Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi everyone... just wanted to post here to let everyone know that I took my first formal instruction in lutherie Thursday afternoon... refretting a Teisco Del Ray for my uncle. :-) I've never had so much fun in my life, and I only hope that someday (hopefully within a year or two), I can do pharmacy only as a part time occupation and progress to repair/construction part time as well. Interestingly enough, this place I'm taking the instruction will also coach you through building a "kit" guitar in their workshop. What better way for a newbie like me to start? :-) I'm going to do that for #1, most likely from a Stew Mac kit (that said, if ya'll know of a better kit somewhere, please please please let me know). Then, if at all possible, I want to build one out of spruce and walnut, at the suggestion of my dad. Anyways, as ya'll can tell, I'm absolutely thrilled with the way this is going, and I just had to tell everyone. Thanks for the inspiration and direction folks!

welcome to the forum. To answer your question about a better kit. I am sure everyone has an opinion on this but I highly recommend the Luthiers Mercantile kit. You get good quality materials and it also comes with my instructional DVD.
Happy Building!

Welcome to the forum! I highly recommend John Hall's kits and Robbie's and John Mayes DVDs. Great way to start and support the OLF.

Good Luck!

_________________
Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

Well, I was honestly trying to decide whether to go with the LMI kit or with the stew mac kit, but hearing the recommendations and seeing the new updated options for the kits on the LMI website, I'll be going with theirs... I might even be able to make this first kit out of walnut after all. :-) Thanks for the help everyone!

+1 for LMI

Welcome to the OLF!

I have never built a kit, probably should have, but I can say that StewMac and LMI probably make great ones.

I have to agree with Peter on his recommendation however. I think it wise to consider the John Hall kit. My reasoning is based upon posts from guys and gals who he has helped. With John you have a very talented and knowlegeable teacher who is available via telephone, email for support as you begin your journey. He is a very valuable asset here on the OLF and has helped all of us on any number of issues. Secondly, I can also recommend Robbies DVD on finishing, it is very well done, and easy to follow, I have one myself.

Lastly but not least, I like doing business with our sponsors here on the OLF, which StewMac is also one.

Again, Welcome and look forward to hearing about your adventure.

Mike
White Oak, Texas

I started with the Stew Mac 000 12 fret
It was very good
welcome the forum.

BTW when I started the kit I didn't know about this forum!!!! I wish I did.
Now I rely heavily on the forum.

An awesome group of people

Andy

_________________
Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

Hi John, welcome to the OLF, I started building from scratch and without the OLF which made a lot harder on me but did i ever learn! If you choose to go with a kit, i'll second Mike and say go with John Hall and Robbie's DVD, both of them and also John Mayes are often recommended around here1

Have fun building!

[quote]The other day at work my boss "suggested" that I remove my finger from an unmentioned part of my anatomy... I replied "you mean my high tech glue spreading device"[/quote]

    Why would you put glue there Hesh?

    Is this what your Boss was thinking?

_________________
Billy Dean Thomas
Covina, CA

"Multi famam, conscientiam, pauci verentur."
(Many fear their reputation, few their conscience)

I agree with Mike and Peter on this one.I wish I would have had someone to call when I messed up on my 1st. John Halls' kits and the dvds' from J. Mayes and Robbie are the way to go. Thats IMHO. and Welcome to the OLF and good luck and have fun with your first kit.DaveAndy38893.3778935185

_________________
Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

[QUOTE=Hesh1956] I second the recomendation for the LMI kit AND Robbie's instructional media. You do have to put up with Robbie's jokes and it can change what you call things in the future.

For example, I used to have a finger...., now I have a "high tech glue spreading device....."

[/QUOTE]