Guitar Builders FAQ Version 1.2 (3 of 3)
Wyza
= APPENDICES ==
==========================================
Appendix A. Wood Suppliers
The following is a list of wood suppliers:
EXOTIC WOODS COMPANY, INC.
PO Box 532
Sicklerville, NJ 08081
800.443.9296
609.728.5555
609.728.6262 (fax)
COMMENTS: Wide selection of fingerboards, backs, sides, neck blanks.
Carries many exotic woods.
See also Luthier’s Mercantile International, Inc. in Appendix B.
PACIFIC RIM TONEWOODS
420 16th St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
206.826.6101
206.826.6046 (fax)
COMMENTS : Minimum order is $200 exclusive of shipping.
See also Stewart-MacDonald in Appendix B.
SUNDANCE TONEWOODS
341 W. Broadway, Suite 329
San Diego, CA 92101-3882
619.726.0610
See also Warmoth in Appendix B.
Appendix B. Parts Suppliers
The following is a list of guitar parts suppliers:
ALL-PARTS
PO Box 1318
Katy, TX 77492
800.327.8942
713.391.0637
713.391.7922 (fax)
COMMENTS:
ART SPECIALTIES INTERNATIONAL, INC
PO Box 215
Depew, NY 14043
800.724.1002
716.684.3695
COMMENTS: Supplier of Corion.
CHANDLER INDUSTRIES
5901 9th St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
xxx.xxx.xxxx
COMMENTS:
THE LUTHIERIE
2449 W. Saugerties Rd.
Saugerties, NY 12477
xxx.xxx.xxxx
COMMENTS:
LUTHIER'S MERCANTILE INTERNATIONAL, INC
Box 774
412 Moore Lane
Healdsburg, CA 95448
800.477.4437
707.433.1823
707.433.8802 (fax)
COMMENTS:
MUSICIAN'S FRIEND DISCOUNT CATALOG
Box 4520
Medford, OR 97501
800.776.5137
Catalog : $4.00. Once you order and get on the mailing list, the
catalogs will come for free.
COMMENTS: Good service. You can get tremolos, pickups, strings,
tuners, and a few novelty tools, but that's about it for builders.
STEWART-MACDONALD GUITAR SHOP SUPPLY
21 N. Shafer St.
Box 900
Athens, OH 45701
800.848.2273 (US and Canada)
614.592.3021
614.593.7922 (fax)
Hours: 9-7 weekdays, U.S. eastern time
Catalog : They send you a catalog with every order. If you order a
lot, you'll have so many you can't keep track of them.
COMMENTS: Excellent service, great prices, excellent quality parts and
tools. Carries every replacement part and tool, plus books and
videos, and replacement bodies and necks.
WARMOTH GUITAR PRODUCTS
6424 112th St. E.
Puyallup, WA 98373
206.845.0403
206.848.2415 (fax)
Catalog : $2.00
COMMENTS: Good quality, higher prices, smaller selection of parts,
fewer tools. Specializes in ready-to-finish/assemble bodies and
necks.
WD MUSIC PRODUCTS
261-D Suburban Ave.
Deer Park, NY 11719
813.337.7575
813.337.4585 (fax)
COMMENTS:
WOODWORKER'S DREAM
Box 329
10 W. North St.
Nazareth, PA 18064
xxx.xxx.xxxx
COMMENTS:
WOOD 'N' GUITARS
PO Box 328
Honesdale, PA 18431
717.253.1620
717.253.4941 (fax)
COMMENTS: Replacement bodies and body blanks.
Appendix C. Tools And Materials
There are many common and specialized tools used in the craft of guitar
building. They range
from the simplest files to computerized CNC machines which do all the work
for you. The list
that follows includes some of the tools, and some of their uses, for
guitar builders. It is in no
particular order. You can select from the list as you see fit for your
specific project. The cost of
each tool will vary depending on the retailer from where it is purchased.
TOOL USE
(** BASIC TOOLS **)
Straight edge, 18 in. Checking fingerboard straightness
Steel ruler Measuring fret spacing, etc.
