Lutherie Books
Hans
I am thinking of trying my hand at lutherie, and I am looking for
recommendations for books related specifically to acoustic guitar
construction. I'd like to be able to build both classic and steel-string
instruments. At the moment I am considering one or more of the following:
"Making Master Guitars" by Roy Courtnall, "Classic Guitar Construction" by
Irving Sloane and "The Luthier's Handbook" by Roger Siminoff. Would any or
all of these books be sufficient for me to learn the craft on my own? Are
there any that I've missed that you consider indispensable? I apologize if
these questions are common. I did a bit of googling but there are always new
people with ideas to share!
Thanks in advance,
Hans
David Schramm
guitar making courses at
http://www.schrammguitars.com/Online_Apprentice.html or the second course
and official home page http://onlineapprentice.com The first course will
soon be available on cd-rom and will be removed from my schrammguitars
website in a few weeks. The second course we learn to build a Rodriguez
style guitar will be up for about 9 months. I teach one of the most
important details about building a guitar that is not found in any book in
my courses. For a beginner I recommend the "Making Master Guitars" and
"Guitarmaking Tradition and Technology" and the GAL Big Red Books
http://www.luth.org
I'd love to see your first guitar. Send me an email when you are done. You
will find the experience very rewarding.
Regards,
--
David Schramm
Clovis, CA
http://schrammguitars.com
"Hans" <Ha...@SPAMTRAP.net> wrote in message
news:Hmisb.14094$hB5....@nwrdny02.gnilink.net...
Jonathan
Hans,
You should consider registering at www.mimf.com ... There is an amazing
amount of info and discussion available on that forum, and the library of
archived discussion (you have to be registered and logged in to see it) will
keep you up late many nights, tons of info to absorb there. The forum is
very tightly moderated, but that serves to keep out the junk pretty well.
You might also consider some general woodworking books as well... There are
many good books on using and conditioning hand tools, sharpening, finishing,
etc...
Jonathan
Bob and Anne Gleason
but many guitars were built using them. I still like their simplicity and
would consider them a good place to start. There is so much info available
in books and on the web these days that one can easily get caught up in
conflicting info and never get to the actual project. Good luck!
Bob Gleason
www.pegasusguitars.com
"Jonathan" <letseatpaste@RATATAT_TAThotmail.com> wrote in message
news:vr4bp41...@corp.supernews.com...
CyberSerf
Hans,
Here's what I've got from various sources...some more germane than
others...apologies for any duplicates...as I said, this is from various
sources:
Bibiography: (All prices are approximate list prices and are provided for
information purposes only)
DO-IT-YOURSELF GUITAR REPAIR
By: P. J. Fillet
An invaluable manual for every guitarist, filled with practical instruction
showing you how to keep your guitar in first class condition, and how to
carry out your own repairs. Written in easy to follow language, the text is
backed up by 170 clear diagrams and photos to make the work of repairing
your guitar even easier. 63 Pages. Softbound book..........$6.00
FRETWORK- STEP BY STEP
From: Stewart McDonald's Shop guide Series
Just as the title implies. This book is devoted to show you exactly how the
pro's do a fret job with step by step directions. You'll learn about: the
tools needed, helpful jigs, fret dressing, and refretting. This is a very
helpful book for those wanting to learn more about fret work, and is
interesting reading for anyone wanting to learn more about the guitar.125
pages and a wealth of photos and diagrams. Softbound book............$24.95
GUITAR FINISHING / Step By Step
By: Dan Erlewine & Don MacRostie
This book is for anyone who wants to finish or repair the finish on a
guitar, though much of it can be applied to finishes on banjos, mandolins,
dulcimers, and related string instruments. Once you have a basic
understanding of how musical instrument finishes are applied, you'll be able
to finish new work from scratch, refinish old work, and approach touchups
