{"id":169,"date":"2022-02-07T05:55:25","date_gmt":"2022-02-07T10:55:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.wmercer.ca\/luthiers-log\/?page_id=169"},"modified":"2022-03-14T16:10:38","modified_gmt":"2022-03-14T20:10:38","slug":"the-luthiers-library","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.wmercer.ca\/luthiers-log\/lutherie\/the-luthiers-library\/","title":{"rendered":"The Luthier\u2019s Library"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mostly books that I have used or referred to while learning how to.<\/p>\n

A: My Bookshelf<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. \n
      \n
    1. \"\"McDonald, Graham,\u00a0The Bouzouki Book: A Workshop Guide to Building Irish Bouzoukis and Citterns<\/a><\/em>, Self-Published. ISBN 978-0646436029.
      \n

      \u201cA workshop guide to building Irish bouzoukis and citterns. In the past forty years bouzoukis, citterns and octave mandolins have become an essential part of acoustic music. The Bouzouki Book is the first, and only, book to guides the reader through the steps to build one of these fascinating stringed musical instruments. The book includes nearly 200 colour and B&W illustrations as well as plans for all major components.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

      This is my main reference for my first instrument build. The instructions are clear, the design process just makes sense, the jigs and tools are accessible, and, what the heck, I like the spiral-binding format.<\/li>\n

    2. \"\"McDonald, Graham,\u00a0The Mandolin Project<\/a>. Self-Published. ISBN 978-0646436029.
      \n

      \u201cSuited for first-time builders with limited woodworking skills as well as those looking for a challenge, this workshop manual features four mandolin projects that range from a simple flat top and back model to the more complex, fully carved \u201cA\u201d style mandolin. The accompanying narrative offers step-by-step instruction in a relaxed, conversational style that not only explains what and how something should be done but also why it\u2019s executed in that particular manner. A set of full-size, detailed plans pairs with photographs, diagrams, and illustrations to round out the instruction materials. The manual\u2019s informative introductory section featuring a comprehensive history of the mandolin, construction techniques through the ages, and color illustrations of rare instruments\u2014some of which have never been previously published\u2014enhances the appreciation of this ancient string instrument.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n

    3. \"\"Willis, Alex, \u201cStep-By-Step Guitar Making\u201d, Fox Chapel Publishing; (April 1 2007), ISBN-13: 978-1565233317.
      \n

      \u201cWith basic woodworking skills, a modest work space, and only a few special tools, even an amateur can make an instrument fit for the concert platform with this guide. Fully illustrated instructions guide the builder through the entire creative process from choosing materials for the guitar to stringing and setting up. The guitar created in this book is a steel-stringed cutaway orchestra model with 14 frets to the body joint. This pattern is ideal for the finger style player, providing excellent projection in bass, middle, and treble ranges. Plans are included for the entire instrument as well as detailed drawings of individual parts. This manual comes complete with instructions on how to tune the soundboard, place the frets accurately, and adjust the action for comfortable playing.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n

    4. \"\"Buchanan, George, \u201cThe Making of Stringed Instruments: A Workshop Guide\u201d, Batsford (March 1 2003), ISBN-13: 978-0713481402.
      \n

      \u201cExperienced woodworkers who may be interested in making a stringed instrument such as a violin, guitar, or mandolin are the audience for this book, which is in no way a beginner\u2019s guide to instrument making. The author uses the old European approach to tasks like carving, gluing, bracing, and finishing, so much so that the book might better be titled \u201cHow To Make Instruments the Old-Fashioned Way.<\/em>\u201d Times have changed, however, and instrument-making supply companies now offer a variety of purpose-built tools and woodworking supplies that greatly simplify and speed up the process described here. Books like Robert Benedetto\u2019s Making an Arch Top Guitar (Centerstream, 1996), William Cumpiano\u2019s Guitarmaking: Tradition and Technology (Chronicle, 1994), and Robert Alton\u2019s Violin and Cello Building and Repairing (1976) incorporate these newer approaches and would all be better choices for libraries.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n

