Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi Everyone,

Before building an acoustic guitar – probably from a kit, I want to learn to properly set up, intonate, and refret my own acoustic guitars. I don’t intend to set up a shop and go into business. I intend to refret and set up an old beater, then my Taylor, then build a guitar.

Right now I’m looking for help with finding instructional materials and tools for fretwork and setup.

I see that Stewart McDonald has set up and refretting tool sets but I thought I would ask around first. I don’t want to buy until I’m confident I’m getting good quality, fair price, and all (but only) the tools I need. Of course I don’t want to pay too much but I don’t want to buy something twice because I paid for poor quality the first time either.

So . . . for acoustic steel string guitar
1) What are your favorite books or DVD’s?
2) Can you suggest a list of tools and where to buy?
3) Do you think I have a sensible learning sequence here?

I already have basic woodworking tools and skills and have access to a cabinet makers’ shop if I need it.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Bob

Bob,
Welcome to the forum and the obsession.

I'm no expert, but I can tell you that repair and building are two entirely different skills.

Messing around with a crummy guitar that you have no connection won't hurt a bit. If it were me, I'd wait a while on refretting that Taylor... especially if it's still under lifetime warranty.

As for the next steps of reading up and tooling up, check out these books for ideas both on building and tools:

Guitarmaking: Tradition and Technology: A Complete Reference for the Design & Construction of the Steel-String Folk Guitar & the Classical Guitar
Cumpiano/Natelson (authors)

Build Your Own Acoustic Guitar: Complete Instructions and Full-Size Plans (Book) [Paperback]
Jonathan Kinkead (Author)


Steel-string guitar construction: Acoustic six-string, twelve-string, and arched-top guitars by Irving Sloane

Complete Guide to Building Kit Acoustic Guitars by Bill Cory


As for tools, I always recommend checking out antique stores for old hand tools. You can find some real gems of chisels and planes for a fraction of what new tools cost and at higher quality than can be found with most steel today.

Lastly, don't ignore the possibiliy of building a kit for the first one. It is a great way to get your feet wet and still end up with a great sounding instrument.

Keep the questions coming. Someone will always chime in.

Dave

Thanks Dave,

Yeah I have that crummy guitar on hand - I knew I was saving it for something! And I will definitely get plenty of good practice before I start in on the Taylor. I'm thinking of a Stewmac 000 kit with some slight modifications and will get a few books and begin reading after I get started with learning setup so thanks for the suggestions.

Bob