Another Newbie - Newcastle

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Stuntman
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Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by Stuntman » Tue Sep 18, 2012 11:49 am

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
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by Bruce McC » Tue Sep 18, 2012 12:21 pm

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
Bruce Mc.

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auscab
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by auscab » Tue Sep 18, 2012 12:30 pm

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.

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Dominic
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by Dominic » Tue Sep 18, 2012 1:26 pm

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
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but you can't bomb the world to peace!

jeffhigh
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by jeffhigh » Tue Sep 18, 2012 1:58 pm

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

geoffrod
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by geoffrod » Tue Sep 18, 2012 2:31 pm

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
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by nnickusa » Tue Sep 18, 2012 2:53 pm

+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 :wink:

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.... :roll:
I wish I was half the man my dog thinks I am....

Cheers,
Nick

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68matts
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by 68matts » Tue Sep 18, 2012 7:20 pm

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 :lol:
Matt

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ozwood
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by ozwood » Tue Sep 18, 2012 7:44 pm

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,
Paul .

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ozziebluesman
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by ozziebluesman » Tue Sep 18, 2012 10:14 pm

Hi Shawn,

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

Cheers

Alan
"Play to express, not to impress"

Alan Hamley

http://www.hamleyfineguitars.com/

Stuntman
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by Stuntman » Wed Sep 19, 2012 12:02 am

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

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Dekka
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by Dekka » Wed Sep 19, 2012 12:35 am

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
"Tuoba-esra si od I gnihtyreve."

migal
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by migal » Wed Sep 19, 2012 6:00 am

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

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Nick
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by Nick » Wed Sep 19, 2012 6:22 am

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 :wink: 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 :mrgreen: .
"Jesus Loves You."
Nice to hear in church but not in a Mexican prison.

nnickusa
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by nnickusa » Wed Sep 19, 2012 9:40 am

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. :cl
I wish I was half the man my dog thinks I am....

Cheers,
Nick

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Bob Connor
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by Bob Connor » Wed Sep 19, 2012 6:10 pm

Hi Shawn and welcome.

Regards
Bob, Geelong
_______________________________________

Mainwaring and Connor Guitars

geoffrod
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by geoffrod » Tue Dec 04, 2012 7:09 am

geoffrod wrote: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

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Kim
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by Kim » Tue Dec 04, 2012 7:55 am

geoffrod wrote: 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. 8)

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

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kiwigeo
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by kiwigeo » Tue Dec 04, 2012 9:59 am

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

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Steve.Toscano
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by Steve.Toscano » Wed May 15, 2013 11:12 pm

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.

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Nick
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by Nick » Thu May 16, 2013 6:07 am

felix wrote: * 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. :lol: :lol:
"Jesus Loves You."
Nice to hear in church but not in a Mexican prison.

DaveW
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by DaveW » Thu May 16, 2013 9:48 am

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
The Older I Get The Better I was ?

DaveW
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by DaveW » Thu May 16, 2013 7:00 pm

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
The Older I Get The Better I was ?

simso
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by simso » Thu May 16, 2013 8:21 pm

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

Why do you need shielding for
Steve
Master of nothing,

Do your own repairs - http://www.mirwa.com.au/How_to_Series.html

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Nick
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Re: Another Newbie - Newcastle

Post by Nick » Fri May 17, 2013 5:48 am

simso wrote: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 :lol: :lol:
"Jesus Loves You."
Nice to hear in church but not in a Mexican prison.

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