and repair work with confidence. Though the book deals mainly with
nitrocellulose lacquer, it also covers such alternatives as automotive or
water based laquers, and hand applied finished like oil, French polish, and
varnish. You'll learn when to use which finish and why. The book then covers
recipes for reproducing the finishes of Martins, Gibsons, Fenders, and
others. 186 pages, softbound book...........$23.95
GUITAR QUESTIONS
The Novice's Guide to Guitar Repairs
By: Barry Lipman
This book is comprised of reprints of the Guitar Questions columns that ran
in Guitar magazine for over a decade. Written by luthier Barry Lipman, it
offers clear, precise and simple explanations on how to make minor repairs
and adjustments to your instrument. The column was aimed at players who were
neither guitar builders nor repairmen. Sample questions addressed include:
What are the advantages of big frets? · What is the best way to care for the
fretboard? · What is meant by intonation and what is involved in adjusting
it? · What does a truss rod do and how does it work? · How tight should the
bridge pins be on a steel-string acoustic? Find the answers to these and
many more relevant inquiries in Guitar Questions. 144 pages, softbound
book............$10.95
How To Make Your
ELECTRIC GUITAR PLAY GREAT
By: Dan Erlewine
This book contains everything you need to choose, use, and improve any
electric guitar. Whether you're a beginner or advanced player, this
easy-to-use "owner's manual" guides you step-by-step through set-up and
adjustment learning many of Dan's trade secrets along the way. After reading
this book you'll be able to trouble-shoot your own guitar, and personalize
your set-up. 133 pages, softbound book………$17.95
PLAYERS GUIDE TO GUITAR MAINTENANCE
By: Dave Burrluck
Geared toward guitarist and not techs, this book is an easy to follow guide
to guitar set-up and maintenance. The book starts with a discussion of how
to properly string your guitar, along with a talk on string gauge choice.
The book then goes through truss rods, fretboards, bridges, Tremolos,
pick-ups, pots, and more. 84 pages, hardbound book.........$24.95
GUITAR PLAYER REPAIR GUIDE (Updated Edition)
By: Dan Erlewine
This book updates, condenses, and organizes Dan's "Repair and Modifications"
articles found in "Guitar Player Magazine" since 1985. After seeing this
book you will understand why I usually flip to Dan's articles first every
time I get a new issue of "Guitar Player". This repair guide is the most up
to date book on the subject. 309 Pages. Softbound book...........$22.95
GUITAR REPAIR - A Manual of Repair for Guitar and Fretted Instruments
By: Irving Sloane
(Reissue September 1989) Sloane's best selling book covers repair techniques
for the full range of acoustic guitars, as well as applications to mandolin,
ukulele, banjo, and lute. 96 Pages, Softbound book..........$19.95
MARTIN REPAIR MANUAL
By: Lester Wagner
The procedures in this manual explain the methods C.F.Martin employs for
specific repairs. This manual is intended to make it's purchasers aware of
their methods, but not to instruct them on every aspect of these procedures.
30 pages. Softbound book..............$11.95
THE ACOUSTIC GUITAR VOLUME I
By: Don E. Teeter
An encyclopedic treatment of all facets of repair. Step-by-step procedures
for major and minor repair jobs are covered in a clear straight forward
style. Inlay, refinishing, "the care and feeding of the guitar", and many
other subjects are included here. 200 pages. Numerous drawings and photos.
Softbound book..........$29.95
THE ACOUSTIC GUITAR VOLUME II
By: Don E. Teeter
This book picks up where Vol. 1 left off. Even more shortcuts to quality
repair work can be found in Volume #2. Teeter's string tension simulation
jig, the unique problems of the imported plywood guitars and how to improve
their sound production are looked at in detail. 202 Pages, 200 line drawings
and photos, Softbound book..........$29.95
TRADE SECRETS
From the pages of Stewart McDonald's catalog
This book is a collection of helpful tips, and ideas from guitar repairmen
all over the country. The wealth of knowledge available here is incredible.
