Luthiers? books?

Maldoror

i'm interested in building instruments.
i've begun on a project to copy phono-fiddle made by a Romanian Roma. but i'm interested to begin now on a parlor guitar.
does anyone know of any books for beginning luthiers? are there some classic and comprehensive luthier handbooks that you know of? not selmer yet...just something on the basics.

also, what's the best internet forum for luthiers?

Digger

My particular favourites are:
'Making Master Guitars' by Roy Courtnall and 'Guitarmaking' by William Cumpiano. I have a slight preference for the Courtnall book, it seems a little easier to follow, but you won't go far wrong with either.

Jack

Small world--Cumpiano's shop is right down the street from me!

aRealGypsy

i wonder if it is a hell of a lot cheaper to make your own guitar?

lets say For instance is it cheaper to make a Selmac yourself? or would it end up costing about the same to buy a selmac copy?

Digger

aRealGypsy wrote:

i wonder if it is a hell of a lot cheaper to make your own guitar?

It's a hell of a lot more expensive. Going to that amount of trouble to make one guitar would be lunacy.

Maldoror

well isn't that ironic...i bought those two books off ebay the other day along with 100 years of gibson guitars all in one auction...all hardbacks..and a steal b/c the master guitar book is $78:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0238223368

I bought the CUMPIANO book when I was in highschool and wanted to start building guitars.. i almost did..i had the plans drawn and a few jigs cut and then i had to order the wood....which is when i gave up..especially b/c i wanted to make a guitar out of koa.