Another Newbie - Newcastle

[Stuntman]

Hi all,

Another newbie, this time based in Newcastle.

Having just hit the big 40, I've found its time to get onto getting a few of the "always wanted to do" things underway and have started to learn to play acoustic. I also have a strong desire to build a guitar as well. I am not sure which came first though - wanting to learn to play, or wanting to build a guitar. But I figure they go well enough together not to matter too much at this point in time.

I have some experiance coming from a model building background, including some composites and vacuum bagging, so the woodworking part doesn't faze me. Its the where to start part that I am finding a bit overwhelming.

I have looked at the "kits" (like stew mac, etc) but for the most part they have way too much already done and are not for me - I want to build from scratch. Can anybody offer some advice on where to start.

thanks, Shawn

[Bruce McC]

Hi Shawn, welcome to the forum. As you are based in Newcastle you could
check out the Australian Guitar Making School at Toronto.

http://www.guitarmakingschool.com

[auscab]

Hi Shawn,
It's a funny thing the big 40 , I did a lot of "always wanted to do" things, and then I went back to the guitar, playing and then a first build.

There is a whole lot of books that can be recommended, that's a good start . and the one that did me was , Build Your Own Acoustic Guitar by Jonathan Kinkead.

[Dominic]

Yeah, I found the Kinkead book really useful for my first guitar. He steers a nice line through the subject and does not digress too much so you get just what you need and nothing else. The only thing you would do differently is use radius dishes for the top and back. But he steps through the process from start to finish with clear pictures and concise text. I had other books and still reference them all but Kinkead was my go to book for the first few guitars.
Once you have built a few and find you are addicted then get the Gore Gilet books.

Cheers
Dom

[jeffhigh]

You are welcome to come and have a chat here at Caves Beach
Jeff

[geoffrod]

Hey stuntman,
Im in newie as well.
hit the 40 mark a few years ago, and am looking to sign up to strato's school at toronto in December.

[nnickusa]

+1 for Kinkade's book. Wife got it for me a X-mas last, and I haven't looked back.

Keep in mind, all the incidentals and tools cost more than a store-bought, but you'll be able to use it all for the next 2,3,4,5, well, you get the idea.....

Bet you can't stop at just one

I used many and varied techniques and tools to complete tasks that would likely make these guys shudder to think of it all, but it's working for me. Unorthodox seems to be my practise....

[68matts]

Hi Shawn, welcome aboard. I'm nearby at Weston, if you want a chat or check out my messy shit fight of a workshop, just let me know.
As Bruce said a building course is a great place to start and I've only heard good things about Strato's course at Toronto. If the cost of a course is a bit out of your reach I think the Gore / Gilet books would be a good starting point. The design book might be a bit over your head to start ( that was certainly the case for me ) with but the build book is a great guide for any level of experience, especially the sections on jigs and moulds.
Anyway good luck and welcome to a life of dust allergies and empty bank accounts

[ozwood]

Hi Shawn ,


Welcome, I'm also located in Newcastle , I started by doing my first guitar with Strato at the AGMS at Toronto , my build method is a lot differently to the way I learnt at Strato's, But I would'nt change a thing if I did it again , it set me up for a really good grounding and a bit of a fast track to Guitar making, I'd Give Strato a Call , he's also conversant with all of Trevor Gore's methods , so that will set you up for a Start, if you decide to make more than one , and you will.
Your also welcome to come and visit my workshop if you would like , I'd definatly take up Jeff's offer and Visit him , I have learnt heaps from Jeff .

Any way good luck with it all.

Cheers,

[ozziebluesman]

Hi Shawn,

Welcome to our forum. I hope you enjoy the journey learning how to build guitars. Its such a great hobby.

Cheers

Alan

[Stuntman]

Thanks for the welcome guys.

I'll definetly take up the invites for a workshop visit or two, get hold of the Kinkead book, have a look at the Gore Gilet books and I'll give Strato a call.

cheers, Shawn

[Dekka]

Ditto to Paul. I'm also from Newy. Also built one with Strato and now have caught the bug. Be warned...once you enter, there is no turning back.
Welcome

[migal]

A Luthiers Get Together and another newie from Newie.

Hi
Mike's my name and I make or rather try to make ukes and banjo ukes.

For your interest there is a big Ukulele festival coming up in October and we are expecting a few hundred ukers will be there.

When: On Friday 26th October a time has been set aside from 2pm until 4pm (or whenever) for an informal get together of Luthiers from the Newie area.

Where: The Croation Club at Wickham, around the corner from the Wicko PUb.

Why: An excuse to meet other Luthiers in this area, talk Ukuleles, have a quiet ale or two and promote your business amongst the many Uke enthusiasts attending this exciting Festival.

See you there
Mike

[Nick]

Welcome to the forum Guys, great to have lots of new faces around the place.
Shawn, I always found it useful to get as many books together as possible (depending on your budget of course) & do as much reading about it before you actually start any practical work. Reading books & asking questions here will give you a good idea of what sort of tools you'll need & a possible starting point. Personally I got scrap side material and started by heat bending sides, just playing around discovering how to do it & what I could get away with, sides, at that time, seemed to be the trickiest part of the process to me so my focus was on that, along with shooting a good soundboard joint. Of course once I'd made a few the sides became the easy part and I discovered that getting the top balance right (trying to fashion the top & bracing into a position that will produce the sound you hear in your head) then became the focus.....and still is .

[nnickusa]

The other thing I do is to use the search function here alot. Invariably, someone has/was/is asking the same questions I have. Then, I can refine my query to ask the brains trust in here for information and advice.

Very helpful bunch around here.

[Bob Connor]

Hi Shawn and welcome.

Regards

[geoffrod]

Hey stuntman,
Im in newie as well.
hit the 40 mark a few years ago, and am looking to sign up to strato's school at toronto in December.

well i'm booked to start at strato's tonight, cant wait.
I am really excited to and eager to learn all i can.
i would like to keep a diary of my very first build so i just might start a new thread as i go along.
cheers
geoff

[Kim]

i would like to keep a diary of my very first build so i just might start a new thread as i go along.
cheers
geoff

Looking forward to watching the journey Geoff.

Oh and by the way, welcome to the forum, you too Mike.

Must have missed the original intro but better late than not at all.

Cheers

Kim

[kiwigeo]

Welcome on board guys and thanks for taking the time to introduce yourselves.

[Steve.Toscano]

Wow, didn't realise there was so many of us in Newcastle.....
I also started out at Strato's school. highly recommended.

* sorry for digging up an old thread.

[Nick]

* sorry for digging up an old thread.

*Had me going! was reading all the posts until I saw one from myself....confused the hell out of me (doesn't take much these days) until I looked at the post date.

[DaveW]

Hi Shawn
Robbie Obriens online course is really good
really good value compared to what you may end up spending on wood ,tools etc
and it is so much easier seeing someone do something while hes explaining it instead of just reading about it
Dave

[DaveW]

hey Nick
obviously senility has hit me worse
I needed you to tell me it was an old post ...................................obviously I aint better than I was ???
Dave

[simso]

Opening a can of worms......................

Why do you need shielding for

[Nick]

Opening a can of worms......................

Why do you need shielding for

Think you may have posted that in the wrong thread Steve, this thread is becoming more a comment on the effect of old age on luthiers