Official Luthiers Forum!

I've seen lots of 'reference' to laminated woods for backs, sides, and
even tops. But I've never seen any for sale by vendors or suppliers,
except for some Martin kits. Are they available somewhere, or do
builders make up their own, and if so, how is it done?

CrowDuck

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Chris Nielsen
Soquel, CA.

Quite a few builders, especially in the classical realm, laminate sides to keep them very stiff, thin and light. Some manufacturers laminate backs, it removes the need for braces. I have an Alverez with a laminated top. That guitar is the reason I started on this journey of guitar building! Very soon that top will be removed and a new solid Lutz Spruce top will replace it! I suspect then that the guitar will finely 'come to life'.

So I guess I am wondering what you are hoping for in a laminated top or back plate? A form and a vacuum bag and they are easy enough to do.

Shane

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Canada

Shane,

Well, I'm interested in laminates for several reasons. One you mentioned is strength and stiffness for b&s. Another is price, I've found a source for lam b&s that sells EIR for $39, and Sapele for $23 + $12.75 shipping. I also have in mind building some simple inexpensive ladder braced guitars based on the old Stella, meant for acoustic slide & blues. Making my own laminates is an interesting idea that I will have to study. Know where I can find more info on the vacuum equipment?

CrowDuck

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Chris Nielsen
Soquel, CA.

search the forum archives........then try joewoodworker.com

PaddyD,

Thanks for that link. After looking there, I don't think I'm interested in doing my own laminating using a vacuum press.

CrowDuck

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Chris Nielsen
Soquel, CA.

For a cheap to free vacuum pump try a used refrigerator or air conditioner pump. They can usually be found at appliance repair shops. Tell them what you will be using it for, and they can supply you with something that will work. I used one for years to vacuum bag composite layups for radio controlled airplane wings. It would pull near full vacuum, and could run continuously.

Al

[QUOTE=crowduck] I've seen lots of 'reference' to laminated woods for
backs, sides, and
even tops. But I've never seen any for sale by vendors or suppliers,
except for some Martin kits. Are they available somewhere, or do
builders make up their own, and if so, how is it done?

CrowDuck[/QUOTE]

Hi crowDuck,

I make laminated plates for a few builders that make high quality custom
guitars. My biggest calling is for Selmer Macafarri laminated backs and
sides and for electric archtop plates.

http://www.upnorthstrings.com/laminatedguitarplates.html

Click on the laminated plates brochure to get a .pdf file with prices.

For custom shaped sides we would need to talk.

Ken

KenMcKay38775.4971180556

Ken,

Thanks for the link! Very interesting. This reminded me that I would someday like to attempt an archtop like the Gibson L-37. Ever done any of those.

CrowDuck

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Chris Nielsen
Soquel, CA.

If anyone else is interested in laminate woods, I've found a source for NOS AAA 20 year old lam spruce tops originally meant for Takamine and Ovation guitars. Got 10 BM sets for $6.65 each, including insured FedEx shipping. As previously posted lam B&S are available, EIR for $39, and Sapele for $23 + $12.75 shipping.

Why, some may ask, am I persuing this? Well, guitar making for me is a HOBBY, and I think should be FUN, and NOT STRESSFULL. I get VERY TENSE when I'm fumbling and bumbeling on some high priced wood with sharp tools. I'm much more relaxed when the stakes are lowered. I'll probably give away, or donate what I make anyway, since I have not intention to do this professionally. I'm done working for a living.

Anyway, I'm not advertising for anyone, this is just my POV as a novice builder. As you can see, at those prices I can learn alot without 'breaking the bank'.

CrowDuck

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Chris Nielsen
Soquel, CA.

Chris, I've got 40 of the same tops. I use them for experiments, make templates, pyrography, etc. I eventually want to design and build some small travel guitars and they should work well for that purpose. I can't see using AAA spruce for a guitar that is going to the beach.   

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Don Atwood
Arlington, VA

Don,

Good to hear I'm 'not alone' with my ideas.
For some inxepensive lam B&S's check out this link, and look at the bottom of the page, laminated backs & sides. I'm not affiliated in any way.

CrowDuck

http://www.exoticwoods.com/BACKS-SIDES-TOPS/backs&sides.html

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Chris Nielsen
Soquel, CA.

Thanks Chris. I'll be sure and bookmark the site. I'm betting each set would be more than enough for 2 travel guitars. Now you've given me the design bug again.

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Don Atwood
Arlington, VA

I'm pretty sure you guys could get a full sheet of laminated lumbers at your nearest home depot, 3mm thick, for twenty some bucks and easily cut out tops and backs and sides for at least 3 or 4 guitars. That's where i got my first laminations.

Allied's opportunity grade rosewood can't be beat for the price. Especially at the 10+ price. Cheap tops can be had on ebay for about $10. That is if price is the only issue.

Hi Chris,

For Vacuum I too use a fridge compressor. Joe Woodworker is the place to stop but I think that he a cadilac system. Dan Minard (DanielM on the forum) helped me with my system a bit but it was really put togther with one of my best friends who owns an appliance repair business. If you want I will post a picture. The only thing that needs to be bought is a gauge set and some copper tibe and rubber tube.

As for cheap tops, I might know where some 'practice' tops might be had

Shane

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Canada

Serge,
Unfortunately, I don't have a Home Depot, Lowes, or any of those 'big box' type stores anywhere near me. But thanks for the tip.

Ron,
Yes, I've already bought a bunch of cheap tops off eBay, but price isn't the only issue, I want to make some ladder braced, laminated wood guitars for blues slide.

Shane,
Yes, please post a picture of your fridge compressor vacuum system. While I don't think I want to laminate wood, I have a scheme to make a vacuum bridge glueing clamp.

Thanks folks,

CrowDuck

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Chris Nielsen
Soquel, CA.

I have not made one of those. I think the "double cutaway" plate would work
depending on the dimensions of that Gibson because it is flat in the upper
bout.

This is what I am making now, A Gibson es335 type thinline. useruploads/KenMcKay/2006-02-28_090822_335_2.JPG">