Official Luthiers Forum!

Now, I just got interested in luthiery, and I know it's going to be quite a bit of time before my guitars are any good, or in tune. I went to a local luthier by the name of Bob Tedrow, and I tried to become his understudy, but his business and time didn't allow for it, so I had to do something. He did tell me that he started luthiery by just reading books and doing it. All that said, are there any reference points I can go to (i.e: starting tools, tips, easy-working woods, tutorials, things of that nature) I know of the picture tutorial section in this forum.

Thanks,
Allen

There is no reason your first guitar shouldn't sound good and play in tune. Getting it to look perfect is the harder part. One thing I would recommend; when it comes time to voice the soundboard, find somebody with experience that can give you a (hands on) ballpark idea of how flexible it should be.

_________________
Pat

If you interested in classical guitars, I believe Robbie Obrien, John Bogdanovich (sp) and David Schramm have lessons on dvd,s on building classicals guitars.
A good reference book many of us started on is "guitar Making" by Cumpianio & Natelson, It covers both steel string and classical.
Bogdanovich also has a book that appears to good at guiding someone through the steps.

_________________
Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

Step 1: Read Guitarmaking: Tradition and Technology! This will give you a much better understanding of what is involved...

Step 2: go to Cumpiano's website and read his updates for things he has changed since the book was written.

_________________
Bryan Bear PMoMC

Take care of your feet, and your feet will take care of you.

Haha! Good point, Bryan.

Beyond some strings, glue, wood, machine heads and time, the only other thing you need is money, lots of money...hand skills help.

Other than that ...just do it.

simple eh!

blessings and good luck.

_________________
.

Audiences and dispensations on Thursdays ~ by appointment only.


.

Books, a few tools, videos (some are on You-Tube for free) and wood!!! Go for it.

A easy bending wood is indian rosewood, affordable, also one of the best looks and tone wise. There are others. For the soundboard I'd go with lutz or Sitka spruce. Again affordable and one of the best looks and sound. The neck can be mahogany (Honduran is getting expensive) or maybe sapele. It is a mahogany like wood that is still affordable.

_________________
Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Thanks a whole lot guys, this will really help. I'll start my build in about a month. I need to do a little bit of independent research with the reference points I've been given.