    5. \"\"Troughton, John, \u201cThe Mandolin Manual: The Art, Craft and Science of the Mandolin and Mandola\u201d, Crowood Press (June 1 2002), ISBN-13: 978-1861264961 [Hardcover].
      \n

      \u201cThe Mandolin Manual is a detailed guide to constructing instruments belonging to the mandolin family: the mandolin, tenor mandola, and octave mandola. Logically structured and clearly written, it introduces the art of these beautiful instruments, describes the various techniques of the craft, and explains the science of their unique sound. The book includes: detailed instructions explaining the techniques for making a mandolin; chapters on the nature of wood, adhesives, and other materials for those new to woodworking; sections on the acoustics and dynamics of the bridge, belly, and sound box, as well as string technology, tone theory, optimum performance, and playability; an overview of the origins of mandolins; and grid\u2013scale plans for all the instruments\u2019 templates and critical dimensions.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n

    6. \"\"Forbes, Brian,\u00a0\u201cAcoustic Guitar Making: How to Make Tools, Templates, and Jigs\u201d<\/a>, Self-Published via Createspace (Sept. 14 2013), ISBN: 978-1492206446.
      \n

      \u201cThis book contains everything I wish I knew when I started making acoustic guitars over fifteen years ago. It is not an ABC book, but a companion that teaches many of the things that the other books leave out. In these pages are instructions for making tools, cutting blanks, inlaying exotic woods, and hand finishing guitars. The methods described revolve around doing more with less, and getting more out of the tools already in the shop. For the thrifty guitar maker who would rather build something than buy it, this book is the right choice.
      \n\u2022 Over 500 pages of text, with more than 1600 pictures and diagrams to thoroughly and completely explain more than 200 guitar making topics.
      \n\u2022 How to use small shop tools to re-saw blanks for guitar making instead of buying them, saving money and expanding wood choice.
      \n\u2022 Instructions for almost 50 tools, templates, and jigs that can be made right in the shop, saving thousands of dollars in tool costs. These include an electric side bending iron, fret slot duplicating jig, four different types of clamps, an inexpensive hide glue pot, and more.
      \n\u2022 An explanation of the use and abilities of several common shop tools, including several specialty tools that are specific to guitar making.
      \n\u2022 A detailed section on guitar making theory, which will expand the understanding of how a guitar works, and how small changes to the structure can have big effects on tone.
      \n\u2022 Several step by step guitar making methods that make some of the more difficult processes easier and smoother in the shop.
      \n\u2022 How to make inlaying easier by using a few common shop tools, and how to make several different styles of custom inlay.
      \n\u2022 Step by step instructions for making a custom soundhole label using a powerful free program called\u00a0Pixlr\u00a0<\/strong>(see      http:\/\/pixlr.com\/<\/a>\u00a0online -ed.<\/em>), to add the final touch to any guitar.
      \n\u2022 A thorough finishing section that teaches anyone how to apply an amazing finish without having to buy expensive spray equipment.
      \n\u2022 A guitar making and wood working glossary with thorough definitions and explanations of more than 600 terms.\u201d \u2013 Brian Forbes<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n

    7. \"\"Erlewine, Dan, and RacRostie, Don,\u00a0\u201cGuitar Finishing Step-By-Step (2nd Edition)\u201d<\/a>, Stewart MacDonald; Second edition (January 1, 2005), ISBN: 978-0977651900
      \n

      \u201cLearn from the pros: materials, equipment and techniques, plus three dozen recipes for famous finishes. This book helps give you the confidence to finish new instruments, refinish old ones, and perform flawless touch-ups.<\/p>\n

