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Old 04-15-2013, 05:04 AM
viento viento is offline
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Default Want to build my first guitar, an 8-string baritone

Iīm thinking of building my first guitar, an 8-string baritone, like Taylor has, but without cutaway.

Thereīs alot of questions I have, maybe someone could lend me a hand:

Iīm thinking of having an Engelman top. How thick should it be?
The sides + back will be of Indian rosewood. What thickness do you suggest?
Neck will be of hog. Fretboard ebony.

Other details are going to be thought of when the woods arrive at my door.

I guess the bracing has to be somewhat special... but I donīt know yet. Any suggestions (or links to templates)?
Kerfed linings - of mahogany or spruce, reverse or traditional?

I guess other questions will occur while working...

Thanks for any help!
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Martin D28 (1973)
12-string cutaway ...finished ;-)
Hoyer 12-string (1965)
Yamaha FG-340 (1970)
Yamaha FG-512 (ca. 1980)
D.Maurer 8-string baritone (2013-2014)
and 4 electric axes
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Old 04-15-2013, 07:14 AM
Tom West Tom West is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by viento View Post

I guess other questions will occur while working...
Viento: If you follow this route I think you will get into deep trouble. The first thing I think you should do is reconsider the baritone and go with a standard 6 string. Get a good book (Campiano/Natelson) is OK and a good plan, Stew-Mac have good ones, read and reread the book. Formulate a step by step plan in your head of how you are going to build your guitar. Then start building. The first few guitars are generally a study in woodworking. Steep learning curve especially for one who does not have woodworking skills. Good luck and have fun.
Tom
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Old 04-15-2013, 07:39 AM
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fetellier fetellier is offline
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That is an invitation for potential failure but it certainly not impossible even as a first guitar. As stated by Tom, do some research on line, buy some books and get as much information as you can before starting. I do not know if this is considered good practice on this forum to recommend another forum but I would suggest getting involved in one of the Luthier forums. My preference is the OLF http://www.luthiersforum.com/ which has a great search function for information and a lot of helpful builders who can help you along.

Fred
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Old 04-15-2013, 07:52 AM
KingCavalier KingCavalier is offline
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Agreed, you might want to start with a more "standard" build.
I had great hopes for my first build, It turned out well and I'm very happy with it
That said, it really was just a good wood working project. I'm working on #4 now and I still have a long way to go.

As for the OLF there is some very good info, guys like Fred are a great source. However I think folks here are far more friendly, they can be very harsh over there.

Just my 2 cents.
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Old 04-15-2013, 08:54 AM
arie arie is offline
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I guess the bracing has to be somewhat special... but I donīt know yet. Any suggestions (or links to templates)?
not necessarily special. just choose your materials and geometry carefully but you don't really need to go overboard because you're not building a 12 string.

google for plans & templates. many to choose from although none of a specific taylor design that i know of.

Iīm thinking of having an Engelman top. How thick should it be?
really depends upon the stiffness of the wood but imo anything under .115 would be in the danger zone.

The sides + back will be of Indian rosewood. What thickness do you suggest?
i like around .090 myself. again it depends upon your wood. q-sawn or slab? stiff or wimpy? back active or passive?

Kerfed linings - of mahogany or spruce, reverse or traditional?
no real preference here. i like reverse in cedro. smells cool and helps with the weight.

nothing wrong with jumping off into the deep end - i did, but research and questions will be your friend
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Old 04-15-2013, 09:08 AM
viento viento is offline
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Thanks for all of your proposals!

I admit, it may seem a bit overestimating to start building a guitar like I described above. My questions here are an addition to what I know and have read already.It always is better to have additional experiences and views from others who have a broad range of experiences.

History:
Some time ago I overhauled my old Hoyer 12-string, making a new bridge and a new curved ebony fretboard and reconstructing the inner support of the bridge. Just to reanimate the guitar I played when I was a student decades ago .

I have some experience with woodwork as former teacher of handicrafts.

As I already own a handful of 6- and 12-strings I would like to build a different one. I think there shouldnīt worlds between building a 6-string and an 8-string baritone.
I find it tempting to give it a try.

As to literature, I have an instruction book (Martin Koch) describing every step. And there is alot of information in the web

Yes, I know the first one will be imperfect in many a ways but building all by myself is demanding. I wouldnīt like to build a kit, a bit boring...

PS.:
I had the idea of the sides to be 0.09 +back , the top ca.0.11 or a tad more cause 8 strings will be pulling.
I appreciate the tip of cedro!
__________________
Thanks!




Martin D28 (1973)
12-string cutaway ...finished ;-)
Hoyer 12-string (1965)
Yamaha FG-340 (1970)
Yamaha FG-512 (ca. 1980)
D.Maurer 8-string baritone (2013-2014)
and 4 electric axes

Last edited by viento; 04-15-2013 at 09:25 AM.
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  #7  
Old 05-07-2013, 10:42 AM
viento viento is offline
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Just a little addition:
I decided to have walnut for the sides and the back.
Engelman for the top.

Does walnut need a filler before the laquer finish?
--------------

A little addition: I changed my intention to East Indian rosewood.
It should have somewhat better sound especially
in deeper regions.
Needs filler,too
__________________
Thanks!




Martin D28 (1973)
12-string cutaway ...finished ;-)
Hoyer 12-string (1965)
Yamaha FG-340 (1970)
Yamaha FG-512 (ca. 1980)
D.Maurer 8-string baritone (2013-2014)
and 4 electric axes

Last edited by viento; 05-20-2013 at 10:27 AM.
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