Official Luthiers Forum!

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

Salutations and welcome!

Cheers Filippo.

EDIT- and thank you Meddlingfool

Crikey, that is a question and a half...

I'm not naive to think I can just go straight into building guitars full-time. I have the determination and confidence to eventually get to that point though. It will take time though.

I plan on working as closely to acoustic/classical guitars as I can. I ideally want to work where I can do repairs as I've done a fair few, I'm pretty competent in set-ups and re-frets etc so hopefully I could find somewhere I can do this. I think I will learn a lot doing repairs as well. I would love for someone to take me on as an apprentice but finding someone willing to take me on is slim. I haven't really tried looking though.

I'm constantly saving for my workshop fund, ha ha, to eventually get my own machinery (bandsaw, drill press etc). I literally did everything by hand at University so I don't need massive thickness sanders or massive table saws. I'd love to be able to build a small workshop at the bottom of my parents garden like a friend has done, the only problem being is that we (parents) don't own the house in the first place.

My main worry is not being able to build for some time. I have a friends workshop I can use but he lives around 80 miles away.

I might go looking for cabinet makers that would be willing to let me use their workshop for small periods of time (using bandsaws etc) in return for being their slave cleaning their workshop. I realize I will get turned down a lot though doing this , ha ha. Ill just have to see

Its all very hard being in the real world

Lewis

wellcome lewis, and good luck with your endeavours!

cheers,
Miguel.

_________________
member of the guild of professional dilettantes

Welcome to the olf... I too have a degree , Mine is a Bachalors degree in redneck engineering , and Im abidextrious , I can screw it up with both hands !

WELCOME !!

Look forward to seeing your work.

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Cheers Miguel!



Ha ha Thanks WudWerkr!

I should have some pictures of my Classical and 000-16 I made recently up fairly soonish. I've been recording my Classical with a camera today but my playing is letting me down! Ill upload it once I get a clean take, ha ha.

You seem very determined to get this done, which means that you likely will. Good luck on getting there, and show us some of your work!