After reading this you are sure to come away with some new techniques and/or
ideas you can incorporate into your own techniques. Softbound
book.............$19.95
GUITAR STRINGING CHART by Mike Christiansen
Definitive resource guide for putting new strings on the guitar. Clear
photos and detailed step by step descriptions show you how to change strings
on steel-string and nylon-string guitars. Also contains information on when
to change strings and what strings to use. 4 pp. ………. $3.95
GUITAR PLAYER REPAIR GUIDE: HOW TO SET UP, MAINTAIN, & REPAIR ELECTRICS &
ACOUSTICS by Dan Erlewine
Easy-to-follow tips and tricks for the budding or experienced guitar tech,
by one of the nation's top repairmen. Reprinted from his popular column in
Guitar Player magazine. Well-illustrated. 2nd edition, 309 pp……..$22.95
THE LUTHIER'S HANDBOOK by Roger H. Siminoff
For the instrument builder, this book explores the secrets and science
behind making good sounding acoustic string instruments. Describes the
structural and acoustical attributes of air chambers, what to listen for
when tap-tuning, selecting a good piece of wood, placement of the braces and
tone bars and how to tune them, how to select the right strings, what to
consider in bridge design concepts, more. 128 pp. ..... $22.95
HOW TO MAKE YOUR ELECTRIC GUITAR PLAY GREAT by Dan Erlewine
Whether shopping for a first guitar or setting up a vintage treasure to get
the right action, this book offers the keys to electric guitar ownership for
players at all levels. Topics covered: choosing the right guitar, techniques
and tools for keeping your guitar healthy, adjusting a "factory setup,"
intonation, adjusting the truss rod, nut adjustment, bridge and tailpiece
maintenance, whammy bars, cleaning finishes, more! Includes plastic sheet
with punch out radius gauges for setting up your guitar. 133 pp. ....$19.95
ACOUSTIC GUITAR OWNER'S MANUAL
Acoustic guitarists can now better understand their instruments, preserve
and protect their value, and get the sounds they really want! Whether it's
cleaning a guitar, protecting it from theft or humidity changes, selecting a
case, or performing diagnostics, readers will become more savvy acoustic
guitar owners. Covers: fret maintenance & refretting, installing and
troubleshooting pickups, cracks, neck repairs, caring for the finish, more.
112 pp. ....$17.95
MAKE YOUR OWN ELECTRIC GUITAR & BASS by Dennis Waring, David Raymond, Thomas
Randall
These well-detailed instructions for building a standard 6-string solid-body
model guitar and bass emphasize simplicity & logic, use common tools and
easy-to-order materials, and provide resources for buying electronic
components and other hardware. Pictures and diagrams abound. Both
traditional and modern features crop up, making the finished product perfect
for any genre of music. 96 pp. .....$18.95
MAKING THE TURNER GUITAR - AN ARCHITECT'S ILLUSTRATED VIEW OF THE
GUITARMAKING PROCESS by Barry Price
A fascinating sketchbook of "exploded views," capturing every stage in the
building of Rick Turner's Model 1 electric guitar, drawn by one of his
apprentices. 20pp. ....$12.95
GUITAR ELECTRONICS FOR MUSICIANS by Donald Brosnac
A comprehensive guide on pickups and wiring for everyone interested in
electric guitars. Step-by-step explanations with over 350 photos, drawings,
& schematics. 128 pp. .….. $24.95
A GUITAR MAKER'S MANUAL by Jim Williams
Step-by-step illustrated instructions for building steel and nylon-strung
guitars, plus templates. Comb-bound. 104 pp. .... $19.95
GUITAR REPAIR by Irving Sloane
Covers the full range of acoustic, or hollowbody, guitar, as well as
applications to the mandolin, ukulele, banjo and lute. Close cracks, adjust
action, fix braces, patch fractures, replace bridge and pick guard, refret,
