James May reassembles a Fender Strat...

[Iain Purdon]

I'm sure the programme wasn't aimed at Shadows fans. As we know, the Stratocaster has a remarkable track record over many years and is one of the best known electric guitars in the world. In the context of James May's programme, the guitar was the point, not the many people who have made it famous.

[MikeAB]

And yet lots of other players were shown - and still a red Strat copy chosen.

Red Strat = Shadows/Hank. Even in the eyes of guitar stars eg Mark Knopfler.

Only excuse could be advertising restrictions?

[Uncle Fiesta]

I did see the programme and indeed both the others in the series.

I really think the BBC have missed the boat with this. All 3 episodes could have been twice as long and still held my interest. What about an explanation, for non-guitarists, of how a Strat trem works for example? They could have had animations, filmed inserts, interviews with famous players, perhaps some experts could have come on and given their views (I bet loads from this forum would have volunteered!) - instead many of the parts (pun intended!) were simply glossed over.

Shame, because James is a great presenter whose enthusiasm always shows.

[anniv 63]

Maybe the main problem is the production / research team on a lot of these and similar
projects, and who are not experts on the chosen subject.
Granted on 30 mins its difficult to cover everything, but a heap more interesting than
some bozo celeb cooking a steak pie from scratch!!!
Anyway a vote of thanks to Malcolm Hine the guitar consultant for the programme
for keeping James right!!! Careful with that screwdriver Eugene!!!

Mike

[bor64]

Ian, I'm fully aware this programme wasn't aimed at shad fans.
My point is when they started the first film about artist who played the strat they started with the Beatles and others...not even a blimp of the shadows or Hank in any form or way.
One google attempt would given the guys of the programme a result wich is the truth about red guitars and Britain players...
So as many programmes all over the world, as far as they do there presentation the music in britain started with the Beatles apparently,who off cours where world famous strat players
Yes I know about the 2 blue strats of the fab four and the re-incarnation in thru glow colours of the Harrison one....

Cheers Rob