Official Luthiers Forum!

Came across a coffee table book of Danny Ferrington's work at Barnes and Noble last night. It's a 100+ page picture book, no real specs or meaningful construction insight, but I found it worthwhile. It reinforced my opinion that I'd rather try to make an instrument that is unique, this book highlights his parlor and baritone models. No disrespect to anyone, but for me, it makes no sense to spend a couple of months of evenings building a generic dread when I have my pick of 50 at guitar center. As a novice, it was also inspirational to see that most, but not all, of his work was perfect. For example there were couple of shots where puflings didn't exactly line up. It made me take a less critical look at my #2 and #3. Although I did spend the morning trying to touch up some of their flaws...

I also like to see builders who have their own designs. However, you've got to stop and ask yourself why the guitar shops carry the styles they do. These are tried and true designs that have stood up to the test of time and are what people want to buy. If your building for yourself, original is good. However, if you are building to sell, original designs may take a long time to be accepted by the buying public. Just my 2 cents.      Don A38921.7889930556

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Don Atwood
Arlington, VA

Bob I stopped by B&N a few minutes ago and picked up a copy $3.21 probably doesn't even cover the cost ov the paper.

Al

I bought that book for about 10$ some years back. Did your copies come with the CD of music recorded on his guitars? Very nice....

I can understand the desire to build a tried-and-true design, but I have tended toward instruments that were influenced by or similar to something known, but in my own way. That may limit my clientele (when I ever pursue one) but so be it. As an amateur (in the true sense) I believe in letting the sky be the limit.

[QUOTE=drfuzz]

I have tended toward instruments that were influenced by or similar to something known, but in my own way. That may limit my clientele (when I ever pursue one) but so be it. As an amateur (in the true sense) I believe in letting the sky be the limit.[/QUOTE]

I like what you said Kevin, i just built a dread according to Macrostie's plan for a d-28 because i'm a newb but really enjoyed deviating from it whenever i could to let my own feelings pass through my work on it.

I experimented with bracing, neck shape and appointments and other elements of design and probably will dothe same when i'll build my SJ to help me understand more what i'm doing and get to feel the wood, not just measure.

Yes, mine did have the cd although I haven't listened to it yet.

I guess building is just like playing. Some folks love to nail their favorite player's song and some would rather embellish it.

Bob K