      The expanded 2nd edition features color stain mixing charts, a color gallery of vintage finishes, and detailed recipes for recreating them with professional results. Guitar Finishing Step-By-Step focuses on nitrocellulose lacquer, the most common guitar finish, but also includes additional information on varnishes, oils and French polishing. Dan Erlewine\u2019s color-illustrated essay guides you through the steps of modern water-base finishing, too. 188 pages, softcover.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n

    8. \"\"Siminoff, Roger H.,\u00a0\u201cThe Luthier\u2019s Handbook: A Guide to Building Great Tone in Acoustic Stringed Instruments\u201d<\/a>, 1 Feb. 2002, Hal Leonard, ISBN: 978-0634014680.
      \n

      \u201cAn essential item for the instrument builder, The Luthier\u2019s Handbook explores the secrets and science behind making good-sounding acoustic stringed instruments. Renowned author Roger H. Siminoff brings to the table more than four decades of luthiery experience and shares the time-tested philosophies, tips and technology of the craft. As the ideal complement to other books on building instruments, this text describes the structural and acoustical attributes of air chambers; what to listen for when tap-tuning; selecting a good piece of wood; placement of the braces and tone bars and how to tune them; how to select the right strings; what to consider in bridge design concepts; and much more. Includes a free String Gauge Calculator for determining the right set of strings.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      B: Books: From the Ottawa Library<\/h2>\n
        \n
      1. \n
          \n
        1. \"\"
          \n

          \u201cI recommend this not only to those involved in lutherie, but in woodworking of any kind. Simple, elegant, clean designs of jigs and tools to get the best performance from your router, tablesaw, bandsaw, and drillpress. Includes a well-made cross-cut sled that includes safety features not obvious to the average woodworker, as well as clamping aids, thickness aids, and miscellaneous sanding solutions.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n

        2. \"\"Robinson, Larry, \u201cThe Art of Inlay: Design and Technique for Fine Woodworking\u201d.
          \n

          \u201cThis dazzling showcase of the art of inlay provides artistic inspiration as well as how-to instruction and design insights written by the inlay artist for U2, Led Zeppelin, and many more. Over 100 color photographs show you exquisite inlays in musical instruments, wooden boxes, and various objets d\u2019art, while black-and-white photos and drawings guide you through the intricate process of creating your own. The book has been revised and expanded throughout, including an additional 16-page gallery of inlay examples.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n

        3. \"\"Benson, Jonathan, \u201cWoodworkers Guide to Bending Wood\u201c, Fox Chapel Publishing (January 1, 2009), ISBN-13: 978-1565233607
          \n

          \u201cThe art of bending wood confounds most woodworkers, yet it is surprisingly easy to do with the four basic methods in this complete guide. The techniques are presented in step-by-step photo sequences that leave nothing to the imagination and show woodworkers exactly how it\u2019s done: bending green wood or twigs, bending with heat or steam, and bending panels or laminations. There are seven step-by-step projects presented, including shaker boxes, a bow for an arrow, a rustic chair, the sides of a guitar, and bent panels used for tables and pedestals. All the necessary tools and equipment are discussed with an eye to budget and practicality, making this appeal to both amateur and professionals of all skill levels. \u2013 See more at: http:\/\/ottawa.bibliocommons.com\/item\/show\/187227026_woodworkers_guide_to_bending_wood#sthash.qXRi0jVp.dpuf\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n

        4. \"\"Kinkead, Jonathan, \u201cBuild Your Own Acoustic Guitar: Complete Instructions and Full-Size Plans\u201c, Hal Leonard; Softcover edition (Feb. 1 2004), ISBN-13: 978-0634054631
          \n

          \u201cEvery 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\u2019s most respected independent luthiers.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n

