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Once they find out I am a steel string builder that will kill any chance of selling them anyway. I really don't have any plans on selling these. Steel strings will remain my staple, I figure one lifetime isn't enough to get THAT guitar mastered.

However, I do have some interests in exploring the other types of guitars. I suspect getting out of my comfort zone will have nothing but positive effects on all of my building. But, my goal is to build a respectable classical.

This is really a great discussion, thanks for all the advice.

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

If you really want a different experience, then you should build in a solera. It would be a huge departure from what you have been doing, and it would give you excellent results. If you are going to do it, why go half way? I do plan on building a few steel strings, sometime, in the near future, but I won't build them on a solera. I'll make, or buy a mold, and build a box, and attach a neck in whatever manner I choose, bolt on, M&T, etc.

I guess, I'm just saying, if you want to learn something from the build, why short cut it? You'll learn more by going all the way, and you might even like the experience.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

That was really the point of my original question. I wondered how "universal" the solera / spanish heel construction process is. I am inclined to go in for the traditional way. But it is good to know that there are alternative methods being used by respected builders.

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

These are a very nice set of plans. Too bad a rolled, instead of folded, set is not available.

Well, I took the plunge today and bought the Courtnall book as well as the SE 114 and '37 Hauser plans from Elderly. Now I just need to decide which to build.

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

You can't go wrong with either of those. Both will produce an excellent guitar.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Marc/Brock

My plans came on three clear vellum sheets neatly folded in the box with the book, CD, and poster?? Can't beat that for $35 bucks!!!

Ray

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Guitar Building = Continuous Improvement Process

Howdy Brock,

I'm obviously coming in at the end of this discussion since I've not been around much lately. I haven't read all the other posts but wanted to let you know about an awesome book on this subject. It's called "Making Master Guitars" By Roy Courtnall. It was first published in the US in 1993 and the ISBN is 978 0 7090 4809 1 . This is the most detailed and complete book I've ever seen and probably that is in print covering the Torres, Hernandes, Hauser, Aguado, Fleta, Bouchet, Frederich, and Romanillos styles all in great detail. It discusses each maker and their guitars, covers workshop tools and materials, and goes through the Spanish method of construction in detail from start through finish. It's not a cheap book but if you're really interested, in my opinion it's well worth the cost. Just for the history of it all if nothing else. It's a 327 page hardback packed with pics and illustrations. (Mine isn't for sale of course!) Have fun with your project and hope to see some pics posted when you get done.

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I just noticed you already got the Courtnall book. Guess I should have read before making my post.

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Bill Hodge


One does not simply, own enough guitars!

Yes, I have the same--very nice set of plans. My only point was that it's a shame you can't get such a fine set of plans rolled in a tube instead of folded in a box. I don't like creases on plans.

Reckon you'll have it strung up by next Friday or so?

Hardly.... I will be lucky to have this done in 2010.

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

Brock;
Good to hear you ordered some good blueprints .

two of my favorites are the Daniel Freidrich & Robert Bouchet plans from Lmii.
I do not know if they're still available but they will make a more modern style sounding guitar.
get to it !!!

mike

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Mike Collins