The Gore/Gilet books are in my future, and I'll be buying them from Trevor. It would be a small thank you for all the advice that he shares with us.

Alex

For the much talked about Somogyi books, you'll part with USD 265 plus shipping. In my view, these don't come close to the organization, completeness and technical rigor of the Gore/Gillet pair. I would still recommend Cumpiano to a beginning guitar maker as their first reference, but for those continuing with craft and who like a precise technical approach, the G/G set should be the next thing on the shelf.

For the much talked about Somogyi books, you'll part with USD 265 plus shipping.

I think often think about investing in these books. As a hobbyist, I'm not 100% sure they are for me.

Questions:

1) What type of additional equipment and tooling would I need to be able to make the measurements needed to follow the methods in these books?
Most of the testing/measurements can be done with a computer and free software.

2) I was not blessed with the talents related to higher math. Will I be able to follow the concepts without being a mathie?
Yes. The math is there to back up the explanations of what is significant and what is not. I have a pretty good math background so I can look at an equation and tell which variables are most influential, but you don't need to be able to do that, it's all explained.

3) I see a lot of reference to "falcate" bracing when I hear about these books. Do they also cover working with X and fan bracing?
Falcate bracing is a design using curved braces, other designs are also covered. The significant difference is not the falcate bracing, but the technique of reinforcing the bracing with carbon fiber at the top and bottom of the brace, where it will do the most good. There is some painful math in evaluating the stiffness of the top/bracing system, but it's more tedious than difficult.

I would like to use these books to better understand what/why I am doing as well as gain consistency and control over my future projects, I just wonder if they are beyond me. . .

Considering how expensive this craft can be, the books are a great value. If you've only got $300 to spend on the hobby in the next year, buy wood and build a guitar. If you've got $550, buy the books, then the wood.