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I'm having one of those days.....

It is really hard having a passion for something - but still needing to develop the skills.

So goes my life (and my sons) as we learn the steps to building a quality instrument.

Hesh's "dumbest building mistake" thread could be a book written by me and I'm only on guitar #4 - two of which were done with much help from Kevin Gallagher.

This guitar building thing is turning out to be a lesson in life and I'm learning the following:

1) Plan, plan and re-plan - and then rethink through the logical order of the steps needed. Maybe even write them out so you don't forget something.

2) Measure, measure and re-measure. Especially before attempting to glue something. (The most recent mistake happened here)

3) And this is becoming the most necessary.... Learn to fix what I can - forgive yourself - take some notes for future reference, and move on.

4) Remember... it takes a long time (maybe years) to get good at something.

I truly appreciate this board and the accumulated knowledge found here - and especially the willingness of everyone to share it.

Today, in a strange twisted way I'm glad I'm a guitar builder and not a pilot! At least when I "crash" nobody gets hurt (yet!)

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P A U L B U R N E R
Burner Guitars

You ain't no newbie! You've built 3! Why you're semi-pro now...

Thanks Rob. I'm not sure I can count the 2 we built in a class with Kevin Gallagher - as he did a good amount of the work - or at least made sure we didn't mess up.

I've got #3 in a box ready to ship off for finishing - and we're "in the process" of #4.

Just amazed at how many times I find myself saying "OH CRAP!"

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P A U L B U R N E R
Burner Guitars

The best advice I got was in a lecture Kenny Hill gave at the 2004 GAL. "Just keep building, Just keep building"
Terry

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

My best advice is *take your time*. It isn't a race. Try to make everything as perfect as you can and be as critical as you can be about your own work. Keep pushing yourself on every build.

.. and don't be afraid to ask for help. No need to suffer this adventure alone. Either online or in person I think this is one of the best things about our community.

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

Paul,

I know you have probably read me saying this before but I will say it again anyway I find a heartily suggest keeping a journal on every build. Post in the journal prior to starting and after completion of each and every process. List the errors and the solutions used list all statistical data. List any thing you can think of.

These journals will end up being a wealth of information to you at each build but more importantly in the beginning. The act of keeping these build journals will slow you down and provide a structured format to think your way through a process before you actually do the process.

Slapped wrist haven't filled mine in in over 10 days quick do it now

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Formerly JJH

I learn more from my mistakes than my successes

Thanks to all who replied - our momentary "funk" was caused by putting a back on a guitar slightly crooked. This was covered in another thread.

I am happy to report that we were able to add a decorative back strip today - and we are VERY happy with the results.

You can view the thread here:
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=20428

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P A U L B U R N E R
Burner Guitars

Great advice...

Think it's been nearly four years for me, and my build rate is agonisingly slow (one build per year)- mainly because of life's demands getting in the way. I understand how the OP is thinking- but hopefully we have the rest of our lives to hone the craft. Guitar building is never far from my thoughts alongside dreaming about zoot acquisition. Oh wretched person that I am....

Paul,
Those days happen to the best builders on the planet, too. Persistence and consistency over time will always prevail. The hardest lesson I've had to learn is to be brutally honest with myself about what my eyes are seeing. I've learned the hard way that everything I say "won't show when it's finished" always does. What Brock said....

Good luck and hang in there!

Chuck