A Treasure Trove Of Rock ’n’ Roll Souvenirs. All Exclusively Premiered In This Two-Volume Box Set

An exclusive insight into a private collection that features a host of extremely rare vintage guitars, as well as many celebrity-owned instruments that have been rediscovered and are shown here for the first time. The myriad of sought-after and unique treasure date from the birth of the solid-body guitar in 1950 all the way to 2014. This focused rock ’n’ roll collection includes instruments and amplifiers played by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Keith Richards, Mick Taylor, Pete Townshend, Ritchie Blackmore, Tony Iommi, John Entwistle, Martin Barre, Robin Trower, Steve Marriott, Steve Jones, Mick Ralphs, Ginger Baker and many more. Detailed information on each instrument’s history and discovery is provided alongside close-up, high-quality photographs. Feature guitars and ample include Fender Stratocasters from 1954 to 1974, black-guard Telecasters, Gibson Korinas, Bursts and other 1950s Les Pauls, SGs, twin necks, early Charvels, Jackson and Hamers, 1960s Marshalls and Hiwatts, and much more. Intermission pages include unpublished concert photos and memorabilia relating to classic rock bands and guitar heroes, forming a unique collection that has been devotedly assembled over 40 years.

A Word FromZZ Top’s Billy F. Gibbons

Here’s an intense look at what Mr. Serra has collected through his years of following his own fascination of these many interesting examples of some of the rarest and valuable items of sonic memorabilia ever to be put together in one righteous piece. There’s a lot of ground covered here. A lot of ground. So take a deep breath and hold on. These pages gonna rock you…!

A Word FromCheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen

Just when one might become blasé and assume you have seen it all before on print or in the flesh, here is a book that will prove you completely wrong. There are still treasures yet to be discovered and that’s certainly the case here, “a while big impressive collection bunch” in Armand’s book GUITAR EXP. A true guitar experience…

Guitar EXP Vol 1

Forward by ZZ Top’s Billy F. Gibbons

Covering the years between 1950 and 1963, part one of this collection starts with the Fender Broadcaster, then moves on to a selection of black-guard Telecasters and early Stratocasters, including custom colours.

The Gibson range includes 1950s Les Pauls and Korinas, followed by early SGs, and the collection also features rare Marshall amplifiers dating from 1962 onwards. Celebrity-owned instruments include Jimi Hendrix’s very first Fender Stratocaster, the Gretsch used by Pete Townsend on Who’s Next, 1958 Flying V Korinas owned by Keith Richards and Mick Ralphs of Bad Company, 1959 Les Paul Sunbursts one by Mick Taylor, Martin Barre of Jethro Tull and Robin Trower of Procol Harum, the Les Paul used by Steve Jones on Never Mind The Bollocks, John Enthwistle’s 1958 Gibson Explorer and Discoverer bass, the Gibson J200 used by Ry Cooder in the movie ‘Buena Vista Social Club’, and guitars played by Scotty Moore, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath and Steve Marriott of Humble Pie.

Featured alongside these rare instruments are dozens of previously unseen photos and a lifetime’s worth of fascinating rock memorabilia.

Guitar EXP Vol 2

Forward by Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen

Part two of the collection showcases vintage and rare guitars dating from 1964 to 2014, including pre-1974 custom-colour Fender Stratocasters, Gibson SGs, Les Pauls, twin necks, Charvels, Jackson ‘Superstrats’ and Hamers, as well as early Marshall and Hiwatt amplifiers.

Celebrity-owned instruments and amplified include Jimi Hendrix’s complete Marshall stack, the double Ludwig drum kit played by Ginger Baker of Cream, Ritchie Blackmore’s Stratocaster, Jackson Soloists owned by Jeff Beck and Steve Vai, a Les Paul smashed by John Lennon, Ampegs owned by Keith Richards and Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones, and guitars played by Alvin Lee of Ten Years After and John Entwistle of The Who, as well as many more classic instruments.

Intervening pages are packed with rare rock and roll memorabilia alongside previously unpublished photos of live performances but the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jaco Pastorius and Jeff Beck.

VIDEO

Buy Online

Guitar EXP Vol 1 & 2 – Deluxe Edition

£95.00

  • Limited edition of 2000 copies
  • Slipcase + 2 hardback books: Volume 1: 228 pages & Volume 2: 252 pages
  • Over 1000 previously unpublished photographs
  • Luxurious, heavyweight art papers used throughout
  • Book sizes: 275 mm x 320 mm – Weight: 5 kg

Guitar EXP Vol 1 & 2 – Super Deluxe Edition

£495.00

  • Limited run of 250 numbered copies worldwide
  • Volume 1: Hand signed by ZZ TOP’S BILLY F GIBBONS
  • Volume 2: Hand signed by CHEAP TRICKS RICK NIELSEN
  • Embossed book covers and handmade slipcase
  • Gold & silver edging and ribbons
  • Super deluxe book trim and packaging

