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Thread: Acoustic Guitar

  1. 27th November 2009, 09:10 AM #1
    ASC92
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    Default Acoustic Guitar

    G'day everyone!

    Im new to this forum. I am a Year 12 student in warrimoo and i am building an acoustic guitar for my major work. This would be my first guitar i have built so i am quite new to the musical instrument building scene. As a result i was wondering if i could grab some of your knowledge because i know there is alot out there.

    I am planning on building the body out of either Tropical Mahogany or Australian Maple, Depending on prices but also what the acoustic sound would be? any advise? Ive read that both are good and adequate. Also i was wondering about any good sellers of these timbers that anyone knows of around this area. Ive looked at Trend Timbers in windsor but they only sell QLD maple. Is that just aussie maple?

    Finally just wondering if over the years and with your knowledge if there are any do's and don'ts of guitar building?

    Cheers guys,
    ASC92
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  3. 27th November 2009, 10:45 AM #2
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    walcen
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    Default Welcome

    Welcome to the forum you'll get plenty of help here, just ask the questions that are relevant to you and we'll do our best.

    Get some books, trawl the net, google everything and use the force .

    I myself am dragging my heels on my first build cuz I'm old and slow .

    An acoustic for a first build is pretty gutsy, but is it not a little late for a year 12 project?
    Its not a 5 minuet job, Or are you in year 12 next year?

    BTW don't forget the post progression photos of you progress as you proceed or
    Andrew _b will have a fizzy fit

    kind regards to all

    Wal
    <style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line- 120%; }</style> Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. Abert_Einstein.

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  4. 27th November 2009, 01:37 PM #3
    ASC92
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    Default

    Cool thanks for that!

    yeah almost, if i was going I would be soo stressed! Im an 2010 graduate so next year...

    I do realise this is a biggy, so i am hoping to start as soon as possible!

    thanks for the advise, i have spent a good deal of time already web surfing, yet to find a decent book?

    I am very greatful for all your input! everyone!

    cheers guys,
    pictures will be up as soon as there are some!
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  5. 27th November 2009, 03:50 PM #4
    floody_85
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    There are heaps of good books out there..Plenty of good sites too..You'll get lots of good help around here too..

    Kiwigeo is the man to go to for acoustic help around here..Hes Darth Vader of the dark side!! Listen to wat he says and you'll do fine..

    And make sure you post pics like wal said!! He wasnt lying about Andrew_B having a fit!!!
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  6. 27th November 2009, 04:25 PM #5
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    carba tec has a fair few books on acoustic building...

    but you will find more than enough info on the net....
    also youtube....

    i have personally seen over 100 build documentations online to do with acoustics....
    and just as many on electrics....
    my latest search has been violins... lol

    your a young bloke... you should know how to google search
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  7. 27th November 2009, 04:40 PM #6
    floody_85
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    Quote Originally Posted by Andrew_B View Post
    carba tec has a fair few books on acoustic building...

    but you will find more than enough info on the net....
    also youtube....

    i have personally seen over 100 build documentations online to do with acoustics....
    and just as many on electrics....
    my latest search has been violins... lol

    your a young bloke... you should know how to google search
    Hey I bought an electric violin off ebay years ago..Its actually pretty good..For the life of me I couldnt tune it or play it but lol....at least it looks good!
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  8. 27th November 2009, 05:27 PM #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by floody_85 View Post
    Hey I bought an electric violin off ebay years ago..Its actually pretty good..For the life of me I couldnt tune it or play it but lol....at least it looks good!

    LOL pfft... no workmanship in those cheapo violins....

    the curves of the handmade ones are great....
    and the colours... yum
    giving me scary ideas....
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  9. 27th November 2009, 10:52 PM #8
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    See earlier thread for books on acoustic building:

    https://www.woodworkforums.com/f98/re...-making-44691/

    Re woods I'd probably steer clear of mahogany on a first build....can be tricky to bend.

    My choice of woods for a first build....Indian Rosewood for back and sides (cheap and easy to bend), Sapele for the neck (mahogany second choice) and sitka spruce for the top (and bracing).

    My first build was done using the Spanish method and Williams technique. With the spanish method youre not dealing with a neck/body joint. The pay off is neck resets further down the track are more complicated than on a guitar with a neck joint. If you decide to go for a neck joint then seriously consider a bolt on neck rather than a conventional M &T dovetail joint.

    Dos and donts? DO expect stuff ups and frustrations..DONT get despondant and give up.

    Cheers Martin
    Whatever note you blow youre never more than a semitone away from the correct one....(Miles Davis)
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  10. 28th November 2009, 12:01 PM #9
    peterbrown
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    Hi,

    My advise to you is to read up on the resources already mentioned before buying your stock. Quality stock is very important for building a stable and fine sounding instrument, and unless you know what to look for, then I would suggest that the timber yard is not the best source for a first timer. I know it is a bit of a drive, but I would STRONGLY suggest making the drive to gillet guitars in Botany.

    Guitar Woods

    Gerald Gillet runs courses on guitar building, and as a result is very helpful and answers alot of questions. They also sell any stock you need to build an accoustic and the stock is top notch. Although you pay a bit for it, they selected it and you know that it is quality timber and you are only paying for the timber you need. Spend the time sifting through their stock, asking questions (after you have done your research so you know the right questions to ask) and you will be well on your way.

    Cheers,

    Peter
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  11. 29th November 2009, 07:21 AM #10
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    Im a bit east of you (Glenbrook) but certainly close enough if you need a loan of a bending iron and stuff like that. I also can give you some dribs and drabs for bridges, nuts and the like. PM me your phone number.

    Qld Maple will make a very nice looking and sounding instrument. Ive found Mahogany easy to work with (sorry Martin) and relatively cheap. Depending what equipment you have access to at school you may be able to resaw Tassie Oak as well.

    Have you worked out what style of instrument you are going to build?
    "We must never become callous. When we experience the conflicts ever more deeply we are living in truth. The quiet conscience is an invention of the devil." - Albert Schweizer

    My blog. http://theupanddownblog.blogspot.com
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  12. 29th November 2009, 09:25 AM #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sebastiaan56 View Post
    Ive found Mahogany easy to work with (sorry Martin) and relatively cheap.
    I'd class mahogany as moderately hard to bend...Rosewood is the easiest and IMHO most suitable for a beginner.
    Whatever note you blow youre never more than a semitone away from the correct one....(Miles Davis)
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