The Guitar Maker's Workshop (Manual of Techniques) [Library Binding]

Rik Middleton (Author)

Book Description

Series: Manual of Techniques | Publication Date: October 1997

This is a practical introduction to the art and skills of making classical guitars. It takes the reader through each stage, giving instruction on materials and tools, the making of each component and the assembly procedure. There are guidelines on making tools, innovative methods of construction and alternative methods of woodworking techniques. There is a chapter on steelstrung guitars and sophisticated techniques for further guitar-making and repair work.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Intended as a beginner's guide for experienced woodworkers interested in making a guitar, this book assumes a fairly complete knowledge of woodworking tools and techniques and also an intermediate level of skill in finishing and detail work. Long-time luthier Middleton uses the old European approach to making a stringed instrument, including carving, gluing, bracing, and finishing, which he defends as desirable in handmade instruments,. But instrument-making supply companies now offer a variety of purpose-built tools and woodworking supplies that greatly simplify the old-fashioned process. To ignore these tools and supplies makes it much more difficult for a beginner to complete such a project. The book is handsomely produced, with detailed photos and clearly written text, yet many books on instrument building incorporate the newer approach?such as Robert Benedetto's Making an Archtop Guitar (Miller Freeman, 1994) and William Cumpiano's Guitarmaking: Tradition and Technology (Chronicle, 1994)?and these will probably serve patrons better.?Eric C. Shoaf, Brown Univ. Lib., Providence, R.I.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher

The Guitar Maker’s Workshop is a practical introduction to the art and skills of making a classical guitar. Logically structured and clearly written, it takes the reader through each stage, providing complete instruction on materials and tools, the making of each component, and assembly. Throughout, the book is abundantly illustrated with clear, helpful photos and drawings. The topics covered include: making tools; innovative methods of construction; alternative methods of woodworking; steel–strung guitars; advanced techniques; and repair work. Rik Middleton is a classical guitar maker of many years’ experience. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Library Binding: 160 pages
• Publisher: Crowood Press (UK) (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861260407
• ISBN-13: 978-1861260406
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,671,030 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Complete set of instructions on how to make a guitar, February 17, 2001

By 

Chris Mandalovic (Largs Bay, SA Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Guitar Maker's Workshop (Manual of Techniques) (Library Binding)

This is the first book I read on how you make a guitar. It is quite readable and takes you through all of the steps in a sequential manner. There is lots of solid information in the book and it is well illustrated with diagrams and photographs.

The author comes across as a very experienced luthier and is able to provide lots of shot cuts and tips. He explains how to construct several low cost jigs to help you through the process.

As a novice, I was able to follow the book although I had to re-read the odd paragraph to full understand it. A glossary of terms would have helped me here.

The book concentrates on classical nylon string guitars although there is one chapter explaining the differences in making a steel string guitar. There is no treatment of electric guitars. The sections are as follows:

1 Introduction to the Guitar Maker's Workshop 2 The Tools 3 Timbers 4 The Assembly Framework 5 The Front 6 The Back 7 The Sides 8 The Head and Neck 9 Linings 10 The Assembly Procedure 11 Inlay Work 12 The Fingerboard 13 The Bridge 14 Finishing 15 Stringing Up 16 Further Challenges 17 The Steel-strung Guitar

Recommended for novices wanting to make their first classical acoustic guitar.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource, compares favorably with Cumpiano and Natelson, November 6, 2007

By 

S. Mather - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Guitar Maker's Workshop (Paperback)

This work is comprehensive, like the similar book by Cumpiano and Natelson. That said, I really like the simple tips and tricks that Middleton includes. Without exception they are insightful and simple ways to do the very precise work of instrument-making, and vastly simplify and ease the process for the amateur. Also, his tool list is very short and complete, which is a must for controlling the start-up costs of instrument making. Ten stars if they were available. I'll follow up this review once I've completed at guitar following the book's instructions. At this point, I'm merely using it to complement Cumpiano and Natelson.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars good book for newbies, December 8, 2008

By 

C or E Kleinman "Ernie or Cathy Kleinman" (lees summit mo 64081) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Guitar Maker's Workshop (Manual of Techniques) (Library Binding)

I enjoyed reading this book, and would highly recommend it for first time guitar builders. The best part of the book, is the author/s attempt to keep it simple .From tools, to wood ,to simple jigs, spare room workshop, and using inexpensive woods to build one/s first guitar. I would not recommend this book for advanced builders, as it falls short in many areas for advanced guitarmaking