refinish, restore antiques and more. 125 photos and diagrams. Softcover, 96
pp. .....$22.95
MARTIN REPAIR MANUAL by Lester Wagner
The standard-issue repair manual published by the Martin Guitar Co., the
most revered name in acoustic guitars. Concise instructions with photos on
nearly every page. 30 pp. ..... $10.95
LUTHERIE WOODS AND STEEL STRING GUITARS: A GUIDE TO TONEWOODS, WITH A
COMPILATION OF REPAIR AND CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
Comprehensive book offers a wealth of information to both the beginner and
professional luthier. Different sections cover many topics, with articles by
members of the Guild of American Luthiers. Hardcover, 160 pp. .... $28.00
ELECTRIC GUITAR CONSTRUCTION - A GUIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME BUILDER by Tom
Hirst
With this book as your guide, you can create your own axe masterpiece, with
the precise finish, the exact pickups, and the custom hardware you've always
wanted. From design and planning to the final setup, each step in the
process is described in abundant detail, with hundreds of photographs, and
special full-color sections on wood selection and finishing. Also includes a
glossary of terms, an index of materials suppliers, more. 168 pp. ....$39.95
GUITAR ONE PRESENTS GUITAR QUESTIONS - THE NOVICE'S GUIDE TO GUITAR REPAIRS
by Barry Lipman
Aimed at players who are neither builders nor repairmen. Offers clear,
precise, and simple explanations on how to make minor repairs and
adjustments to your instrument. Sample questions include: What are the
advantages of big frets? What is the best way to care for the fretboard?
What is meant by "intonation" and what is involved in adjusting it? What
does a truss rod do and how does it work? more. Reprinted from the "Guitar
Questions" column that ran in Guitar magazine. 149 pp. ..... $10.95
BASIC PICKUP WINDING & COMPLETE GUIDE TO MAKING YOUR OWN PICKUP WINDER by
Jason Lollar
Provides step-by-step instructions for building a pickup winding machine and
detailed instructions on assembling pickups. Good for custom making your own
pickups or for rewinding old pickups. Spiralbound. 68 pp. .... $23.25
STEEL-STRING GUITAR CONSTRUCTION by Irving Sloane
Acoustic six-string, 12 string, and arched-top guitar manual filled with the
basics and knowledge needed to build these guitars. Illustrated throughout.
128 pp. .... $26.95
THE ACOUSTIC GUITAR: VOL 1 - ADJUSTMENT, CARE, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR by
Don E. Teeter
Long a staple in the reference section of any comprehensive music shelf.
This encyclopedic treatment gives instructions for major and minor repairs,
inlay work, and refinishing; with detailed descriptions of the tools and
materials needed. 200 pp. .... $32.95
THE ACOUSTIC GUITAR: VOL 2 - ADJUSTMENT, CARE, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR by
Don E. Teeter
This is the long-awaited sequel to Teeter's earlier volume on guitar
adjustment and repair. This volume updates with new techniques and
instructions on how to custom design tools and equipment to simplify and
quicken the job of repairing and refurbishing guitars. More than 200
illustrations and photographs show you how to make these time-saving tools.
201 pp. .....$29.95
MAKING AN ARCHTOP GUITAR by Robert Benedetto
Luthier Benedetto leads you step-by-step through the creation of one of his
fine archtop jazz guitars. Profusely illustrated in b&w, with 12 pages of
color plates and pull-out section of design templates. 260pp.
.... $39.95
BASIC GUITAR ADJUSTMENTS & SETUPS - AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO GUITAR MAINTENANCE
by John Boehnlein
Case-sized book. Covers: restringing; neck, action, intonation and pickup
adjustments; adjusting vibrato bridges, long term maintenance, more. 32 pp.