Pencils Marking wood layouts, marking
measurements
Square Squaring lines on drawings, wood
parts
Clamps (various) Holding laminations
Spokeshaves Shaping neck
Wood rasps Shaping neck and body contours
Chisels Removing excess wood from cavities
Files (various) Shaping wood, bevelling frets,
detail filing
Coping saw Various cutting jobs
Hack saw Various cutting jobs
Dovetail saw Cutting fret slots
Screwdrivers Mounting harware
Pliers Bending fret wire, holding parts,
tightening bolts
Socket set Mounting hardware
Masking tape Covering parts during finish
Double stick tape Holding router templates
Titebond glue Laminating wood, installing inlays
Lacquers (colored, clear) Painting, finishing
Stains Staining, finishing
Soldering iron (+ supplies) Installing electronics
(** POWER TOOLS **)
Band Saw (10 in. minimum) Cutting body and neck shapes
Drill, drill press (+bits) Drilling screw holes, removing wood
(Note: A small eight-inch drill
press may be too small to reach
some of inside holes
necessary to mount the hardware
on the body)
Router (+bits) Cutting cavities
Detail sander Sanding difficult areas
Hand sander Basic sanding jobs
Small belt sander Larger sanding jobs
Sand paper (see grits below)
60, 80, 120, 150, 220 Rough to final sanding
320, 400, 600, 100 (wet/dry) Finish sanding
Dremel moto-tool (+bits) Inlay routing, detail routing,
polishing
(** SPECIAL TOOLs **)
Fretboard radius sanding blocks Sanding the fretboard to a specific
radius
Fret file Reshaping frets
Fret nippers Cutting fret wire, pulling frets
Fret puller Pulling frets
Fret hammer Installing frets
Fret planes (w/paper) Leveling fingerboard, frets
Fret slotting saw Cutting fret slots
Fret dressing file Crowning and shaping frets
Router templates Accurate routing of cavities
Pickup, tremolo,
Electronics cavity
Precision nut files (set) Filing string slots in nut
Appendix D. Fret Spacing Tables
Here are the fret locations for a 25 1/2 in. scale guitar:
Fret Interval To Bridge
1 1.431 -
2 1.351 -
3 1.275 -
4 1.203 -
5 1.136 -
6 1.072 -
7 1.012 -
8 0.955 -
9 0.901 -
10 0.851 -
11 0.803 -
12 0.758 12.750
13 0.715 12.034
14 0.675 11.359
15 0.637 10.721
16 0.602 10.119
17 0.567 9.552
18 0.536 9.015
19 0.506 8.509
20 0.478 8.031
21 0.451 7.581
22 0.425 7.156
23 0.402 6.754
24 0.379 6.375
Here are the fret locations for a 24 3/4 in. scale guitar:
Fret Interval To Bridge
1 1.389 -
2 1.311 -
3 1.237 -
4 1.168 -
5 1.102 -
6 1.040 -
7 0.982 -
8 0.927 -
9 0.875 -
10 0.826 -
11 0.779 -
12 0.736 12.375
13 0.694 11.680
14 0.655 11.024
15 0.618 10.406
16 0.584 9.821
17 0.551 9.271
18 0.520 8.750
19 0.491 8.295
20 0.463 7.796
21 0.437 7.385
22 0.413 6.945
23 0.389 6.555
24 0.368 6.187
Appendix E. Books On Guitar Building
There are numerous books that cover all the aspects of guitar building.
The list below contains
some of the more popular books. Most are available from
Stewart-MacDonald's Guitar Shop
Supply, and the prices shown are from their catalog, unless otherwise
listed.
*** Construction: ***
BUILD YOUR OWN ELECTRIC GUITAR
by Bill Foley
"Written to help you assemble guitars from prefinished parts. Includes
helpful suggestions for
choosing pickups, tips on Khaler and Floyd Rose tremelo installations,
wiring diagrams, fret and
string nut preparation, intonation adjustment and general set-up
techniques." [99 pages,
softcover, $19.95]
COMMENTS:
CONSTRUCTING A SOLID BODY GUITAR
by Roger H. Siminoff
"Instructions for making and finishing the wooden parts of an electric
guitar with a bolt-on neck
are extensively illustrated. Includes full sized working drawings with a
special full-color
illustrated section on staining and finishing. Covers everything from raw
wood selection to final
hardware installation and wiring." [60 pages, softcover, $16.95]
COMMENTS: Good step-by-step instructions and illustrations. Easy to
follow and read.
