"This book is a history of guitar making in the US since the folk revival of the 1960s. Based largely on the author's interviews, it includes chapters on the rise of the modern independent luthier movement, recent developments at Martin, at Gibson, and at Taylor- especially regarding the use of technology and ways it is in tension with these companies' traditions and ways it honors their traditions-the changing, though still robust market, and the effect of foreign competition on American builders"--

Beginning with a comparison of the American acoustic guitar world in the early 1960s with that of today, then describing iconic performances at storied venues such as The Ark in Ann Arbor while meticulously researching the instrument’s top makers, Smith assembles a passion-filled and eye-opening history of that “cool wooden box” from the folk era through the pandemic. The author focuses on both the playing and making of the acoustic guitar, concluding that the instrument has been transformed in both aspects during the last sixty years. On the playing side, Smith examines the influences on, and the impact of, such guitarists as David Bromberg, Elizabeth Cotten, Paul Geremia, and Norman Blake. On the making side, the author takes the reader into the tradition-minded yet dynamic world of lutherie. He traces how the oldest, most revered companies whose reputations are based on legendary breakthroughs in lutherie, Gibson and Martin, have adapted as the new lutherie movement of innovative small-scale producers, exemplified by interviewees such as Michael Gurian, Bill Collings, Richard Hoover, and Dana Bourgeois, arose. Starting small and then growing exponentially, Taylor Guitars is a wholly different “player” in acoustic guitar building, and Smith compellingly tells its story. Finally, Cool Wooden Box considers the effects of globalization on the industry. Clocking thousands of miles and hours of interviews with guitar makers, suppliers, and sellers, W. Rand Smith has created not only a detailed history of the acoustic guitar, but also a lasting tribute to an instrument he so clearly reveres.

Written instructions, photographs, designs, patterns, and projects.

Down through the ages, woodworkers have crafted boxes for many reasons. Of course, the predominant reason is that of storage for anything from documents and photos to collectibles, tools, and jewelry. The 14 projects featured here offer variety and months of workshop enjoyment. Make a box for showing off precious pieces of figured wood or your finely honed skills. Build gift boxes that will delight loved ones and provide them with a special container for storing treasured heirlooms. Whatever your motivation, the box designs here are both functional and decorative. Box making does not typically involve a lot of wood and most boxes can be built over the course of just a few days. Each project contains easy-to-follow, step-by-step illustrated instructions, dimensioned drawings, cut lists, and lists of suggested items needed to complete the boxes.

This craftsman's companion celebrates 31 of the woodturners, furniture artists, and elite craftsmen from around the world who have taken box-making to a higher level of aesthetic form. Each artist’s profile includes full-color, studio-quality photographs of their most spectacular work, along with insights on their design ideas and objectives.

Step-by-step guide to building your own wooden boxes using only your tablesaw, even if you've never made anything with your tablesaw before. This guide shows you the same method I use to make the boxes I sell in my Etsy shop. These boxes sell for $79 in my shop and I'm showing you exactly how I make them. This box making method only requires a tablesaw. No special jigs or attachments are used.

Featuring 400 outstanding works that range from traditional to wildly contemporary, this superb gallery celebrates the art of the wooden box. The wonderfully wide variety of styles includes traditional jewelry and keepsake, turned, and tool boxes; miniature treasure chests; and sculptural work. Each one has been personally chosen by renowned boxmaker Tony Lydgate, and appears in an exquisite color plate; many of the boxes also come with detailed images that reveal important construction secrets. The selection includes pieces by a distinguished group of artists.