VIPs

OwnerMakeYearItemInfoBand
Jimi HendrixMarshall1969100 Watt Super LeadEXP
Jimi HendrixMarshall19694x12 CabEXP
Jimi HendrixMarshall19694x12 CabEXP
Jimi HendrixFender1963StratocasterWhiteEXP
Jeff BeckJackson1984SoloistOrangeJeff Beck
Jeff BeckMarshall1968100 Watt Super LeadJeff Beck Group
John LennonGibson1972Les Paul DeluxeGoldHudson Bros/Lennon
Eric ClaptonMarshall1967100 Watt AmpCream
Keith RichardsGibson1958Flying VKorinaRolling Stones
Keith RichardsJackson1986Budweiser GuitarWheelsRolling Stones
Mick TaylorGibson1959Les PaulSunburstBluesbreakers
Keith Richards/Mick TaylorAmpeg19694x12 Cab PairBlackRolling Stones
Keith RichardsAmpeg19724x12 Cab x FourWhiteRolling Stones
Robin TrowerGibson1959Les PaulSunburstProcol Harum
Robin TrowerFender1967StratocasterGoldRobin Trower
Pete TownshendGretsch19566120OrangeThe Who
Pete TownshendHiwatt1970100 Watt HeadThe Who
David GilmourHiwatt1970100 Watt HeadPink Floyd
Mick RalphsGibson1958Flying VKorinaBad Company
Mick RalphsGibson1963Firebird 1NatMott The Hoople
Alvin LeeGibson1967345SunburstTen Years After
Alvin LeeGibson1967335CherryTen Years After
Martin BarreGibson1959Les PaulSunburstJethro Tull
Martin BarreMarshall197650 Watt HeadJethro Tull
Martin BarreMarshall1976100 Super LeadJethro Tull
Martin BarreMarshall19764x12 CabJethro Tull
Steve Marriott & Keith RichardsGibson1957Les Paul CustomBlackHumble Pie, Rolling Stones

Show

Steve MarriottDwight1962CherryHumble Pie
Eddie Van HalenCharvel2007Cleveland 10/10/07RD/WH/BLKVan Halen
Ritchie BlackmoreFender1972StratocasterSunburstDeep Purple/Rainbow
Ritchie BlackmoreMarshall1975200 Watt HeadWhiteDeep Purple
John McLaughlinGibson1967Twin NeckWalnutMahavishnu
Neil Young/Stephen StillsMarshall1966100 Super TremoloBlackBuffalo Springfield
Ry CooderGibson1960J200NatBuena Vista Social Club
Lonnie MackGibson1958Flying VKorinaLonnie Mack
Scotty MooreGibson1952ES 295GoldMemphis Music H of F
Tony IommiGibson1959Les Paul JuniorSunburstBlack Sabbath/Leslie West
Les HarveyFender1962StratocasterDaphne B.Stone The Crows
Laurie WisefieldGibson1957Les PaulGold TopWishbone Ash
Steve JonesGibson1957Les Paul CustomBlackSex Pistols/New York Dolls
Manny CharltonGibson1953Les PaulGold TopNazareth/Ernest Tucker
Steve VaiJackson1984SoloistPinkDave Lee Roth
John EntwistleGibson1957Discoverer BassWhiteThe Who
John EntwistleStatus1998Buzzard BassGraphThe Who
John EntwistleGretsch1967Monkess BassRedThe Who
John EntwistleGibson1958ExplorerKorinaThe Who
Brian FerryGibson1958Flying VKorinaRoxy Music
Ginger BakerLudwig1969Double KitSilverCream
Johnny Cash/Bob WootonFender1966Jazz MasterLake P BSam Quentin 1969
Allen CollinsGibson1964Firebird 1SunburstLynyrd Skynyrd
Martin TurnerHamer1975Explorer BassBlack SPKWishbone Ask
John WettonFender1969StratocasterBlackKing Crimson/UK/Asia
Jim McCarthyMarshall1969200 Watt HeadBlackCactus
Mo FosterGibson1964Twin Neck 6/4SunburstJeff Beck
Noddy HolderHiwatt1974Hiwatt 200+ CabBlackSlade
The SweetHiwatt1974Hiwatt 200BlackSteve Pierce/Andy Scott
RockpileHamer19788 String BassYellowBruce Thomas/Nick Lowe

In The Press

Buyer’s Feedback

“Armand Serra’s “The Ultimate Collection” two book set is a wonderland of fabulous guitars and amplifiers. Custom colours, historically significant and celebrity owned guitars abound. Great write-ups and pictures chronicling the determined, life-long passion of the author accompany all the pieces. If you’re going to own one “Guitar Collection Book” this is it!”
Billy Stapleton, USA

“The most wonderful guitar book ever!”
Roger Nelissen, Belgium

“I think this is the ultimate vintage guitar book, and I got all of them!! Thanks a lot!” René Pop Photography, The Netherlands
“I just have to congratulate you on a set of fantastic books. Simply stunning. Love the anecdotes and the guitars are wonderful. Truly a package for any guitar lover out there” John Lovstad, Norway
“One of the best and coolest collections of vintage electric guitars in one of the best (if not the best) presented books I’ve ever seen.” Paul Waller, England
“For my Guitar loving fiends: Those 2 books are fantastic. Best I’ve seen regarding vintage guitars. Get yourself a copy as long as they are still available, you will not be disappointed. Trust me.” René Asch
“GUITAR EXP is an incredible piece of work, the most soulful vintage guitar book I’ve seen. Full of great stories – congratulations!” Little Barrie, London
“I have received the books safely, they are “exceptional!”, what a great Jon! Congratulations and hope it will be a great success. One thousand thank you for the autograph, you made my day.” Mauro Bozi, Switzerland
“Book is super ace. I knew it’d be good but it’s far better. Top!” Andy Neal, England
“Incredible book, showing the collection on one of Armand Serra! Incredible breath-taking and drool-inducing photography.” Antonio Malfaldino, Italy
“Armand. A great author of two super books.” Tom Van Hoose, USA
“ Guitar EXP is a twin-hardback boxset documenting one of the most remarkable guitar collections on earth.” Guitar & Bass UK

Get In Touch