CUSTOMIZING YOUR ELECTRIC GUITAR
by Adrian Legg
"Covers basic set-up (action, nut and intonation adjustment) and fret
dressing. Explore gibson
and fender pickups and wiring arrangements, custom coil tapping, phase
reversal, series/parallel
and stereo wiring, active (on-board) electronincs, shilding and switching.
Numerous wiring
diagrams and photos included." [64 pages, softcover, $10.95]
COMMENTS:
MAKE YOUR OWN ELECTRIC GUITAR
by Melvin Hiscock
"Instructions on using hand and power tools, with basic woodworking skills
to create custom solid
body guitars. Construction and jig-making for glue-in, bolt-on, and
stright-thru necks are
discussed and illustrated, with all the steps from wood selection to
lacquering to custom wiring."
[160 pages, softcover, $16.95]
COMMENTS: Very thorough book with 3 examples: A telecaster-type, a
gibson type, and a
bass guitar (neck through).
MAKING AN ARCHTOP GUITAR
by Robert Benedetto
"The definitive book and constructing an acoustic archyop guitar. Wood
selection, tap tuning,
bracing finishing, marketing." [280 pages, 8.5 x 11 in. format, $39.95]
COMMENTS: Order with check or money order payable to Robert Benedetto,
from Robert
Benedetto
RR 1 Box 1347
E. Stroudsburg, PA 18301
Phone: 717.223.0883
Tax: PA residents add 6% sales tax
Shipping: $5.00 USA, $8.50 Canada, $20.00 Overseas
*** Repair/Setup: ***
COMPLETE GUITAR REPAIR
by Hideo Kamimoto
"A useful and popular illustrated guide to the repair, adjustment, and
maintenance of acoustic
and electric guitars. Explains refretting, neck and truss rod adjustment,
bridge re-glueing, crack
repairs, refinishing and more. A helpful series of fret scale charts in
included." [ 160 pages,
softcover], $16.95]
COMMENTS:
DO-IT-YOURSELF GUITAR REPAIR
by Pieter Fillet
"A compact book written for the musician or dealer who requires basic
practical instruction on
guitar setup and adjustment procedures. Features over 170 photographs and
diagrams with
concise explanations of shop procedures to make a guitar play accurately.
Covers the
fundamentals of fret, neck, string action, nut and bridge adjustments, and
provides helpful tips on
buying a guitar." [63 pages, softcover, $4.95]
COMMENTS:
ELECTRIC GUITAR SETUPS
by Hideo Kamimoto
"A guide to essential set-up work, focusing on action, pickups, intonation
adjustment for guitars
and basses. Includes set-up tipes for Fender, Gibson, and other models;
fret levelling, tuning
methods, locking tremolo tips, and an extensive look at bridge design."
[84 pages, softcover,
$16.95]
COMMENTS:
GUITAR PLAYER REPAIR GUIDE
by Dan Erlewine
"The most complete and thorough manual on guitar repairs and adustments.
Includes:
Evaluating the instrument, truss-rod, action, and intonation adjustment,
electric and acoustic
bridge saddles, nut replacement, fret dressing and replacment, installing
tuners and tremolos,
finishing & touch-ups, fixing cracks, braces, peg heads,
and bridges, neck resetting, guitar electronics, replacing and repairing
pickups, switches, pots,
and wiring." [309 pages, softcover, $22.95]
COMMENTS: Superb in quality, content, and readability.
