In an era when many famous-name guitar companies were shutting down American factories, Robin brand co-founders David Wintz and Bart Wittrock started out in a different direction. The story of Robin guitars and related brands Metropolitan and Alamo is now recounted by author and lecturer Willie G. Mosely in his new book Thunder Out of Texas: The Illustrated History of Robin Guitars.
Mosely is the senior writer for Vintage Guitar Magazine. In this book, he covers the unique experiences of Wintz and Wittrock from their fledgling efforts working out of an apartment to the glory days of supplying innovative instruments to legendary players in numerous genres and to everyday musicians.
“Texas … claims to possess its own guitar sound, and rightly so,” Moseley says. “Just about everyone who participates in the vintage guitar phenomenon is familiar with the term ‘Texas tone,’ but have ever you heard any guitar lovers discussing ‘Minnesota tone’ …or maybe ‘Massachusetts tone?’”
Besides its original sound, Robin’s guitar models were also aesthetically unique. The book features more than 500 images, most of which are in full color.
Billy F. Gibbons, lead guitarist of ZZ Top, wrote the foreword touting the talents of the book’s author and the adventures of Wintz and Wittcock and their associates, who created a respected, Texas-made guitar line still sought by players and collectors.
“During the recording sessions producing the ZZ Top release Rhythmeen, there was an accelerated anticipation to bring a Robin six-string into the studio,” Gibbons recalls. “That quick-awaited moment brought a quiver of solid body satisfaction with Robin Guitars electricity still to be heard across the entire album.”
Find more information about the book on www.acclaimpress.com and purchase wherever books are sold.
