Official Luthiers Forum!

Just wanted to introduce myself:

My name is Robert and I live in the mountains of northern New Mexico. I've always played acoustic guitar, but recently my wife inherited a really nice Gretsch and she bought me an amplifier so I could play it. I'm really having fun learning new things.

My wife builds smaller electric bass guitars for women so she has a lot of power and hand tools for luthiers. So it occurred to me that I can build my own electric. I have some woodworking skills of my own and love to make things so I'm looking forward to this process. I know that bolt-on necks are recommended for beginners, but I'm going to try a through-neck for my first build.

Unlike some other first-timers who have posted here, I don't have any unrealistic expectations that this guitar will look or sound great, and I don't expect you people to just drop all your hard-earned secrets right into my lap. I can do a lot of my own homework but I'm not afraid to ask for help when I need it.

Starting with, I can't seem to find some really gorgeous book matched curly maple for my top (although I'm open to other woods). I want something like PRS guitars have. I've tried all the sponsors' links and searched the Googles, still not seeing what I like. Anyone care to share their source for beautiful wood?

Thanks!

Welcome Robert!
I'm just an amatuer builder. The folks here are great about advice, tips, and techniques.
I don't have a source for maple, the last planks I bought were on Craigslist.
I built one guitar and was hooked. I'm planning my 5th build from scratch now.
All of mine are glue-in necks. I still don't understand the advantages of a screw-on neck.
Best wishes on your first build.
Dan

_________________
wah
Wah-wah-wah-wah
Wah

Your first one doesn't have to be bad. Here's my first electric:



I got the maple on ebay for about $60. I also regularly find decent curly maple at Menards, and I've heard Home Depot has it too.
Grizzly carries some nice looking stuff, which I've not tried yet:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Curly-M ... t-5A/T1059

Have fun!

_________________
Regards,
Phillip Patton

http://www.pattonblades.com

The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price has faded.

https://hoosierbladesmith.wordpress.com

I've purchased quite a few near perfect tops off ebay.

_________________
Old growth, shmold growth!

Howdy back at ya. Sounds like you should have a real good start.

_________________
Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/