Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi! I am making my first guitar in a while, and I would really like some tips. There are some specifics that I have.

-Smaller size
-Cutaway
-Traditional Design
-Steel String
-Interesting(nontraditional) Wood/Grain Patterns
-Good Volume For Light Gauge Strings
-Woody Tone
-Sharp Notes (not muddy)
-Not dread or jumbo style

I like the feel of Taylor's GS mini, but being new to this I'm not so good at comparing tones . I would like to go traditional but would like a striking look, so I thought one variable(wood) would be best. From what little knowledge I have, I have come up, with these conjectures

-If I am using very light gauge strings; I should have a much thinner top.
-Traditional design says I should have the body meet at the twelfth fret
-Not much else

There are some woods that I've read are good for the tones I'm looking for...

B&S
-Mahogany
-Walnut

TOP
-I don't Know (I'd go for Western Red Cedar or Redwood if I was guessing Randomly)

I know this is a lot but I know what type of guitar I want, I just need help on how to make it (that sounds horrible, what I mean is woods/thicknesses for the woods/brace patterns )
I have read John Bogdanovich's book on classical guitar making, are there any techniques in that book that I could use for my guitar because if I am using very light guage or possibly electric that may be similar to nylon. Lastly are there any other book I could read.
Thanks! Parker Craine~~

You should read the thread near the bottom of this page about "build dimensions". Todd's reply could be useful as you get into the build.

Bob

How about a 00 sized guitar with black limba B&S and a sitka double top! Classic design with somewhat of a modern twist. Black limba is very tonally similar to mahogany but visually much more dramatic. The double top can give you that extra volume you want.

Of course your options are pretty much endless, I just thought that particular combo sounds like fun!

Parker, my parlor is very loud, extremely easy to play with a 24.625" scale and light strings. Tone is crisp on the trebles, very woody and lively with a red spruce top and quartersawn white oak back and sides. Sound clips and photos on my website.
Don't sell white oak short...it's a very viable tonewood.

Parker: For steel strings,Cumpiano or Kinkade are better books.
Tom

_________________
A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

I think Kincead's is a great book for the first time builder. The right level of detail, with some very good pictures. Of course, I still think of Cumpiano & Natelson as a must have, although many of the techniques reflect the publishing date, and Bill Cumpiano will be the first to tell you he's evolved many of the techniques.

I'd also take a very good look at the tutorials posted here. What's not clear in Kincead's book is available in the tutorials that Robby O'Brien, Chris Paulick, Hesh and dozens of others have provided.