Official Luthiers Forum!

I've been playing guitar for 15 years now and I have put guitars together from old bits lying around but I now want to make and electric from scratch. After reading everything I can get my hands on how to do it, and gathering a tool base to allow me to do it, I feel its time to make one. I'm just wondering, did all you experienced luthiers out their just start making guitars one day like I am going to do or did you learn on a course at college etc?? Any help would be great fully received.

Kristofer buddy welcome to the OLF!

I bought an acoustic guitar kit with excellent documentation and went at it in my second, unused bathroom. I did not know about guitar building forums or have any other educational materials or recourses.

If a class is available to you, and there are many of them, I would recommend it though.

Again welcome!

Kristopher,
Welcome to the OLF! I started building after reading a lot of material and planning for 6 months. I had no tools experience or woodworking experience, and I built an acoustic guitar from scratch. So I know it can be done.

I do know that Robert O'brien just came out with a new Electric Guitar Building DVD that is excellent. It is still shots with audio, and I think it is the best one he's done to date. You can get it from http://www.apprenticepublishing.com Good luck!

_________________
Tracy
http://www.luthiersuppliers.com

Hi, Kristopher.

I got lucky and found an apprenticeship with a local electric guitar builder when I started out. At the same time, I read everything I could get my hands on, and got a woodworking job. After doing some repair work too, I found out about Robbie O'Brien's steel string class at a local community college, where I learned to build acoustic guitars. I eventually got the opportunity to start the electric guitar building class there, which I still teach. I helped Robbie make his electric building dvd, and we're in the process of making a second one.

So... obviously lots of ways to go. I think it depends a lot on how you learn best. I find it really helpful to be able to watch someone actually do something. Some people can absorb all they need just by reading. There are so many great options though. Classes at our community college are cheap, so I think it's a great way to get started. You can always pony up for the dedicated lutherie schools later if you like, as they have more resources, etc..

Good luck, and have fun!

_________________
Mike

"The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners. Shoosh." The Stranger

Howdy Sir Kristofer and welcome to the Official forum of online luthiers.
Sounds like you've done a bunch of reading already. Robbie O'Brian teaches guitar building at Red Rocks Community College in Colorado if you live around there.
I'm on my first build and love browsing the forum here for all the info you need to build. Folks here are some of the most pleasant and helpful people you'll meet.
You can also rent DVD's on Lutherie from Smart Flix. John Mayes, Frank Finocchio and Dan Erlewine are great video's to watch. Or you may wish to purchase them from Guitar websites.
Anyway, hope you enjoy your endeavors of fashioning the supple wood in your fingertips to make guitars that will carry on into generations to come. Guitars that will bring joy and smiles, happiness and songs of sadness to the players and listeners a hundred years from now. Good luck and hope you have lots of money!

_________________
"After forty-nine years of violin building, I have decided that the search for a varnish is similar to the fox hunt. The fun is in the hunt."
Jack Batts Maker and Repairer of Fine Violins

Welcome to OLF, Kris. I learned from books, and a lot of extra info from here at OLF. It can be done. It is not fast. If you can read, and understand what you read, and have any concept of how things work, you can teach yourself. You may not be a master, but you can build a guitar. Mine was a Classical Guitar rather than a Steel String, but still a guitar. I kind of enjoy learning new processes, so it was really fun for me.

_________________
Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

What Todd said! I find that an excellent summary.
It should also be said (to beginners) that you won't save money by building a guitar instead of buying one, especially when it comes to electrics. But, reading your post, I'm sure that's not your aim. If you haven't read Melvyn Hiscock's book, do get it. I built my first (a neck-through bass) using only that book. No forums, no internet, no computer.
There are lots of helpful, experienced people on this forum but I suggest you also have a look at the MIMF which has a section devoted to electrics and a HUGE library of past discussions. You'll also find some of the same friendly people over there who hang around here.
Good luck.