on and I feel that it’s really important to reach out to the Beatle community.

I will be doing a new version of Beatles Gear to be released in February of 2014 for the 50th anniversary of the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. I’ll be handing in the updated manuscript and photos at the end of 2012. The original version of the Beatles Gear book was 256 pages but the new version will be 550 pages. I want it to be a somewhat ‘ultimate’ or definitive volume and add all the stuff to the book that I wanted in the original but due to limitations couldn’t put it in. Also there is a bunch of new information that has come to light since the original publication.

The reason for contacting everyone in the Beatle community is to see if there is any other information that was omitted from the original edition or if there is any new information or photos that could be added that would better tell the story of the Beatles’ Gear. My idea is to make it a very open project so that when it is complete everyone involved will be proud of this definitive volume and of its historic importance.

My goal is to put together the most accurate volume so future generations can look back and see how the Beatles made their wonderful music that we all know and love. If anyone has any information, photos or credible stories that they feel pertain, please contact me at my office at andy@andybabiuksfabgear.com. I will try to check back to this forum as often as I can, but please feel free to contact me directly with any information you would like to share.

Thanks for your time!

Sincerely,

Andy Babiuk

PS; There is a very cool exhibit at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles that we worked on, with a display of a bunch of George Harrison’s guitars. A must see and worth the trip to LA. Also working on another cool project with the Harrison family that you will all be very interested in, I’ll keep you posted when it’s ready for release…

Hi Andy Welcome to the forums and congratulations on your soon to be published book!
I think the subject matter the Beatles gear would be of great interest to some forum members. Amongst some of our members their are those that seek to achieve the sound of the Beatles guitars, some have dedicated themselves to getting all the guitar parts spot on. There are definitely some Beatles fans here at Ric forums

The Beatles were all talented and fantastic musician and entertainers, their songwriting skills
stand out, they were so creative and prolific from a young age! They sure did give the place a good shake up when they arrived on the scene, I do believe they had a big part in changing the whole scene for the better, they were a musical and mind set revelation back in those days. They will leave a legacy for a long time yet.

well said jbudweiser!

welcome Andy, can't wait to get the book!

yours sincerely,

this charming(360v64,country gentleman,tele,vox ac50 equipped)man

Andy:

I very much enjoyed BEATLES GEAR.

You might also try joining the Rickenbacker Resource forum... There are lots of discussions and folks over there that could help you with the update I think.

Happy Holidays from Canada!

Brian Morton

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Brian Morton
A Rickenbacker Fan in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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67 FG 625
74 JG 4000
76 JG 430
77 JG 620
77 JG 320
79 JG 4001
80 FG 620/12
81 BG 480
91 JG 610
02 BG 620

Amps -
78 TR7
83 TR25

Thanks for dropping by, Andy, and very interested to hear about the revised edition of "Beatles Gear" (my brother in Canada, who put me onto it, and I both have copies of the original!) As a bassist, in the revised edition, I would love to see more concerning Paul's Rickenbacker bass, particularly his thoughts and experiences regarding the instrument and its distinctive and characteristic tone that motivated so many of us to become Rickenbacker bass owners – any chance Sir Paul may be persuaded to oblige with an interview on this topic (and others) for the revised edition? (I do hope so!)

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"Well, I'll be... the critter went and done it."

Wow! Beatles Gear is such an incredible resource! It's neat having Andy join as a member of the forum. I have learned so much poring over his book, plus, it's just plain fun to look at. Great text and great visual design. I'm looking forward to the book on the Stones' gear. I'm more of a Beatles fan than a Stones fan, but I still appreciate all of the cool instruments both bands played. Good luck Andy, and please drop by the forum when you have a chance!

Hey Andy! I actually have your book "Beatles Gear" sitting on display on my Beatles shrine in my dining room! My son and I love that book! It's good to see you here in our RIC community, and I'm looking forward to your new Beatles book in 2014.

Cheers

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"Many people die with their music still in them".

-Oliver Wendell Holmes-