Any Luthiers?

[saggs]

Had both my guitars stolen a couple weeks ago.  Have since gone out and bought a new acoustic, but the whole situation got me thinking about making my own guitar...

Seems like it would be a hobby I would enjoy, since I already enjoy fine woodworking (and I'm not half bad at it) and playing guitar (mostly acoustic)

Just wondering if there are any luthiers on here, and if they have any tips for someone considering getting into it as a hobby. (not that I need another hobby... but... whatever)

[Bizman]

I'm not a luthier, but I've been on an electric guitar building course this winter. My first build, a Tele Thinline -ish is almost finished. And yes, it's great fun even without any woodworking background except for making firewood!

There's plenty of material in the Internet, lots of guitar and wood p0rn. My favourite site is http://crimsonguitars.com/, with lots of both. Their video blog can more easily be reached through https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6z5fUMeeAbNEqIhlgqPgHYSMdbZAHTI

[SysError]

find your local woodworkers club.

http://www.woodcraft.com/Resources/Education.aspx

My local club has a class once in while on how to make a guitar.

http://woodworkersclub.com/classes/

http://woodworkersclub.com/classes/building-an-acoustic-guitar-2/

See what you can attend locally.

Good Luck!

[steely07]

I don't know if you use reddit, but there's an active community of luthiers over there, they're all pretty helpful too

https://www.reddit.com/r/luthier

Steely

[saggs]

find your local woodworkers club.

http://www.woodcraft.com/Resources/Education.aspx

My local club has a class once in while on how to make a guitar.

http://woodworkersclub.com/classes/

http://woodworkersclub.com/classes/building-an-acoustic-guitar-2/

See what you can attend locally.

Good Luck!

  

Website says the nearest classes/club to me is in Seattle.  I'm afraid the 2,200 mile (one way) commute to club meetings might not work out for me.

I don't know if you use reddit, but there's an active community of luthiers over there, they're all pretty helpful too

https://www.reddit.com/r/luthier

Steely

Thanks I've never used reddit before, I'll check it out.

[ttflier]

I've built seven acoustics and absolutely loved it.  I started with a builders kit from Martin guitar and an internet connection that allowed me to run between my workshop and computer, looking at online videos and instructions.  Finished up my last one, an OM28 Koa, for a friend of mine just a few months ago (my last due to no workshop space anymore).  When I started, my only woodworking experience was building a deck in my backyard.

There is a whole community of amateurs out there, most surprising is that quite a few have never played a guitar (I always thought that was a waste, can't even enjoy the fruits of your own work)!  Here is a link to an amateur blog board,  http://www.kitguitarsforum.com

It is owned by John Hall of Blues Creek Guitars in Pennsylvania.  He is a great guy, always willing to talk to newbies (he helped me a lot).  He also has a fantastic workshop, teaches luthiery, sells parts and builds custom guitars.  I attended a seminar at his ship a few years back and it was a gas!

Good luck!

ttflier

[icepac]

I invented "the sustainer".

[katanaso]

I've built seven acoustics and absolutely loved it.  I started with a builders kit from Martin guitar and an internet connection that allowed me to run between my workshop and computer, looking at online videos and instructions.  Finished up my last one, an OM28 Koa, for a friend of mine just a few months ago (my last due to no workshop space anymore).  When I started, my only woodworking experience was building a deck in my backyard.

There is a whole community of amateurs out there, most surprising is that quite a few have never played a guitar (I always thought that was a waste, can't even enjoy the fruits of your own work)!  Here is a link to an amateur blog board,  http://www.kitguitarsforum.com

It is owned by John Hall of Blues Creek Guitars in Pennsylvania.  He is a great guy, always willing to talk to newbies (he helped me a lot).  He also has a fantastic workshop, teaches luthiery, sells parts and builds custom guitars.  I attended a seminar at his ship a few years back and it was a gas!

Good luck!

ttflier

Could you elaborate about your workshop, and the tools required?  Saggs may be interested in that. 

I looked into it as well, but the dedicated space, and the investment in the tools, along with the time needed to do a Martin kit changed my mind.

I had some very good correspondence with Martin about what was needed to put together one of their kits, and I realized it wasn't for me that the time.

It's really cool that you've done it and are proficient at it now.