The Strat in the Attic

Thrilling Stories of Guitar Archaeology

By: Deke Dickerson, Jonathan Kellerman - introduction

Narrated by: Deke Dickerson

Guitar sleuth and music-history detective Deke Dickerson tells the true tales behind 48 rare-guitar and amplifier finds that will make any player or collector green with envy.

Finding that holy grail of a guitar stashed away beneath a bed, in a closet, in the dusty corner of a guitar shop, or up in an attic is something that all guitar aficionados dream of. Strat in the Attic shares some of those real-life stories, related in spine-tingling detail by the author.

Savor these and more believe-it-or-not stories of guitarchaeology:

• A hoarder’s attic stuffed with nearly 600 vintage guitars still in their boxes.
• A mint 1954 Fender Telecaster tucked under a bed in a family friend’s house.
• Jazz legend Charlie Christian’s Gibson ES-250, spotted in a magazine ad.
• A rare-as-hen’s-teeth Shoreline Gold ’56 Fender Stratocaster hidden in attic for 30 years!

For guitar collectors, players, and admirers alike, these stories provide a satisfying way to scratch that rare guitar itch.

Critic reviews

"This marvelous book [is] a perfect amalgam of precisely the kind of juicy details and vivid descriptions of rare and idiosyncratic instruments that guitar freaks crave and the compelling stories of the people whose lives have become enmeshed with these six- (and four- and eight- and twelve-) string masterpieces. On top of that, it's a great read. Deke Dickerson's love for guitars and his genius for finding some of the rarest birds in the musical aviary is matched by his not inconsiderable writing chops. The man knows how to tell a great story." €” from the foreword by Jonathan Kellerman"(Deke Dickerson is) a gifted musician, writer, archivist and sleuth – clearly a hillbilly renaissance man – and knows how to spin an engaging yarn. The Strat in the Attic is a well written, high quality, full color book that will engage any active or armchair fan of electric guitars." - All Music Books.com

"Deke Dickerson... This guy is of an altogether 'nother breed. He coined the term for his particular case of severe OCD "Guitarchaeology." This man will track a guitar for literal years. He will fly to small towns on the basis of a rumor. He will pore over sales records from guitar manufacturers and retailers from decades ago, looking for a scrap of a clue, he will wait years for an owner to finally give in and sell. Okay, here's who Deke Dickerson is, encapsulated in just one of his dozens of amazing and thoroughly entertaining stories..." - HuffingtonPost.com

'A real treasure trove'

Great Stories!

A great read! Really enjoyable and historically accurate about the guitars from the early years!

A must read for guitar fanatics

This book is so thorough and well-researched by a man who clearly loves historic instruments and the music made on them. Deke is also an incredible guitarist, I’ve seen him play live. The depth of knowledge shared here is incredible, along with great heartfelt storytelling. My mind was blown with each chapter. Just go ahead and get into this if you have any interest in the history of electric guitars.

True passion on display.

This book was a fascinating set of stories as Reid by an excellent roots, music performer, a true expert on the topic. I loved the book and it gave me a new appreciation for Dickerson as an artist and collector.

For love of guitar and the chase

Great story for those that love instruments, history, and a great hunt. The stories about obsessing over details and analysis is fantastic

Great collection of short stories

Awesome collection of shorts, inspired me to hit up local flea markets and antique shops. Ready for volume 2!!