Foreword by Joe SatrianiÞÞÊGuitar Player: The Inside Story of the First Two Decades of the Most Successful Guitar Magazine EverÊ is a reflection on ÊGuitar PlayerÊ's often pioneering early days from its 1967 founding through its 1989 sale by founder Bud Eastman and editor/publisher Jim Crockett. This book looks at the magazines evolution from a 40-page semi-monthly to a monthly exceeding 200 pages with a gross yearly income that grew from $40 000 to nearly $15 million.ÞThe story is told by many people important to ÊGuitar PlayerÊ's history including Maxine Eastman Bud Eastman's widow and Crockett who edited this book with his daughter Dara. Also here are recollections of key personnel including Tom Wheeler Jas Obrecht Roger Siminoff Mike Varney Jon Sievert George Gruhn and Robb Lawrence; leading early advertisers such as Martin Randall and Fender; and prominent guitar players featured in the magazine including Joe Perry George Benson Pat Travers Country Joe McDonald Pat Metheny Steve Howe Lee Ritenour Johnny Winter Steve Morse Larry Coryell Michael Lorimer John McLaughlin Stanley Clarke Liona Boyd Steve Vai and many others.ÞAmong the many illustrations are then-and-now shots of performers and staff early ads behind-the-scenes photos from company jam sessions (with such guests as B. B. King and Chick Corea) various fascinating events and key issue covers. Rich in history and perspective ÊGuitar Player: The Inside Story of the First Two Decades of the Most Successful Guitar Magazine EverÊ is the definitive first-person chronicle of a music magazine's golden age.