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Hi all.
new user here , can anyone tell me if I shoukle start out with a kit , or take a class in flat top guitar making ,etc

Hi all.
new user here , can anyone tell me if I shoukle start out with a kit , or take a class in flat top guitar making ,etc

it depends on your...

prior woodworking experience
equipment in the workshop
confidence
problem-solving skills
frustration tolerance
motivation
commitment
wallet
time
(...)

A kit is a great way to start, as is a guitar making class. You can also make a perfectly fine first guitar with wood from your neighborhood lumber yard, a good book (e.g. Cumpiano and Natelson) and this forum.

Reihtul,

If you have a class available to you, like they have at some community colleges, then that would be the way to go. I will save alot of stumbling....
As far as kits go, some are just the needed parts grouped together and some are fully serviced, such as sides bent, neck roughed out etc. Before you go for a kit read up on what you will need to do to make a guitar. A book like Guitarmaking Tradition and Technolgy by Cumpiano/Natelson would be a good place to start. That will help you decide how much 'servicing' you will want on the kit.

Good Luck,
Joe

_________________
Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Welcome to this forum, as far as I am concerned this is one of the most valuable resources for learning guitar building. As to your question, a kit is a good start, especially if you have limited tools, but don't be fooled in thinking this will be the end of the costs involved in building a guitar.

I started with a Martin kit and had normal hand tools and some power tools from my other hobbies. I have now completed 5 guitars the last 4 non kits, and have spent at least a couple thousand dollars on tools and machinery and will get more as I progress, but have no regrets on getting into this hobby. The greatest thrill for me is playing the 1st notes on a Guitar that I have built. Just remember it is not a real easy task and be patient with yourself, mistakes will be made but in almost all cases can be corrected and the people here can and will help by answering you questions.

Fred

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