        5. Laskin, Grit<\/a> \u201cGrand Complications \u2013 50 Guitars + 50 Stories\"\"<\/span><\/a>
          \n

          \u201cGrand Complications is the story behind the story of fifty of these original designs from 2003 to the present. It is a look inside guitarmaker William \u2018Grit\u2019 Laskin\u2019s creative process: how he teases out a client\u2019s interests and intentions, how he develops and refines his ideas, and how he brings them to life in his mind and on paper. From \u2018Short Stories\u2019 that fill only the headstock of a guitar to full narratives that run the length of the neck, each inspired design is the product of research, deep thinking, and a little alchemy. Featured here are projects ranging from an homage to John Lennon to a paean to humpback whales to a tribute to the fall of the Berlin Wall.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          C: Other Books<\/h2>\n

          Books I have heard of, but not had the good fortune to read\u2026<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. \n
              \n
            1. \"\"Siminof, Roger H., \u201cArt of Tap Tuning How to Build Great Sound into Instruments Book\/DVD<\/a>\u201c, Hal Leonard; Pap\/DVD edition (December 1, 2006), ISBN-13: 978-1423423270
              \n

              \u201cThis book explains the secret ingredients needed to obtain the very best tonal qualities when building acoustic string instruments. It includes an exploration of the tools and equipment needed, the methods to excite tones in the instrument, how to make the necessary changes, and how to achieve consistency and repeatability. The text focuses on tap tuning as it relates to mandolins, guitars, banjos, violins, ukuleles, dulcimers, pianos, and more. The DVD includes demonstrations of the acoustic phenomena described in the text.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

              Additional online content athttp:\/\/siminoff.net\/pages\/siminoff_book_editcorexTAP.html<\/a><\/li>\n

            2. \"\"Benedetto, Robert, \u201cMaking an Archtop Guitar<\/a>\u201c, Centerstream Publications; Softcover edition (Jan. 1 1996), ISBN-13: 978-1574240009
              \n

              \u201cThe 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\u2019s models; photos from the author\u2019s personal scrapbook of players who endorse his guitars; and fold-out templates for construction. 8-1\/2 x 11 \u201c<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

              Recommended by the Luthierist Podcast.<\/li>\n

            3. \"\"Laskin, Grit, \u201cA Guitarmakers Canvas<\/a>\u201c, Backbeat Books; Hardcover edition (Sept. 1 2003), ISBN-13: 978-0879307561
              \n

              \u201cThis gorgeous book has over 240 colour images, highlighting 90 selected inlays drawn from the last 15 years. Grit\u2019s running commentary, taking you \u201cbackstage,\u201d accompanies every image. It also has a chapter tha follows him through a complex inlay from concept to completion, a guest chapter on the history of inlay by Chuck Erikson, the Duke of Pearl, and lots more.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

              \u201cOver the years, Grit Laskin has made impressive contributions to the craft of inlay and of guitarmaking. In doing so, he has elevated both to the level of art. His beautiful new book is an in depth perspective on his art. One of the most respected masters in the field, Laskin, is a recipient of Canada\u2019s prestigious Saidye Bronfman Award for Excellence In The Crafts and a founder of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans (ASIA). His book, which features a stunning collection of photos of his work, is another gift to the art.<\/p>\n

              Laskin begins with a brief biographical sketch which is low keyed, the opening section included photos of Laskin\u2019s first basement shop and subsequent modest facilities. We also learn about the artists approach to guitar construction as separate from the inlay process and to the business of guitarmaking. Much of this first section focuses on the collaborative web independent guitarmaking scene of Toronto in the 70\u2019s and 80\u2019s and the synergy between Laskin, Larriv\u00e9e and De Jonge and other.<\/p>\n

              There is also a well done section about the history of inlay and a helpful section on his method for drawing, cutting and installing his inlays. This later section has a brief but effective overview of the tools and techniques and includes excellent photos illustrations. In it, Laskin includes valuable discussions about the role of reconstructed stone and ablam as part of his palette of materials.<\/p>\n

              The final two thirds of this book is a collection of exquisite photographs of Grit\u2019s guitars taken by Brian Pickell. These are accompanied by comments on each work from the author\/artist. Through these words and pictures we are given a glimpse into the creative process. Written in a conversational tone this is Laskin\u2019s invitation to the reader to eaves drop on the some of the thought processes that led up to each design.<\/p>\n

