Anyone here build a guitar?
#11
I just found out that my 17 year old grandson who is off to college in August wants to build a guitar. I know I could Google guitar building and get 97 thousand ads within 1/200th of a second, but I'd rather go to the well of knowledge.

He has no woodworking experience but I would be glad to give him some guidance. Can anyone point us in the right direction?

Thanks.
"We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm"
                                                                                                                        Winston Churchill
Reply
#12
Yup - take a break between HS and college and spend 5 months at Roberto Venn in Phoenix. Might become a profession instead of a hobby though.
Reply
#13
I do know that the dude who runs Grizzly Tools is an axe freek. Check out their site for kits, etc.
===---===---===---===---===---===---===---===---
Please visit my website
splintermaking.com
Reply
#14
I have never built a guitar, but like many, it is on my bucket list. Many suggest that for one's first build, a kit is a very good idea. I'm not a kit guy, but I might consider a kit in this circumstance. I'm a big fan of C.F. Martin guitars. Martin sells kits for some of their popular models (see the 1833 Shop on Martin's web page). That would be a good place to start. All the parts are provided and much of the front-end grunt work is done for you so you don't get bogged down and can go directly to the fun stuff. If you have a successful build and want to bite off building one from scratch, you'll have a pretty good foundation to build from.
My $.02. I hope the luthiers here will chime in.

Hank
Reply
#15
I've been thinking about the same project; Martin does have kits (I've been to the factory tour in Nazareth PA, well worth the trip), but I've seen some negative reviews online about the quality; Stew Mac also has a couple of kits StewMac and there is a directory of other kit suppliers here: http://guitarkitbuilder.com/guitar-kits-directory/

I've not pulled the trigger on one, still have a honey-do list from my bride, but its clearly in my future.

Edit: Here's a walk through of the process on the LMI site, pretty interesting:

http://www.lmii.com/DaveKit/dave/LMIKitBuild.htm
Credo Elvem ipsum etiam vivere
Non impediti ratione cogitationis
Reply
#16
Check out "Guitarmaking" by Cumpiano and Natelson. Pretty much the bible on the subject.
Reply
#17
Joe

I know Grizzly has a ton of things for making and parts dvds and books.

DVDs

http://www.grizzly.com/search?q=(guitar+OR+dvd)

Guitar Kits the first five

http://www.grizzly.com/search?q=(guitar+...agesize=96

http://www.grizzly.com/search?q=(guitar)...agesize=96

Arlin
As of this time I am not teaching vets to turn. Also please do not send any items to me without prior notification.  Thank You Everyone.

It is always the right time, to do the right thing.
Reply
#18
A couple years ago I got one from Grizzly for my son--they were replacing or discontinuing the one I got for well under $100. Pretty nice looking for basic stuff. He never finished it.
Reply
#19
"guitarmaking" is one of my favorite books. I really got into it 20 years ago, but work, kids and then grad school got in the way.
Reply
#20
My brother went here:
Galloup School of Guitar Building and Repair

He made an acoustic and an electric.

Depending on funds and timeline, it might be an option.
Reply


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

Product Recommendations

Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.