Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi- Greetings to all of you, Ive just joined the forum. Years ago I built several classical guitars using Irving Sloane's book. Since that time I've done a bit of woodworking, but not a lot. Currently I've been working with Japanese hand tools. Now I'd like to build a steel string guitar and would like a recommendation for a good book on the topic. Thanks, in advance, for your help.
-Howard

Welcome to the OLF Howard,

Kinkeads Book (It's called "Building your own steel string guitar" I think ) anyhow, it's a good book with lots of images and takes you through the process from a more modern approach than does most other publications.

Here's a link http://www.amazon.com/Build-Your-Own-Acoustic-Guitar/dp/0634054635/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t/002-9646284-1180862

For $48 you can get both Kinkead's book and Cumpiano Natelson's "Tradition and Technology" this would cover near all of the bases.


Cheers

Kim

The Cumpiano book is acknowledged as the most detailed of all of the instruction/construction books, but most builders, including Cumpiano, use many different/updated techniques nowadays. That book and a forum like this one, will get you pretty far.

And welcome to the OLF!

Welcome Howard!

I'd second Kinkead's book also as a first choice for steel string guitar building. Cumpiano's book would be my first choice for building a classical styled guitar. Cumpiano's website has some updates that are well worth checking out.

Come to think of it, the best advice is to get them both!

_________________
Jim Howell
Charlotte, NC