Official Luthiers Forum!

[QUOTE=RussellR] Colin

If we have to tie our bow ties there will only be about 3 members [/QUOTE]

Russell, no 'Gentleman' would ever wear a pre-tied bow tie. No, no not acceptable at all. certainly not at High Table.

Colin

_________________
I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

[QUOTE=Hesh1956] I would recomend not scratch building your first.

Building from scratch introduces a level of complexity that does not mix well with a nonexistant level of guitar building experience.

[/QUOTE]

Hey Hesh! I resemble that remark!

Phil, welcome to the forum. I am one of those who did opt to build from scratch. I think the difference is your level of woodworking expertise. I, like you, have been designing furniture, kitchens etc as well as doing some very detailed work for many years. Building from scratch is not without its pitfalls but is doable, I am proof. I'm about 2/3 through builds one and two (classicals).

It will be more expensive doing it yourself and it probably will take longer. So if that's a consideration, you might want to go the kit route.

Since I already have a concert instrument, speed of build isn't of primary importance. One thing you might want to consider that I found (find) very helpful is Robbie O'Brian's DVD. I believe it is now packaged with some kits. I'm sure Robbie will know if you PM him. He introduces many shortcuts that streamline the guitar building process.

Good Luck on getting on the slippery slope,

Steve

[QUOTE=Hesh1956]I would recomend not scratch building your first. [...] Building from scratch introduces a level of complexity that does not mix well with a nonexistant level of guitar building experience.[/quote]

Respectfully, I disagree with this. My first is a scratch build (OK, I had Rivolta thin the backs/sides for me), my own version of a Taylor Grand A (their basic dimensions, my final shape; bracing per Cumpiano with input from MIMF regulars, so basic design parameters were pretty standard). Made all the inner bits and pieces, using Cumpiano as a very rough guide, and the MIMF library to teach me about things like molds, side benders, radius dishes, go-bars, reverse kerfed lining, and bolt-on necks (I only found this place after my first was done).

Yes, I dithered a bunch, gathering up the courage to just go build something non-electric (only advantage that gives you: you know how to make a neck, at least above the heel), read a lot, took notes, but I'd do it again, exactly the same way, in a heartbeat. Because I'm not terribly interested, at the moment, at reporductions (in terms of shape or trim) of 'classic' martins, building from scratch let me build about 3.5 guitars for the price of 2 equivalent kits, probably 4 for the price of 2 due to the shipping-to-Europe issue, and that includes the price of a heating blanket, home-made molds, etc.

Honestly, the act of drawing up the plans themselves taught me a lot about the structure of the guitar, and I saw a lot of things I'd read about start to click into place. The rest started coming with actual building, because ultimately, that's what teaches you most about building, IMO.

Just my $.02

[QUOTE=Jim_W] ...lot's of composite stuff on my end [/QUOTE]
Jim, I guess you didn't see the "Wet Composite" sign before you sat down?!

Phil...Welcome! With your tool-building expertise, I'm sure you'll be answering as many questions as you ask!

Mattia, i could not agree more to what you wrote,although , i would understand fully those who wish to start with a kit, i'm the kind of guy who has to learn the hard way for things to sink in and i don't regret my decision to build from scratch, invaluable lessons were learned that way for me, especially on what not to do anymore!

[QUOTE=burbank] [QUOTE=Phil Marino] .....Building my own guitar seemed to be the logical solution.....

[/QUOTE]

This is what you call a "gateway statement". Perhaps the plural would have been more accurate, 'cause you're on a slippery slope now!!

Welcome aboard, Phil. You're going to like it here. [/QUOTE]

Thanks for all your welcomes and comments. Yeah, I do plan to make a few, at least. I hope, eventually, to be able to sell a couple - at least, to partially pay for the tools and wood - but, that's a long way off.

As far as using a kit - I'm already heading down the scratch-build path. I've bought some relatively cheap wood ( a $50 board of sapele that I can get at least 6 b&s sets out of) for my first couple of guitars. So, I'm not risking too much money as far as wood is concerned.

I'll probably strive for "usability" rather than beauty or elegance at first. If my first attempt is playable and doesn't implode, I'll be happy.

As far as wood goes, I seem to have this urge to buy more and more - is this a common symptom?

Also, the bow tie I'm wearing in the picture IS a real (tied by hand) bow tie. I'm in a six-man a cappella singing group called "The Bow Ties". (at www.thebowties.com). The picture is from the insert for our first CD - hopefully due out soon.

I'm really glad to be here. It'll be great to be able to ask for advice during the build. Thanks in advance.

Phil

Oh, don't take the above to mean that Kits are Bad or Wrong or anything; they're a good option, but I do not buy that they're the best option for everyone wanting to make an acoustic.

I'll add that my first real woodworking project, short of screwing together two bits of pine as a very, very basic side table (like, non-fancy), my first experience with hardwoods, was building an electric guitar.

Hi Phil

You have already won the best dressed member award ?

The wood thing is a very common symptom, be warned you will probably end up with more than you could use in 100 years and you will still buy more.

Phil, you ask about the urge to buy more and more wood.

It is a disease that I have become afflicted with as well. The symtons are generally, eyes get red from looking a photos on tonewood sites, loss of weight due to spending large amounts of monies, loss of sleep due to contemplating your next move, anxiety attacks when you move to slow and someone else buys the set you were contemplating, and so on and so on. Cure - not known at this time.

Again Welcome,

Mike
White Oak, Texas

[QUOTE=Phil Marino] As far as wood goes, I seem to have this urge to buy more and more - is this a common symptom?
Phil[/QUOTE]

Urge to buy more wood? hmmm... That is totally out of bounds! No one here wants more wood (Do they, BobC?). I think you need help, and quick! It may not be too late to save you! Hurry, any wood you have bought should be sent to me. Just PM me. I promise that after I have taken the wood off your hands, you will feel better! Honest, I promise!!!   

Oh btw, I guessed Barbershop. The sextet thing threw me off! Congrats and good luck with the CD!

Steve

PS Baritone, right?sfbrown38796.7896875

Welcome Phil. Wood Acquisition Syndrome (WAS) is something you just can't avoid. You know you have it bad when you try to beat the significant other home to hide your UPS deliveries. She knows you have it bad when she increases your insurance coverage to cover the wood stashed in every closet. If you've got a clip of your CD, we'd like to hear it, and again welcome to the OLF.

_________________
Don Atwood
Arlington, VA

Welcome to the forum Phil,

Cheers Martin

WAS? Yep, you're doomed.

*looks at stack of now 60-odd back/side sets, wonder where he'll put the ones the zootman's got on layaway...*

Hey Phil,

Glad you made it to the OLF...I am like you. First is underway from scratch about 2/3rds done. #2 is just started. I am building jigs and machines as I go and am relying on my 25 years of woodworking experience and LOTS of reading to guide me through. The OLF is the finest place to post your questions, you will get great answers, FAST!

And Hey....Have fun!

Shane

_________________
Canada