Any guitar luthiers out there

[boltd]

I've been doing research on a new side hobby, building acoustic guitars. I've played guitar since I was a teenager and have always wanted to learn how to build guitars. Maybe someday it will turn into a side business. I've done some work around the house and I'm starting to gather tools. I'll probably build some furniture first, just to get my feet wet.

Any advice out there for an aspiring luthier?

Dave

[TL5]

I built an electric bass MANY years ago.

My dad is a furniture maker and, "he has an awesome set of tools."
I was still in High School and had access to his shop.

There are kits available were the pieces are pre-cut and you basically put the thing together. That may be a good introduction to the art along with a furniture project.

[cmchamp]

I have a few friends that are displaced luthiers - meaning they have day jobs.
Shoot me a PM and I can get you in contact with them.
One is a Gibson retired luthier - the other was trained by the first. Both make excellent guitars, mandolins, violins, etc.
C.

[frank]

You might consider working p-t as an apprentice rather than reinventing the wheel. You'll gain a lot of good knowledge quickly.

Maybe someone on this list is close to you: http://www.cybozone.com/fg/luthiers.html#va

[kerwin kanago]

Check out MIMF!
It's the Musical Instrument Makers Forum. It is the ONLY other forum I've found on line that is as helpfull, well organized, usefull, information filled, and just plain friendly as this Forum.

...disclaimer is I haven't been there for a couple years...

But that's how I learned to make my 5 string, neck through, dual active emg pick-up, maple and walnut with rosewood topcap, ebony fingerboarded, large scale, 24 fret bass!

[frank]

And if you're into Usenet newsgroups, there's news://rec.music.makers.guitar.acoustic as well.

[dmot]

Originally Posted by boltd

I've been doing research on a new side hobby, building acoustic guitars. I've played guitar since I was a teenager and have always wanted to learn how to build guitars. Maybe someday it will turn into a side business. I've done some work around the house and I'm starting to gather tools. I'll probably build some furniture first, just to get my feet wet.

Any advice out there for an aspiring luthier?

Dave

If you can take 8 weeks or, better yet, six months and are willing to travel I've heard good things about the Galloup School of Lutherie.

[stevegoad]

Originally Posted by dmot

If you can take 8 weeks or, better yet, six months and are willing to travel I've heard good things about the Galloup School of Lutherie.

That sounds like my kind of vacation.

One of the guitars I play is a 1991 Fender acoustic (Gemini series) - They only made this model for a couple of years, because of their bad tendency to fall apart in the middle of playing. Mine actually is pretty good, but I have rebuilt it so often, I think I could build one from scratch.

I would enjoy really learning, though.

[dmot]

Originally Posted by stevegoad

That sounds like my kind of vacation.

One of the guitars I play is a 1991 Fender acoustic (Gemini series) - They only made this model for a couple of years, because of their bad tendency to fall apart in the middle of playing. Mine actually is pretty good, but I have rebuilt it so often, I think I could build one from scratch.

I would enjoy really learning, though.

Yeah, I think I need a sabbatical.

[MaskdBagel]

Just *this much* off topic, but for electric guitars, should you get the inclination, Warmoth.com has all the parts you'd need. And the nice thing is, you can get anything from blanks to completely finished bodies, etc. The amount of work you do yourself is up to you.
I built a slightly modified Telecaster, and I just got the neck from Warmoth built (didn't trust myself to get it right) and did the rest myself with supplies they sold me. Awesome experience, and a GREAT guitar.

[Pastor Tim]

The MIMF, (http://www.mimf.com) is, as previously mentioned, about the best instrument building forum on the 'net.

I recommend starting with a kit, either from Stewart-MacDonald (http://www.stewmac.com) or LMII (http://www.lmii.com). It allows you to get your feet wet without having to learn quite as many new skills.

As to building furniture first, I have found that my biggest challenge was un-learning all the furniture related skills I had! As was pointed out to me many times by more experienced builders "building guitars is not the same as building furniture."

My advice - get a Stew-Mac kit and dive in. Take it slow and think things through. Ask questions when you are in doubt. And if you go to the MIMF you will see me around time to time.

Pastor Tim

[rschultz]

I know this thread is old but...
I am about 70% done with an acoustic kit from LMI. It has been a very rewarding experience. PM me if you want to build or are building a guitar.
http://schultzguitars.blogspot.com/