Resources
A comprehensive hub for lutherie knowledge and resources
A Brief History of Finishes on American Guitars, by Jeff Jewitt
Finishes used on fretted instruments like guitars, lutes, and violins play a key role in the performance and quality of the instrument. While there are countless debates on whether finishes detract or add to the sound quality, the main purpose of a finish is to protect the instrument and add to its aesthetic appeal. Without finish, a wooden instrument would react more quickly to changes in humidity and eventually self-destruct. Plus, a finish deepens the color of the wood, and adds depth and luster which makes it visually more appealing and more playable.
Selecting a Finish, by Jeff Jewitt
Before you start your next furniture project, consider a finish's appearance, its method of application, and its durability.
Interview with Robert O’Brien for GAL
Interview about Robert’s life and career published at Guild of American Luthiers.
Professional Luthier Interview - Robert O’Brien - Uke Magazine
Interview with Robert O’Brien for the Uke Magazine
The Major Advantages of Hide Glue
Hide glue is water-soluble, non-toxic, and forms strong, durable bonds that are easily reversible, making it ideal for repairs. Despite its thermal limitations and short open time, it is preferred for its ability to create precise joints, its capacity to be reheated and reused, and its compatibility with traditional woodworking techniques. Different gram strengths of hide glue cater to specific applications, with higher strengths favored for high-stress joints, especially in stringed instruments.
Health Hazards in the Shop, by Robert O’Brien
Explore essential insights into identifying and managing health hazards, with practical tips and best practices to ensure safety and compliance in various environments. Learn how to minimize risks effectively through proper safety measures, equipment usage, and adherence to regulations. Perfect for anyone committed to maintaining high health and safety standards.
Transitional Arm Bevel Construction Notes, by Rolando Padron
These notes are just my personal observations that made making my second arm bevel easier than the first. It also incorporates some of the comments Kent made in the video as alternatives and also some that were so quick and subtle, that it is possible to not catch them while watching the video and appreciate the benefit of applying his comments in your bevel design. Please note, I want to respect Kent’s hard work on his video, and I am therefore not including design parameters and dimensions, as these are included on his dvd, and I highly recommend it to any who want to learn how to execute it into their builds.
How I Make a Cantilever Armrest, by Rolando Padron
Learn how to craft a cantilever armrest for acoustic guitars, a design that enhances both comfort and sound quality without compromising the instrument’s aesthetics. This detailed guide by Rolando Padron, known as Rolo, covers the step-by-step process, from selecting the right materials to shaping and installing the armrest. With tips on achieving a professional finish and maximizing the guitar’s resonance, this resource is perfect for luthiers looking to add a functional and visually appealing element to their builds.
The classical guitar soundboards and their bracing, by Daniel Friederich
Daniel Friederich explores the evolution of classical guitar soundboards and bracing systems, from historical innovations to modern techniques. He examines the acoustic impacts of symmetrical and asymmetrical designs, the properties of different woods, and the ongoing quest for the ideal balance between structure and tone. This insightful text offers valuable perspectives for luthiers and guitar enthusiasts interested in the nuanced craft of guitar making, highlighting the delicate decisions that define a guitar's unique voice and character.
Martin Myths and Other Nonesense: from the workbench of John Greven
Dive into the fascinating world of Martin guitars with John Greven, a seasoned craftsman who debunks the myths and sets the record straight on the intricacies of Martin guitar construction. Drawing from his invaluable experience as the shop foreman at Gruhn Guitars during the vintage instrument renaissance, Greven reveals how every structural change made by Martin was driven by engineering needs, not tonal aspirations. Discover the real stories behind the X Brace, the Tongue Brace, the T Bar, and the use of materials like Sitka spruce and hide glue. With insights on the true costs and misconceptions of premium woods like Brazilian rosewood, this piece is a treasure trove for guitar enthusiasts.
Well Oiled with Adamson
Discover the art of achieving a flawless wood finish with Stewart Adamson, winner of the Henry Flack award for best finish at the Woodworker Show. In this detailed guide, Adamson demystifies oil finishing, presenting it as a simple yet highly effective alternative to traditional methods like French polish and spray finishes. His approach, perfected through years of crafting classical guitars, lutes, and balalaikas, addresses common finishing challenges and provides a step-by-step procedure adaptable to various woodworking projects. The article emphasizes the importance of meticulous surface preparation utilizing advanced abrasives like 'Micromesh,' originally developed for the aerospace industry, to yield ultra-smooth, scratch-free surfaces. Adamson also highlights the aesthetic benefits of oil finishes, such as a natural satin sheen and easy maintenance. Whether you're working on a delicate musical instrument or any woodworking piece, this method promises exceptional results without the hassle of weather-dependent conditions or complex setups.
UV Cured Finishing for Guitars, by Brian Howard
As a lifelong wood finisher and former contractor for small guitarmakers across North America, I've honed my skills with various sprayed finish systems such as Conversion Varnish, Epoxy Urethane, and Nitro. Yet, transitioning to UV-cured finishes posed new challenges despite my experience. Anticipating a shift in industry standards, where shops may soon rely solely on CA repairs and water-based systems (which are suboptimal for guitars) or transition to UV curing, I present this guide to navigating high-quality and suitably thin UV-cured guitar finishes.
Technical note on collecting spectrographic data, by Trevor Gore
Learn how to generate a precise frequency response chart using techniques like mechanical vibration or the popular impulse method with a small hammer. Uncover the secrets of using a software spectrum analyser to transform your home computer into a sophisticated measurement lab. Dive into details on setting key parameters such as sample size and sampling frequency, and find out why precise frequency resolution is crucial for guitar builders.
Luthier on Luthier: Robbie O’Brien [Podcast]
Today, Robbie O’Brien is well-known for his growing catalog of online guitar making courses as well as his popular one-on-one guitar making classes. On Episode 14, he and his wife Adrianna tell us about his start building guitars in São Paulo, Brazil, his teaching philosophy and how the act of building a guitar can be transformative for many of his students. Robbie has carved out a unique niche for himself as a guitarmaker and educator. He admits, “I never planned a career like this.”
Luthier on Luthier Podcasts
A collection of articles, interviews, and podcasts focused on the art and craft of lutherie. This content highlights the experiences, techniques, and stories of luthiers, providing insights into the world of instrument building and repair. A valuable resource for anyone interested in the intricacies of creating stringed instruments and the personalities behind the craft.