Official Luthiers Forum!

Hello all,

I'm about to embark on my first journey as a luthier I've had many projects as a carpenter and feel like its time to step my game up. Just looking for general tips and a point in the direction of where to start and good materials so I don't ruin my tone with the wrong materials. Attached is my artistic interpretation of what I'm going for.

Thanks for any feedback,

Matt

I get it.
Go for it - I'll be cheering on the sidelines.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Thanks! Do you know of any good books or websites with reliable info and a good supplier?

Awesome Matthew!
Here's my take on a Dano style.
Don't be afraid to ask any questions.
The people here are very helpful.
I like your concept.
Dan

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Hey thanks Dan! Really appreciate it, by the way that guitar is looking sweet! if mine comes out looking half as good as yours I'll be more than happy with it. If you have any suggestions on a good book on the craft or just some general tips, I would appreciate it.

Thanks for the shout

Matt

Matthew,
I received this book.
It's pretty good.
Dan

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The Martin Koch book https://www.amazon.com/Building-Electric-Guitars-Hollow-Body-Semi-Acoustic/dp/3901314075/ref=pd_sim_14_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9PNC74FG63SN6Q8W30P5 and the Melvyn Hiscock book https://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Own-Electric-Guitar/dp/0953104907/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474140748&sr=8-1&keywords=melvyn+hiscock on building electric guitars are the two best in print. There are newer books out but I haven't paid any attention to those.

There are 2 books by Leo Lospennato that are highly rated on building/designing electrics. Any book by Dan Erlewine is great - finishing, repair and setup.

My goto book on wiring the electronics is by Donald Brosnac - https://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Electronics-Musicians-Donald-Brosnac/dp/0711902321/ref=pd_sim_14_20?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=3ZQ4RNEB1YV2QZY38NTX. The book is a little (or a lot really) outdated and the pictures are meh, but it helps me figure out a wiring scheme for what I need.

The guitarnuts website http://guitarnuts2.proboards.com/board/28 has useful info on wiring if you want to save money on a book.

Mario Milan's book on pickups https://www.amazon.com/PICKUPS-WINDINGS-MAGNETS-GUITAR-ELECTRIC/dp/1574242091/ref=pd_sim_14_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=AFZHHXGMDGE23SP6ZV8D is great for the theory but won't teach you how to wind one.

Jason Lollar wrote the bible https://www.lollarguitars.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LGP&Product_Code=25-95-1 on how to build a pickup winder and wind your own pickups - it's pricy but worth it if you want to make your own.

That about covers the books I know. Click on the Amazon portal at the top of the page here and search for other books. Let me know if you find any other good books on the subject. Good Luck!

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John Lewis
Wannabe builder owned by 2 crazy dachshunds

I always recommend Melvyn Hiscock's book Make Your Own Electric Guitar. Hiscock has chapters on materials and tools, a very good chapter on design (which emphasis neck angle, bridge height, all that stuff that makes it playable or not). He has a good general chapter on finish, basic electronics and setup (you might want more from other sources here). He builds three different types of electric guitars - a set neck carved top (sorta like a LP but not), a bolt on neck flat top (tele) and a thru neck bass.

I have a lot of books in my library and a bit of experience building acoustic guitars, but the combination of Hiscock's book and a good set of plan and I was able to build a LP clone for my first attempt.

Speaking of plans, you are going to need something far better than your artist's interpretation - whether you actually finds a Danelectro plan or make your own. The little bit I know about Danelectros is that they were chambered, made out of some pretty crappy materials. As far as scale length, top contour, neck configuration - I don't know but others here can probably help.