Official Luthiers Forum!

I'm venturing over to building a few classicals this year.....and have been reading a lot this winter (Courtnall, Somogyi, Cumpiano, Red Books, GAL magazines) and drawing the various parts from the books. So far, no issues.

It seems that these books cover a lot of jigs, scaled drawings, dimensions, techniques, etc......

Does anyone see a need to purchase a full scale set of plans????? Other reference books? I plan to start with the Hauser dimensions in Courtnall's book.

Comments? Suggestions?

thanks.

Might make it easier, but not a whole lot. No reason you can't continue on the path you are on. You might want to get a copy of American Lutherie with the Hauser in it. It has some observations that might be helpful. I don't remember which issue it is. Check the Hauser plan at GAL, I think they refer to the issue. I know it's in "Big Red Book #2".

_________________
Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

I have some Hauser plans and they are pretty detailed.

I would think plans would be very useful since most books don't have all the details a full size plan can. I have read all the books and plans help you put it all in perspective. And since plans are not that expensive why skimp.

Slightly off topic, but does anybody have any experience/opinion about this ebay seller and his plans?
i.e. do you recognize the plan (from the smallish pic), and does this guy have the right to sell it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hauser-Classical-Guitar-Plans-full-scale-1-1_W0QQitemZ280409762524QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar_Accessories?hash=item4149b96adc

I'm a bit of a 'plans junkie' but I don't like to support illegal copies and the like.


Also, I thought I read somewhere that the Courtnall book had some 'problems' re:plan accuracy- was that in the GAL review of the book when it first appeared?

Cheers
John

I just took a glance, but that does not look like a Hauser Plan to me. I'd have to check, but I think Hauser used 7 fans on his "Spanish" Guitar, not the 5 shown in that plan. It looks more like a modified Torres plan, to me.

_________________
Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Waddy, thanks for the Red Book reminder...found it...Plan #33 1937 Hauser article, reduced plans and photos...

cokezero, I agree details are good...
and MRS, I know it sounds skimpy to not have plans ...my previous builds have used plans.....
also, I don't plan on an exact Hauser duplication, rather a starting point for overall dimensions and bracing pattern. Thanks for the input guys.

p.s.-Solera is mostly done, am building bending forms today and may get 'started' in a few weeks......

John, the plan pictureed is a Bouchet plan (5 fans, bridge bar-not patch, headstock, etc). I just looked at the seller's other items and he also sells a Bouchet plan so he probably posted the wrong picture with the hauser auction. As to this seller, I'm not at all familiar with him and can't really comment on the quality, his right to sell, etc.

Ervin Somogyi reviewed the Courtnall book for Fine Woodworking iirc, and Kevin Aram reviewed it for
American Lutherie- the former had issues with the author's methods, and the latter with the sourcing
of the plans, and the methods also. Best to see those reviews.

Thanks, William & Carey.
This place is great- ask a question and the answer just appears- and quickly!


Cheers
John

I would agree that the Courtnall book has some inadequacies, however, it is still the best general book on classical construction that I am aware of. It does not mean that you don't have to do any homework though. You owe it to yourself to read every book you can get your hands on, and ask all the questions.

_________________
Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Go to http://www.stringsbymail.com and get the new Brune' plans of Segovias guitar.
They come with a c.d. of Segovia playing that Hauser.
The plans are incredible.
# CDS433 will get ya one.

Mike
That site would be a good sponser for this site.!

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Mike Collins

I agree- I've bought strings from them - excellent service.
Thanks for the 'heads-up' on the plans- like I said, I'm a 'plans junkie'

Cheers
john

Mike-thanks for the tip on the plans....(temporarily out of stock, per website)....any idea if they are the same 'handwritten' ones found in Red Book #3 by Brune??

I'm delving into new territory this year (building classicals), and really looking forward to it. And thanks to the OLF folks here...I've been lurking for too long.

Hey, Doug-
Guess I snagged the last copy off the shelf!
I'm sure they will get more in - good company.
They were pretty good at answering my emails when I dealt with them last (a couple of years ago).
You could email them and get more info, I'm sure.
Cheers
John

Didn't i read here recently that Elderly has a good Hauser plan with a CD? The plan is on velum, and from what I've read is pretty good.

_________________
Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

The item Waddy refers to is an Italian package (but mainly in English I recall) with a plan redrawn by Richard Brune on vellum, a CD of selections of Segovia playing the guitar, a booklet and a poster. Nice package. I'd relay all the details but mine is on the opposite side of the ocean from me right now.

_________________
Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

The book/plan/CD at Elderly and at JustStrings look like the same item, same price ($34).
Apparently out of stock at both places just now.

Cheers
John

LMI also sells the Hauser plans for the same price.Their website claims they have it in stock.