Thread: Stew Mac's Dreadnought kit.

Craig,

I'd be thinking you can get some pretty flash timber for $8,000 per cube. Would there be more than 5% of a cubic metre in a guitar?

Just wondering. I've promised my Son In Law that when he finishes his trade qualifications I'll buy him the materials for this:


(from:http://www.edromanguitars.com/newsite/guitars/jaros.htm)

So I'm rather interested you see!

Must pay Dave Kirby a visit in Mooloola.

Here are his prices from a year ago

QUEENSLAND MAPLE
Clear grade 1 in. 2,100.00
1 1/2 & 2 in. 2,400.00
Quarter sawn boards available - instrument grade 2,600.00

SILKY OAK
1 in. back and quarter sawn mix 1,650.00
200mm wide and wider, including large slabs 1,850.00

YELLOW WALNUT
Clear grade available in 1 and 2 inch 2,600.00

MAPLE SILKWOOD
Quarter sawn instrument grade AAA 2,950.00

Cheers,

P

Originally Posted by bitingmidge

Craig,

I'd be thinking you can get some pretty flash timber for $8,000 per cube. Would there be more than 5% of a cubic metre in a guitar?

Just wondering. I've promised my Son In Law that when he finishes his trade qualifications I'll buy him the materials for this:


(from:http://www.edromanguitars.com/newsite/guitars/jaros.htm)

So I'm rather interested you see!

Must pay Dave Kirby a visit in Mooloola.

Here are his prices from a year ago


Cheers, P

Umm be carefull here I have heard some pretty bad stories about ed roman

Originally Posted by old_picker

Umm be carefull here I have heard some pretty bad stories about ed roman

ive been browsing his site a bit, and he does seem a bit shady. he seems to simply say his stuff is the best and talk everyone else down.
he gives information in a way that sounds like he knows what is best for the person reading the site, thats probably the worst thing about it. he does bring up some interesting ideas for builders, but i think he makes problems seem alot bigger than what they are to make his guitars seem the best. then he proceeds to sell all the other guitars as well.

Originally Posted by old_picker

Umm be carefull here I have heard some pretty bad stories about ed roman

Thanks picker, the pic is about as close as we intend going, I used it to illustrate the timber and think it only fair to acknowledge the source, rather than just post someone else's pic.

Cheers,

P

Originally Posted by bitingmidge

Thanks picker, the pic is about as close as we intend going, I used it to illustrate the timber and think it only fair to acknowledge the source, rather than just post someone else's pic.

Cheers,

P

check out alt.guitar for ed roman horror stories just for a laugh

Craig,
My first guitar was a Stewmac OOO. I highly recommend their kits however I guess it really depends on your ability/skills. You will get the supplies cheaper in Australia but if you need the sides bent etc, you'll run into a hurdle.

The greatest expense is the postage. It cost me US$105.00 to get my LMI kit delivered.

I am searching around at the moment for local suppliers. The cheapest I can get my wood supplies is AU$250 + postage, but that it the raw supplies with no servicing.

I'll get some more details, but I do believe one of the AAMIM members in Brisbane produces a good quality kit for around $200 (timber only).

Might be worth checking out, I'll post details when they are to hand.

Cheers,

P

Originally Posted by Teds

Craig,
My first guitar was a Stewmac OOO. I highly recommend their kits however I guess it really depends on your ability/skills. You will get the supplies cheaper in Australia but if you need the sides bent etc, you'll run into a hurdle.

The greatest expense is the postage. It cost me US$105.00 to get my LMI kit delivered.

I am searching around at the moment for local suppliers. The cheapest I can get my wood supplies is AU$250 + postage, but that it the raw supplies with no servicing.

Thanks. Yeah what I was thinking was that for a first attempt a kit might be good because you can learn the fundamentals of construction without also having to learn the "tricky" bits straight off.

I downloaded the PDF file of the construction instructions and they do seem to be very comprehensive.

Postage does sound like a bit of a killer though. Brings the total cost of the guitar to around $600 which is really getting up there.

Originally Posted by bitingmidge

I'll get some more details, but I do believe one of the AAMIM members in Brisbane produces a good quality kit for around $200 (timber only).

Might be worth checking out, I'll post details when they are to hand.

Cheers,

P

That would be good Midge. A local option would be much more doable.

Cheers
Craig

You can go to Gilet Guitars. Gerard Has a nice kit he's put together for about $470.00.
Thommo

Hi Craig,

If you dont intend turning into an obsessed wanna-be luthier like myself then the kit will probably work out a bit cheaper than buying in raw wood and parts. I think the kits usually have the neck dovetail already roughed out don't they? That alone is a time and cost saving (no jig building required).

Overall advice...if youre not sure if youll like guitar building then definitelyy go for a kit. If youre already hooked and theres buckleys chance of you chucking it in then it doesn't really matter. Youre going to have to start from scratch eventually so you might as well do it from day one. You can also do what I do and buy my wood in bulk and save a bit on freight. I generally never buy less than 10 tops or side/back sets in a single order from the US. Some companies also give discount for orders of 10 or more.

Awhile back someone mentioned that LMI/Stewmac are no longer exporting kits that contain Honduras Mahogany due to CITES issues. Might be worth checking up on this one before ordering.

Cheers Martin

Originally Posted by bitingmidge

I'll get some more details, but I do believe one of the AAMIM members in Brisbane produces a good quality kit for around $200 (timber only).

Might be worth checking out, I'll post details when they are to hand.

Cheers,

P

hey,
which AAMIM member?

i'd love to get a hold of that kiT!!!

Originally Posted by bitingmidge

I'll get some more details, but I do believe one of the AAMIM members in Brisbane produces a good quality kit for around $200 (timber only).

Might be worth checking out, I'll post details when they are to hand.

Cheers,

P

Hey Midge, any update on this?

Sorry all, I've been asleep.

Will make a phone call or two over the weekend!

Cheers,

Peter H

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