From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Sat Jun 01 07:36:33 2002
Subject:Re: Mark Vail's "Beauty in the B" 2nd Edition

James,

>I saw this book at Borders tonight, retails for $29.95. The book is
>almost double the size (length) and pages of the 1st edition. While
>much of the material is duplicated from the 1st edition, there is
>several new lessons (from the pages of Keyboard) included. Also,
>there is a section which summarizes the various clones. All of our
>favourites are included including the Nord Electro, CX-3 (new and
>old) BX-3 (new), XK-2, XB-2, Voce V5, VK-7, VK-77 and VK-8 (mentioned
>not reviewed), etc.

Thanks for the report. I've checked around, and Amazon.com has it for $20.97US. While not really double in size -- 288 vs. 224 pages -- the second edition definitely has new information for the reader, particularly about clones.

Unfortunately, from the online reviews I've read, Mr. Vail has NOT corrected the earlier errors and shortcomings noted by Hammond aficionados. Like its predecessor, the 2nd edition makes errors detailing the features of particular models, mislabels some photo captions, doesn't contain complete lists of Hammond and Leslie models, and leaves out tone cabinets and spinets almost entirely. Members with the first edition, particularly those who read Keyboard regularly, may find little reason to upgrade.

Nevertheless, it's unlikely that another Hammond reference is going to come out to supercede this one. (Just TRY to get a book publisher interested in an improved version of a niche book on musical instruments.) It's still a good collection of Hammond memorabilia, but take it with a shaker of salt. It's not a technical reference on the Hammond Organ.

I'm considering buying it, for the same reason that I own several dozen CD's with only one or two good songs on them: sometimes, you have to take the bad with the good ...

Regards,

-BW

--
Bruce Wahler
Design Consultant
Ashby Solutions™ http://consult.ashbysolutions.com
CloneWheel Support Group and HiNote moderator
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