Official Luthiers Forum!

Left Brain Lutherie that is.

I'm curious as to who's read this book and how much it has affected how you build guitars. Is it a book for advanced builders only? Would a beginner be bogged down by the subject matter?

I ask because in another thread, there has been a lively debate about using scientific methods for approaching our craft.

_________________
Joe Breault
Merrimack, NH
Perpetual novice

It's one of those books that's on my 'to buy at some point' list; my impression of it is that it's more about developing a methodology for building guitars, information on what to measure, how to measure it, what the various numbers mean, how they interrelate, rather than providing a firm guide on how to build instruments. More of a book to teach you to think and work on your building scientifically.

If I'm wrong, I'd like to know.

Hesh, you might have guessed that I have read it.

Actually, for the sake of full disclosure, I read it a chapter at a time as David was writing it. I consider him a friend.

I'd classify it as an approach developed to help build good guitars consistently. Every now and again we build one that is just special. Given the inherent variation in the materials we use, can we ever hope to build them consistent special? Well, if we measure stuff it helps.

David's approach is focused on measuring deflection and understanding characteristics of the materials. An engineering kind of approach. Another viable but different approach is used by Al Carruth to adjust the box based on how it responds to sound spectra. My impression is that both of these guys think there is merit in both approaches. Me too.

Here's what David says his book is and is not:

Left Brain Lutherie

It's a great book and if you are a data geek or an engineer type you will love it. Some folks may find it dry and over the top.

_________________
tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

I've got the book and I've had the pleasure of meeting David too. Both are worthwhile experiences.

From a beginner's point of view (mine) I think this book's greatest benefit is that it can help you develop a system for testing/measuring different elements of an instrument and learning how they relate to consistently building good instruments faster then if you just built without testing/measuring. It is not a how to manual but it can help you understand the elements and the elements of the process that go into making good instruments. So....if you only plan to build one guitar then this book probably isn't the one you need. If you plan on making more than one then it's worth the price of admission. IMHO

I haven't read his book. It seems way too advanced for me. I have read his website and its great. A lot of neat ideas and I bet it'll give you a real good idea of his approach. I really like his section on jigs.

Joe Volin