Official Luthiers Forum!

Howdy everyone, Here is my first question. Since I have never built an acoustic, which kit would be best to start with. I would like it to have the sides already bent, a bolt on neck, fingerboard already has a radius, and come complete with everything that will be needed, minus glues, finish and tools. Most of the tools I will be able to make. I would like it to be a dread, maple back and sides would be nice, but thats not set in stone. I would also like it to be priced for a novice. Dont want to drop a bundle on the first one.

Looking forward to hearing your advice
Thanks in advance
Bill

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De Oppresso Liber

The LMI kit wizard will allow you to completely customize the materials and level of servicing. Just follow the link above.

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http://www.booneguitars.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-Boone-guitar-builder/488208541257210

as a first time kit builder, I couldn't rationalize paying top dollar for fine flawless materials, as in the LMII kits. Martin kits contain pieces with slight flaws but that are still perfectly use-able. so when I purchased my kit I went with Steve Kovacik because he was able to put together something with parts that matched what I wanted, and send me a picture before I paid for it. if any of the pieces contain blemishes he will tell you what they are, but it's my understanding that if you buy a kit from Martin, they don't. many of his kits go for a good price on ebay. his ebay seller id is "asaa."

other great kit suppliers are John Hall (Blues Creek Guitars) and Ken Cierpilowski (Kenneth Michael Guitars). they are forum folk and are very helpful.

+1 on the recommendation to buy from John Hall. He can get you Martin kits or he can custom make you a kit.

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

Thanks for the great advice everyone, I am looking at a couple of kits, one from John and one from Steve. Will let you know which one I get.

Thanks again
Bill

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De Oppresso Liber

I started with a Martin kit and had no issues with the parts, many times the reason the parts end up at the guitar makers connection is hard to find. The top was not as pretty as others I have used since, but it was very nice. The Rosewood was flawless. On a visit to martin I went through a lot of backs sides and tops and often the flaws are outside the template, but the Martin workers are very picky about what is used.

That said, if doing it again I would deal with John Hall, I have met John, seen his shop, and spoken and had email exchanges with him and he is very helpfull. The difference for me would be John's willingness to answer questions and back up what he sells.

My vote is for a Blues Creek kit.

Fred

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Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

I'm going to second what Fred said.

I highly recommend John, for the simple reason that if you have questions or problems, he will be there to back you up, help you out, etc...

Jim

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Jim Hansen

I can see value to asking a luthier their opinion on a specific piece of wood from your kit. If John or Steve does this, I would go with them. When you are starting out (and I am just starting out) receiving a box of lumber is great. You can order a kit with master grade materials, but what next? Do you know why your materials are considered Master grade over student grade? What you really want to do (or at least I do) is build a reference on what you get in the box. It may be a master grade top, but is it stiff? What would a master luthier do with that top?

I would think that if you could ask your kit supplier for that kind of feedback, it would put your guitar building knowledge that much farther forward. The supplier that is willing to provide that service is the one I would go with.

John

John Hall is your man. Unless you have built before,and it sounds like you have not,the help and advise is worth more then the kit. An awful disease,this guitar building.Have not met anyone who has found a cure.Self inflicked,as are the other vices. Good luck in your travels

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

I also would recommend a Blues Creek Kit. Get John to put you one together with an Adi top like the prewar Martins and a bolt on neck. What one man can do another man can do but it really helps if the one is willing to help the other.

Steve Brown