Newbe here. I got some serious woodworking chops but don't know squat about guitar building other than extensive reading for the last few months. Have been lurking for a while and am contemplating my first build. This is a great site with lots of info. I have really enjoyed reading all the posts and seeing the great work being done. A word of warning though, I may be asking a lot of questions.
I want to build a OOO 12 fret. I have the Steward MacDonald plans. Couple questions. The scale length is 25.34 and I wanted a shorter scale. What has to be changed to accomodate this and should I bother or just go with the plans. I read here where some of you had said the LMI plans were over braced. What do you think of the SM plans and would I need to modify them to lighten or other wise improve apon them in anyway.
Thanks,
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As far as changing the scale on the SM plans, you will need to redesign the neck for the scale length, the brace position and splay angle of the X brace, bridge and bridge plate position, and sound hole position according to the scale length. That is a lot of modification for a total newbie.

If I was to give the best advice I could give I would say build one of StewMac’s kits or a Blues Creek kit first. Then attempt your first scratch build. Less tools acquisition will be required that way and you get a shot at assembly before you have to manufacture any parts from scratch. Really is a smart way to start.

Your advise is well taken and thank you and everybody for replying. I am not too worried about making parts from scratch or building the guitar in general. I am a professional woodworker of over 30 years. A 2 year student at the College of the Redwoods back in 85/86 (man how time flies) have my own shop where I make fine furniture etc. I am also a do metal fabrication for a high end shop from time to time. Tig, Mig, lathe, mill, etc. Reading plans, making parts is what I do. I make my own wooden hand planes and irons. Blah, Blah. So I know I can build the guitar. For me making a pretty guitar is not the big challenge, making one that sounds good is beyond my experience and knowledge at this point. I know that knowing how thin to make the top, the bracing , and a huge number of other things make a big difference and can only come from experience. My hope is that with your help I can make the experience part as efficient as possible. (I am getting older, I've got a lot of catching up to do.) I am very happy to have found this site. The collective knowledge here is unbelievable.
Thanks,
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