*** Technology: ***
MANUAL OF GUITAR TECHNOLOGY
by Franz Jahnel
"The result of a lifetime of study with European masters, with a large 229
page format and a
price aimed squarely at the serious builders. Extremely detailed
scientific information on
acoustic principles in traditional guitar making, including chemical
properties of finishing
materials, string making, formulas for vibration and scale properties, a
24 page technical chart of
over 300 wood species, construction plans for classical guitars, steel
string and carved top jazz
guitars and more." [229 pages, tbdcover, $139.50]
COMMENTS: A techno's dream book.
*** Wood/Wood Finshing: ***
(The following are available from Stewart-MacDonald's Guitar Shop Supply)
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF WOOD
by Aidan Walker
"A directory of more than 150 of the world's most popular and beautiful
timbers. Samples of
each species are shown in color, with information on geographical
distribution, physical
properties (including density, stiffness, workability, and bending
strength) and uses. Filled with
beautiful color photography and wood lore." [192 pages, hardcover,
$29.95]
COMMENTS:
THE WOOD FINISHING BOOK
by Michael Dresdner
"A design engineer at Martin Guitars and a contributor to Fine Woodworking
magazine, Dresdner
also has over 20 years of experience in finishing trades. He offers
practical solutions to wood
finishing problems, and reveals what's actually inside brand name finish
formulations.
Preparation, coloring, application, and finish repairs are also
discussed." [213 pages, softcover,
$24.95]
COMMENTS:
UNDERSTANDING WOOD FINISHING
by Bob Flexner
"Exceptionally well organized and illustrated, this book will help you
solve most finishing
problems. Based on an extensive knowledge of the chemistry of finishing
materials, it features
comprehensive coverage of traditional finishes and touch-ups, and new
water-based finishes too.
Highly recommended." [310 pages, hardcover, $27.95]
COMMENTS:
UNDERSTANDING WOOD
by Bruce Hoadley
"A wealth of scientific knowledge about wood, written for the individual
woodworker. Essential
for the serious luthier. Explain species identification and
characteristics; the effects of moisture;
drying your own wood; strength properties; effects of machining, joining,
bending, and finishing;
lumber grading; processing and terminology." [256 pages, hardcover,
$31.95]
COMMENTS:
WOOD FINISHER'S HANDBOOK
by Sam Allen
"A guide to the preparation and finishing of new wood, and the repair of
previously finished wood
surfaces. Over 150 photographs and drawings demonstrate moden and
traditional techniques.
Allen explains the use of finishing tools (brushes, spray equipment,
papers and scrapers),
staining and filling, topcoats, colors, rubbing and antiquing." [160
pages, softcover, $12.95]
COMMENTS:
WOOD FINISHING WITH GEORGE FRANK
by George Frank
"A step-by-step guide covering every aspect of wood finishing, from
stains, dyes and chemical
treatments and waxes, varnishes, and oils. Over 80 color photos
illustrate the effects of various
finishing media and techniques. An extensive section on french polishing
is featured." [144
pages, softcover, $14.95]
COMMENTS:
Appendix F. Videos On Guitar Building
DAN ERLEWINE'S VIDEO GUITAR REPAIR COURSE (8 volumes)
(See Stewart-MacDonald Guitar Shop Supply)
1. Bread and Butter Jobs - Set-ups, part installation & customer
service
2. Yard Sale Specials -
3. Bellyaches - Correcting problems with acoustic tops and bridges
4. Broken Pegheads
5. Cracking Up - Fixing crack and punctures
6. Acoustic Net Resets
7. Guitar Maintenance and Setup - Basic inspection, set-up and
cleaning.
8. Don't Fret - Complete professional fretting methods.
Each video is $49.95, all 8 is $349.00.
