Thread: Book suggestions

I would suggest for a first build the book "Guitarmaking, Tradition and Technology" by William Cumpiano and Jonathan Natleson. It will guide you through very well. I built my first 3 guitars with this book and is a good grounding. You need to check Wm Cumpianos website though for amendments to the neck joint as he has superseded the method that he used 25 years ago.

Cheers

John

Woodrat is spot on, Cumpiano is a great place to start. Its a big ask for an HSC project but very rewarding.

Gerard Gilet is a local maker who's book .:: Gilet Guitars ::. - Contemporary Acoustic Guitar Design and Build is getting very good reviews on various forums. I havent read it so I cant comment.

Thanks Sabastiaan, I have the Gore/Gilet book and it is very, very good. I am in the process of implementing many of the build ideas into my guitars at the moment. I wouldn't recommend it for a first build though as it is really aimed at people that have a few instruments under their belt (I feel anyway).
The only suggestion that I would make regarding the Steel string guitar in the Cumpiano book is dont build it as heavy as they say to in the book. I would make the top 2.8mm instead of the suggested 1/8 inch or 3.2mm and the x braces I would bring them down to about 14mm max height. That should give the instrument some responsiveness that my first ones didnt have as I built them to spec in the book. They were overbuilt essentially.

This year I actually helped a lad make an acoustic for his HSC major work...It is a LOT of work if you dont have access to someone with lutherie knowledge. I would suggest getting the book asap and reading it through and digesting...that is important...digesting the contents before you commit to the project...

I hope that this info is helpful

Woody

Thanks for the replies. I have ordered the Cumpiano book, there seems to be fairly universal consensus on its usefulness from what I have read. It is an ambitious project, but the students in question are certainly capable.

G'day Aerohydro,

I used the Thomas Lloyd Guitars "A Master Class in Acoustic Guitar Making" DVD set to build my first guitar and the instructions are fairly comprehensive and easy to follow. I also have the Cumpiano book and found it a great resource but the DVDs may be a little easier to digest for your students.

You can find it here - Thomas Lloyd Guitars

Cheers,
Steve.

Making master guitars is a good thing if your interested in nylon string instruments.

I started watching the 12 hours of video of Benedetto making carved top guitars on the weekend. My expectations were not high but I was pleasantly surprised. He explains things well and impressed me with his pragmatic and easy going narrative. I'm afraid I shun the cork sniffer. Mr Benedetto is clearly good at what he does but can relate well to the beginner. I'm considering buying his book now even though my interest is limited in that sort of guitar.

Benedetto's book is excellent Damian, money well spent, if you are into archtops..

for a decent book on electric guitars "Make Your Own Electric Guitar" by melvyn hiscock is very good

Originally Posted by old_picker

for a decent book on electric guitars "Make Your Own Electric Guitar" by melvyn hiscock is very good

I have this book and it an excellent reference
Another good book/cd is Building Electric Guitars
by Martin Koch