(Guitar). The definitive work on the design and construction of an acoustic archtop guitar by one of the most talented luthiers of the twentieth century. Benedetto walks the reader through all aspects of construction through to marketing your finished work. Includes a list of suppliers to acquire all the tools and materials listed; a list of serial numbers for Benedetto guitars; full-color plates featuring the author's models; photos from the author's personal scrapbook of players who endorse his guitars; and fold-out templates for construction. 8-1/2 x 11 .

The Art Of Lutherie offers a glimpse into the mind and craft of luthier Tom Bills, whom many consider to be one of the most talented luthiers today. In this beautifully written and enjoyable read, Tom elegantly and clearly shares his best- kept secrets and methods of custom guitar making - those which make his guitars favorites among top collectors and players. Tom's unique approach to The Art Of Lutherie will empower and inspire you to create more than just a guitar, but a truly unique work of art. The information that is generously shared within this insightful and timeless work is both practical and applicable. It contains the same hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of experience and experimentation that Tom uses in creating his inspiring instruments. Over the years, he has producedinstruments considered to be some of the bestsounding guitars ever made. Learning the steps of how to build a guitar is important, but understanding whymaster luthiers take those steps and make those decisions can empower you to make your own educated choices. This will allow you to create unique guitars, and the world needs your art, your guitars - your important contribution. The Art Of Lutherie, a truly unique and inspiring guide, can prepare you to reach new heights when designing and creating unique guitars. It is not often I heap such lavish praise on people; however, Tom is in this case more than deserving: I know of no other luthier whose work I respect more. Tom knows his craft inside and out; he pours his soul into every guitar he makes; heuses cutting-edge science to guide his work, and it shows...as head of Artist Relations and Product Development at Mel Bay, it gives me great pleasure topublish Tom's work, which will no doubt take the art of lutherie to a new level. I hope you'll spend some time soaking in this book - it will certainly augmentyour musicality - Collin Bay. Includes access to online video

(Book). Every guitarist dreams of owning a handmade instrument, but for most, the cost is likely to be prohibitive. The alternative building your own fine guitar is not as difficult as you might imagine, given some skill, patience, and the expert guidance of a master luthier. Every step of construction is fully covered, from choice, selection, and preparation of woods, to consideration of size, bracing, and tonal qualities. Each step of the building sequence is clearly photographed in color, with variations to the standard design shown to enable you to personalize your instrument as you make it. Briston, England-based Jonathan Kinkead has been building guitars for nearly 30 years. His craft is born out of experience and intuition rather than a strict following of technical detail. The resulting beauty of form and distinctive tone have earned him his reputation as one of the world's most respected independent luthiers.

Master guitar maker J.P. Laplante shares the joy of guitar-making in this book. Here is an illustrated step-by-step guide to Building an Electric Archtop Guitar. Building an electric archtop guitar can be a pretty intimidating project but, it becomes much less so if you're guided, step-by-step, through the building process. With almost 20 years of experience in custom guitar making, the author details the step-by-step making of an electric archtop guitar using commercially available laminated top and back plates. Laminated plates have been the standard used on the vast majority of electric archtops since the 50's, and definitely represent a cost and time effective solution, especially for those tackling a first archtop project. Complete and comprehensive, all aspects of the construction are covered, from the initial design stage to the very final setup. The text is supported by over 300 high-resolution colour photographs positioned throughout the 15 chapters of the book. These pictures were taken as the three guitars featured on the back and front cover of the book were being built. For more info/background, visit my website at www.laplanteguitars.com

A complete reference for the design and construction of the steel-string folk guitar and the classical guitar.

If you think that making a guitar is impossible, then this book is for you. The only one of its' kind, this book will teach you how to make a laminated archtop guitar. It can be done in a relatively small space and does not require many tools or expensive machinery, just a desire to do it. The book came about as the result of a suggestion and urging of my friend, Bob Benedetto. Because no other book is available for this type on construction, it is written in an easy to understand format and is priced so that almost anyone can afford it. It contains drawings and pictures with step by step easy to follow instructions so as to eliminate any guesswork. This book took four years to complete and is designed to help someone who wants to make this kind of guitar. It should serve as an excellent guide.

New York Times bestselling author Allen St. John started off looking for the world’s greatest guitar, but what he found instead was the world’s greatest guitar builder. Living and working in Rugby, Virginia (population 7), retired rural mail carrier Wayne Henderson is a true American original, making America's finest instruments using little more than a pile of good wood and a sharp whittling knife. There's a 10-year waiting list for Henderson's heirloom acoustic guitars—and even a musical legend like Eric Clapton must wait his turn. Partly out of self-interest, St. John prods Henderson into finally building Clapton's guitar, and soon we get to pull up a dusty stool and watch this Stradivari in glue-stained blue jeans work his magic. The story that ensues will captivate you with its portrait of a world where craftsmanship counts more than commerce, and time is measured by old jokes, old-time music, and homemade lemon pies shared by good friends.