MAKING A SOLID BODY GUITAR
with Dan Erlewine
"Complete details for each step of the project. Plans, layouts, and
materials. Squaring up the
wood, constructing the neck and body, Shaping and sanding, pre-fitting the
hardware, final
sanding and finishing, final assembly. [2 hours, $49.95]]
(See Stewart-MacDonald Guitar Shop Supply)
SPRAY FINISHING BASICS
with Dan Erlewine
"Wood preparation, sanding & scraping techniques, grain filling, spray
techniques, sealer coats,
spray guns, air brushes, sanding, rubbing, and polishing and more..." [90
minutes, $39.95]
(See Stewart-MacDonald Guitar Shop Supply)
SPRAY FINISHING WITH COLORS
with Dan Erlewine
"Lacquer colorants, mixing anilines, chosing a stain, wiping versus
spraying, sunburst finishes,
transparent color finishes, and much more..." [105 minutes, $39.95}
(See Stewart-MacDonald Guitar Shop Supply)
TREMELO INSTALLATIONS
with Dan Erlewine
"Intensive, fast paced 90 minute video guides you through the placement,
routing, and
installation of today's most popular whammies. You'll learn how to use
templates for cleaner
results and you'll see dozens of trick to make the job easy. Includes:
retrofitting a Floyd Rose,
installing a Floyd Rose on a non-tremolo guitar, installing a locking nut,
installing a Khaler and
Ibanez tremolo, recessing the tremolo, tips for adjsutment and
maintenance." [90 minutes,
$39.95]
(See Stewart-MacDonald Guitar Shop Supply)
Appendix G. Organizations
The following are organizations dedicated to guitar building and
repairing:
ASSOCIATION OF STRINGED INSTRUMENT ARTISANS (ASIA)
14 S. Broad St.
Nazareth, PA 18064
GUILD OF AMERICAN LUTHIERS (GAL)
8222 S. Park. Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98408
Appendix H. Schools
AMERICAN SCHOOL OF LUTHERIE
420 Moore Lane
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707.433.7384
COMMENTS: A one week course, $1000 per person.
APPRENTICE SHOP
PO Box 267
Spring Hill, TN 37174
BRYAN GALLUP'S GUITAR HOSPITAL
10495 Northland Dr.
Big Rapids, MI 49307
RED WING AREA VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
Pioneer Rd. at Hwy. 58
Red Wing, MN 55066
RENTON VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
3000 NE 4th ST.
Renton, WA 98056
ROBERTO-VENN SCHOOL OF LUTHIER
4011 S. 16th St.
Pheonix, AZ 85040
Appendix I. Sample Cost of A Guitar
Below is a sample cost list for a simple guitar. Remember, this does not
include any tools, glues,
sandpaper, or finishing materials! In many cases, the lower priced items
are chosen, for
example, a rosewood fingerboard instead of ebony. The prices are from
Stewart-MacDonald's
Guitar Shop Supply catalog. Your prices may vary.
Item/Part Cost (US $)
====================== ========================
Body wood 57.50 *shop around
(Alder)
Neck Wood 64.20 *can make two 1-piece
(maple 2x5x30 inches) necks
Fret wire (6 feet of Jumbo wire) 10.26
Nut (graph-tech) 4.48
Fingerboard (rosewood, 12 in radius) 17.48
Trussrod 10.99
Trussrod cover 1.54
Trussrod cover screws 0.54
Side dot material 2.97
Pearl inlays (6mm dia) 4.20
Schaller bridge pickup 34.95
Schaller neck pickup 34.95
Pickup mounting rings (2) 6.50
(w/screws and springs)
Control pots (4) 12.88
Pickup selector switch (5-way) 7.88
Capacitors 3.60
Circuit wire (2 feet) 0.31
Control knobs (4) 7.32
Strap locks 9.70
Neck plate (w/screws) 4.86
Jack plate (w/screws) 6.32
Output jack, mono 1.99
Electronics cavity cover plate 8.95
Tremolo cover plate 2.64
Cover plate screws (10) 2.30
Strat tremolo/bridge 39.79
Sperzel Locking tuners (6 inline blk) 63.90
GHS Boomers 4.89
-----------------------
TOTAL $427.89
Assuming the neck blank is cut and laminated to make one neck, not two.
This price is not too bad when you don't count tools etc. Also, figure in
for sandpaper and paint,
which is fairly small.
THE END
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GUITAR BUILDERS FAQ
Part I, Electric Guitars
Version 1.2
25 May 1995
Copyright (c) 1995 Bill Wyza
All Rights Reserved
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