Introduction
 

Hello, I’ve been reeding your forum for a while and decided to join. I’ve been woodworking for 30+ years and enjoy a challenging new project. I have a fairly well equipped shop and have seen many projects through to completion.
I built an F style mando a few years ago per Siminoff’s book so I’m not totally unfamiliar with building a musical instrument. I have 2 Martin Dreds.
I started building a guitar a few years ago but wrecked a few pieces of wood in a friend’s drum sander. I shelved it after that.
I would like to pick up the pieces and try again. I have A. Willis’ book but it doesn’t lead to the kind of guitar I want to build. I have Stewmac’s plan for a prewar OM and want to be faithful to that. Is there a better book on this than the one I have? I’ve got a few pieces and parts roughed out but I’m a little uncertain of how to proceed. I’ve got lots of questions. I am not interested in a kit. I don’t mind building jigs and fixtures.
Thank you for any recommendations.
- Splinters

Welcome, Splinters... glad to have you. I can't help with the appropriate book. You have a lot more talent in that area than I! Enjoy the AGF. :)

Here's a posting that I did for a small body all hog acoustic that I deeply love. The full CAD plan in pdf form is posted as well as details of the construction.

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=579732

I found the Grellier plan for an L-00 pretty good. There are also free downloads for a 00 and OM and ukulele.
https://www.grellier.fr/en/downloads.

My interest in building started about 45 years when my brother brought home the David Russell Young book. Lots of good info but might be outdated. I read every copy of Frets magazine and built my first banjo loosely out of the Scruggs book.

I started my first acoustic guitar build in 2019 after building a dozen banjos a flat top mandolin and a couple ukes. I have built 3 to date. I found this book very helpful, https://www.amazon.com/Acoustic-Guit.../dp/149220644X

There are several books out there and depending on your abilities and equipment may be right for different people.
You may find some at the library. You should probably read a few and watch build threads on the net and youtube videos so you have an idea whats going on before you start.
As info, I do not do kits or buy back/side sets, neck blanks etc. I cut everything from rough cut lumber with exception of the top. This creates a huge $ saving.

Good luck

Cumpiano / Natelson “Guitarmaking” is where I started. Little dated but solid. They do a classical and a steel string.

Jonathan Kinkead “Build Your Own Acoustic Guitar” - more up to date, lots of pictures, full size plans included.

Gore / Gilet - “Contemporary Acoustic Guitar”, two volumes, Design and Build. In case you want a college degree in luthiery, here’s the science.

Somogyi - “The Responsive Guitar” and “Making The Responsive Guitar”. A different approach to a college degree, lol.

Those last two are $$$. However, if you are interested in them, join StewMac’s StewMax club just for a year. 50% off books. After your first year, you’ll likely find cheaper materials/tools/component sources but the book savings can pay off.

I’ve tried to post a reply, but my connection times out too soon. I don’t see how to correct this in my profile. Help needed.

Just click "Remember Me" before you log in. Even if it logs you out, you can go BACK and retrieve your post.

Ask away, lot of talented people post here, good to see you not building a kit, kits are great for starting out and getting a notch under your belt, with you having already built an f mandolin, kit will teach you no new skills

Steve

I second the Cumpiano book, Guitarmaking, since you're building to a vintage plan It's as complete a book of how-to as you'll find in the older style of building, as far as I know.

+1 on the Kinkead book

Why does my time expire every 5 minutes? I have to constantly log back in. I barely have time to ask a question and i’m logged out.