Official Luthiers Forum!

I don't claim to know much at all about building electric guitars or basses but
I do claim to know quite a bit about how not to build them.

I've built 3 guitars and one 5 string bass and they turned out beautiful but even
better- they played and sounded as good or better than any of the very many Fenders and Gibsons
that I have played....and I've played many in the last 45+ years.

Now I can say that because I'm not bragging.....it was beginners luck with each one and the simple fact
that I know how they should feel, look, play and sound. As far as putting a claim to the techniques and knowledge
of building.....well I sweat a lot and it takes awhile for me to build.

SO....I had an idea that I thought I'd share....I think I could write a book. Yes in only the two years that I've been
building I think I have had enough goofs and just stupid things that I've done that could make for a very thick book of small print.

I was hoping with my current build I could share here all proud and with a fat head but I've held true to form.
Sorry for the long spill but I have plenty of time for this as my plans to get something done are now on hold while
the glue dries from repairing my recent slick move. I caught the end of the fretboard in the vise...should I elaborate?

Although the folks that received my other builds were blown away I can also say that they very much enjoyed my
talents. I recorded the builds with pictures and had them made into nice little books and sent them after they received the instruments.
They were also vocal in their amazement of not being able to detect the little repairs.

I've decided that after these builds and my current, that my destiny is to become very proficient in repairing. NOT something
I'm proud to speak of and thought by mentioning it, since I can't post about something beautiful just yet, that the talent here
would understand and have words and laughter of needed support.....

And that's sweat on that wood...not tears....well...maybe a little but don't say anything, ok?

uh.....ok. I think I've been using advantaced techniques....just never thought of it that way. Well I think it's time I navigate
back to building. Enough fun for now. ( I feel like I was just part of a commercial lol )
I guess writing a book is just not a good idea....

You're apology is excepted.
Next time at least take the time to read what somebody has made an effort to write instead of making assumptions.
How can you help people that you don't even take the time to listen too?
Name calling too...thanks for a great time Chris.

I read the whole post 3 times and STILL didn't understand it. Are you asking for advice, or writing a book on how not to build guitars, or what?
I'm just confused.

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Old growth, shmold growth!

I thought the original post was pretty straightforward. But then again I read it.

I think you should do it. It'd be fun to do, right? Why not? Reminds me in a way of Robbie O'Brien's electric vid. "Now I know at least one person watching this is going to forget to put the truss rod in the slot."

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http://www.tinyhouseandland.com

I think you should go for it - just mention in the preface the short summary you described in your original post. I have "Writing A Book" somewhere on my bucket list - not sure what it's going to be about yet, but have a couple things running around in my head. If you are going for more of a technical manual approach, do the research and just do it. I would love to write a book on the topic with no specific instructions, Zen Shi#, ya know? GL man.

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"Talking about music is like dancing over architecture".
See the most insane first guitar build: http://www.virgilguitar.com
http://www.youtube.com/VirgilGuitar

I dunno. All I know is, One can NEVER have too much Pink Ivory...NEVER!...

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Old growth, shmold growth!

I dunno. All I know is, One can NEVER have too much Pink Ivory...NEVER!...

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Old growth, shmold growth!

You people and your pink ivory! sheesh!

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"Talking about music is like dancing over architecture".
See the most insane first guitar build: http://www.virgilguitar.com
http://www.youtube.com/VirgilGuitar

This should make a nifty guitar. Bookmatched flamed Pink Ivory headstock, with matching fretboard and bridge, with Purpleheart binding.

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Old growth, shmold growth!

Good to see you have a sense of humor Chris.

I was hoping my current project would go smooth without any bad things happening but it didn't.

Everything went very good until it was time to glue the fretboard on. I had purchased the pins and bit
from Stu-Mac but lost them. I went for it anyway thinking I'd be fine because I knew it could move
so no biggy....kept center-line but it slid @ 1/8" towards the head.
Tele style so I made the bridge pup cavity a little larger. True to form- spending time working my way out of
trouble that I caused.
No I'm not going to write a book. No I don't need help....although I think my attempt at humor may have
been helped with the addition of those little yellow fellows.

At least the bad things that have happened in every build haven't been the same. I guess it's
the amount of them that's so disappointing.
Still looking forward and trying for the one that goes as planned.

Chris, I too apologize for making fun of your reply. It was in fun and meant no harm.

I have 4 or 5 more matched sets like that.

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Old growth, shmold growth!

Chris, one cannot have too many guitars!!!!!!!

The one with the most guitars wins!

I had to laugh at your comment about how "not" to build them. Oh the mistakes I've made.

I´m writing a book myself! Called “HOW TO PLAY A GUITAR IN THREE SIMPLE STEPS”,
So far the first 3 chapter titles are:
1- TAKE THAT DUMB LOOK OF YOUR FACE
2- THERE ARE 3 THINGS YOU DO NOT LEND; CARS, GIRLS, & GUITARS
3- YOU CAN FORGET YOUR UNDERWEAR BUT NEVER YOUR GUITAR PICK.

Oh boy to I KNOW that! I seemed to be the only one in my "group" who ended up with the same gear he started with

I said don’t lend your equipment, not to stop borrowing it! Ask the girl next door to lend you her new equipment dude!