              All this being said, Laskin\u2019s art, rendered in shell, stone, and wood speaks eloquently for itself. Pickell\u2019s photos capture the genius of both the breathtaking overall designs and the super-realistic details which cause these works to soar. This book offers the reader a window into the creative process. Think of it as this exquisite stained glass window with a clear center piece through which we view the work of a master artist.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n

            4. \"\"Cumpiano, William and Natelson, Jonathan,\u00a0\u201cGuitarmaking: Tradition and Technology\u201d<\/a> Chronical Books, Paperback \u2013 August 1, 1994, ISBN-13: 978-0811806404.\u00a0A complete reference for the design and construction of the steel-string folk guitar and the classical guitar.
              \n

              \u201cWilliam Cumpiano and Jonathan Natelson\u2019s book on building an acoustic Steel String guitar and Classical guitars is by no means dated (unless you consider the time it was published). Nowhere have I found information on building guitars as complete as in this fine publication.
              \nGuitarmaking: Tradition and Technology is very well written and what was true then still holds true to this day!<\/p>\n

              Other books (and I have them all) come nowhere near the level of instruction that you will find in this book. Some will show you how to do a particular task but the Cumpiano and Natelson book tells you why!<\/p>\n

              Please know that one can spend a small fortune on unnecessary tools and books setting up a shop. Most tools for acoustic guitar building have remained the same in all these years so endless updates is unnecessary. William Cumpiano has updates at his website for those who are interested.<\/p>\n

              When one of my students ask me what should be the first book to buy? I tell them they can\u2019t do any better in the fundemental knowledge gained from Guitarmaking: Tradition and Technology.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

              Recommended by The Luthierist Podcast.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              D: Other Stuff<\/h2>\n

              Stuff, Other<\/p>\n

              E: Unsorted<\/h2>\n
              Andrew Allan<\/a>. Book;\u00a0The Art of Guitar Making & Major Repairs\u00a0<\/em>.
              \n              The Bold Strummer Ltd<\/a>. Lutherie books.
              \nBray Baroque publications have two new publications which should be interesting to luthiers. \u201c              Unequal Temperaments<\/a>\u201d and \u201cBaroque Keyboard Fingering<\/a>\u201c.
              \n              Build Your Guitar<\/a>, Martin Koch, has many books on guitar building in English and German.
              \n              Montagnana Books<\/a>\u00a0Check out the books on the violin and other quality stuff!
              \n              National Music Museum<\/a>\u00a0offers a virtual gallery tour and a list of available technical drawings for sale.
              \nThe\u00a0              Research Repository of Stringed Musical Instrument Technology<\/a>\u00a0is a web based open access repository of previously published research articles on all technical aspects of stringed musical instruments.<\/div>\n
              Henry Strobel<\/a>\u00a0has published a series of violin making tomes that have been well received and widely acclaimed in the lutherie community over the years.<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              Mostly books that I have used or referred to while learning how to. A: My Bookshelf McDonald, Graham,\u00a0The Bouzouki Book: A Workshop Guide to Building Irish Bouzoukis and Citterns, Self-Published. ISBN 978-0646436029. \u201cA workshop guide to building Irish bouzoukis and citterns. In the past forty years bouzoukis, citterns and octave mandolins have become an essential …
              Continue reading The Luthier\u2019s Library<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":92,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-169","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.wmercer.ca\/luthiers-log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/169","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.wmercer.ca\/luthiers-log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.wmercer.ca\/luthiers-log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.wmercer.ca\/luthiers-log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.wmercer.ca\/luthiers-log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=169"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.wmercer.ca\/luthiers-log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/169\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":951,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.wmercer.ca\/luthiers-log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/169\/revisions\/951"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.wmercer.ca\/luthiers-log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/92"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.wmercer.ca\/luthiers-log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=169"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}