A complete reference for the design and construction of the steel-string folk guitar and the classical guitar.

(Book). Every guitarist dreams of owning a handmade instrument, but for most, the cost is likely to be prohibitive. The alternative building your own fine guitar is not as difficult as you might imagine, given some skill, patience, and the expert guidance of a master luthier. Every step of construction is fully covered, from choice, selection, and preparation of woods, to consideration of size, bracing, and tonal qualities. Each step of the building sequence is clearly photographed in color, with variations to the standard design shown to enable you to personalize your instrument as you make it. Briston, England-based Jonathan Kinkead has been building guitars for nearly 30 years. His craft is born out of experience and intuition rather than a strict following of technical detail. The resulting beauty of form and distinctive tone have earned him his reputation as one of the world's most respected independent luthiers.

The Art Of Lutherie offers a glimpse into the mind and craft of luthier Tom Bills, whom many consider to be one of the most talented luthiers today. In this beautifully written and enjoyable read, Tom elegantly and clearly shares his best- kept secrets and methods of custom guitar making - those which make his guitars favorites among top collectors and players. Tom's unique approach to The Art Of Lutherie will empower and inspire you to create more than just a guitar, but a truly unique work of art. The information that is generously shared within this insightful and timeless work is both practical and applicable. It contains the same hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of experience and experimentation that Tom uses in creating his inspiring instruments. Over the years, he has producedinstruments considered to be some of the bestsounding guitars ever made. Learning the steps of how to build a guitar is important, but understanding whymaster luthiers take those steps and make those decisions can empower you to make your own educated choices. This will allow you to create unique guitars, and the world needs your art, your guitars - your important contribution. The Art Of Lutherie, a truly unique and inspiring guide, can prepare you to reach new heights when designing and creating unique guitars. It is not often I heap such lavish praise on people; however, Tom is in this case more than deserving: I know of no other luthier whose work I respect more. Tom knows his craft inside and out; he pours his soul into every guitar he makes; heuses cutting-edge science to guide his work, and it shows...as head of Artist Relations and Product Development at Mel Bay, it gives me great pleasure topublish Tom's work, which will no doubt take the art of lutherie to a new level. I hope you'll spend some time soaking in this book - it will certainly augmentyour musicality - Collin Bay. Includes access to online video

A step-by-step guide to a unique instrument, made to the reader's own specification and design Many people are frustrated by the mass-produced guitar and dream of something more unique. This practical book will help readers achieve that dream, and will inform and enlighten them along the way. Drawing on a range of ideas and techniques, it explains the process in a clear and logical way, thereby demystifying the task and making the guitar a joy to build and then to play. It covers tools, techniques, and selection of materials; how to avoid pitfalls and make faster progress; and how to achieve a professional finish and set up the guitar. From making the initial templates to gluing the fingerboards, it provides careful instruction on the entire detailed process.

This book is a complete guide to the craft, with clear, detailed instructions covering all the "hows" and "whys". To give you a solid foundation in the fine art of handbuilding an instrument, the author shows you how to construct, step by step, one specific steel string guitar. He teaches a single, proven method--a method which he formulated during the construction of his own hundred-plus guitars. More than 150 photos and other illustrations go hand-in-hand with the text to detail minute stages of construction as well as to provide the needed overviews of the building process. A handy glossary and sources of supply listing are also included. You'll be guided through such general areas as wood and binding selection, the top and back, building the rosette, fitting the truss rod, leveling the frets, finishing the wood, shaping the neck, carving the bridge, and more. The end product of all this diligent work is something that neither the clear text nor the graphic photos can fully explain. Examine the edge binding and notice how even it is; inspect the guitar inside and note the cleanliness of the many glued joints; observe the smoothness and consistency of the highly polished finish. Then study the rosette, and find how even the mosaic is and how perfectly it fits into place; scan the instrument's back to see how the two matched panels meet neatly at the center seam; notice the care with which the tuning keys were installed. Then, your first cautious tuning, an initial delicate strum followed by a more measured one--and you'll know you've done it!