Customer Reviews

The Guitar Maker's Workshop (Manual of Techniques)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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

Having made a number of acoustic guitars in the past, I found this book to be fairly easy to follow. I have no doubt that anyone with reasonable woodworking skills would be able to build their first classical guitar following these instructions.