..... $5.95
CONSTRUCTING A SOLID-BODY GUITAR by Roger Siminoff
Includes complete blueprints. Spiral bound. 60 pp. ..... $19.95
MAKING MASTER GUITARS by Roy Courtnall, illustrations by Adrian Lucas
A craftsman's handbook devoted to the challenging pursuit of making
classical guitars. Part One features separate chapters on famous makers:
Antonio de Torres, Hermann Hauser, Santos Hernandez, Hernandez y Arguado,
Ignacio Fleta, Robert Bouchet, Daniel Friederich, and Jose Romanillos.
Includes historical information about the lives and influences of each
maker, detailed sets of working drawings, and rare photos. Part two covers
tools, working environment, and materials needed by the guitar maker. Part
three is a step-by-step method of guitar construction illustrated with many
photos and drawings. A must for any guitar maker or historian. Hardcover.
329 pp. .... $125.00
COMPLETE GUITAR REPAIR by Hideo Kamimoto
Good general guide to acoustic and electric guitar repairs. 160 pp. .....
$24.95
PLAYER'S GUIDE TO GUITAR MAINTENANCE by Dave Burrluck
"An easy-to-use practical manual" for electric guitarists -- get the most
from your guitar, no matter what your level of technical knowledge. 220
color photos including 9 foldout spreads. Complete and accessible --
hardcover; 84 pp. ..... $24.95
MANUAL OF GUITAR TECHNOLOGY - THE HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGY OF PLUCKED STRING
INSTRUMENTS by Franz Jahnel
New softcover reissue! A very comprehensive overview of acoustic guitar
construction. Begins with a historical review of guitar development, moves
into an extensive section on materials (including 700 wood types, finishes,
and a technical and chemical glossary listing 356 materials), acoustic
principles, and section on the construction of guitars, lutes, and citterns
with working drawings of 18 instruments. Also includes a section on string
manufacturing and materials used. A must for any instrument workshop.
Softcover. Comb-bound. 229 pp. .... $67.00
CLASSIC GUITAR CONSTRUCTION by Irving Sloane
"Diagrams, photographs, and step-by-step instructions" on building your own
instrument. Brief and concise but packed with information -- a perennial
favorite! 96 pp. ....$24.95
TRADE SECRETS BOOK 2
Begins where book 1 ended, with back issues from volumes 21-38. Reprints of
all of the "Trade Secrets" that have appeared in the Stewart-MacDonald
Guitar Shop Supply Catalog, plus installments 9-26 of Mike Lindskold's
"Guitar Wiring 101" columns. Includes tips on tools, building and repair
advice and techniques. Lots of useful information! 165 pp. ....$19.95
UNDERSTANDING WOOD - A CRAFTSMAN'S GUIDE TO WOOD TECHNOLOGY by R. Bruce
Hoadley
This book tells you about wood itself, and how to work with, not against,
this occasionally defiant material. Hoadley, a wood technologist as well as
a woodworker, begins by explaining how the life and growth of the tree
affect the wood's figure and appearance, then explores the interaction of
water and wood, and ways to cope with wood movement. He also tells how to
identify 54 common domestic and imported woods, examines common woodworking
operations, how to get a really sharp edge, and many other woodworking
problems and puzzles. A must for any serious luthier. Hardcover, 280 pp.
....$39.95
GUITAR MAKING - TRADITION AND TECHNOLOGY by William R. Cumpiano & Jonathan
D. Natelson
Comprehensive guide to the construction of acoustic steel-string and
classical guitars by two highly-respected East Coast luthiers. Nearly 500
photos and drawings, with bibliography, supplier, historical, and technical
info. Paperbound. 387 pp. ……. $35.00
Cheers, CS
--
---
The opinions, comments, and advice offered by me, are mine alone.
As such, they carry as much weight as a feather in a snow storm.
Gear Page at: http://www3.sympatico.ca/cybrserf/Gear.htm
notsotall
questions for me along the way.
"Hans" <Ha...@SPAMTRAP.net> wrote in message
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Hans
extremely helpful.
With gratitude,
Hans
"Hans" <Ha...@SPAMTRAP.net> wrote in message
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