Just thought I'd say hi and introduce myself before I start to post.
My name is Lewis and I've just finished a 3 year BSc degree in Musical Instruments at London Metropolitan University. The University itself isn't that great but the Musical Instruments degree is pretty good. It involves the history of instruments, material science, lutherie, technical drawing etc. It's quite varied and some of the modules don't exactly pertain to instrument building but it all seems helpful in the long run. I mainly attended to learn how to build acoustic guitars. I couldn't have found a better course really.
Over the 3 years I built 3 instruments. The first year was mainly reading up and sharpening etc, haha. However in my second year I built my first guitar which was a Washburn Parlour guitar. Mistakes were made but I was ecstatic over building my first instrument. It was made from Sycamore back and sides with a European Spruce top. It has a lot of bark
. From making the Parlour it lead me to really think about my build quality. I purchased lots of books whilst reading every forum I could on techniques. Yet I still make a lot of mistakes, although they are getting fewer are farther in between as time goes on.
My second instrument for my 3rd year was a Martin 000-16m. I made this out of EIR, a European spruce top, mahogany neck and I hand cut my binding and perfling channels by hand which were then installed with Sycamore and Herringbone. I finished this instrument the other day and Im extremely happy with the sound. I decided to design my own pin-less bridge which was a logistical nightmare not really knowing much about them but alas I got the job done. It also has a Zero fret.
I pushed the boat out halfway through my third year and decided to build a classical which was a Torres FE17 although I used EIR B&S with a Cedar top instead of Maple and a German Spruce top. It was definitely an interesting experience building on a solera and making the slipper heel. Again mistakes were made but I will learn from them. I haven't put the Classical down it sounds so nice! I would have the 000 with me but I haven't found a suitable case yet
I've noticed some really great builders on the forum so I thought I would join and gather some knowledge and hopefully impart some of my own opinions and ideas. Although i'll be asking considerably more questions than imparting my limited knowledge ha ha
Anyway, Hopefully I can get some videos and pictures of my Guitars up soon.
...oh and sorry for the wall of text
-Lewis
