Lutherie Resources and Links
I have been very fortunate to receive a lot of help and advice from many extraordinarily people. I have also spent nearly two decades reading everything I can to learn about the many facets of guitar building. This page includes links to some of those helpful people, builders who inspire me, and the online and print resources that I have found most useful.
Builders who inspire me (in no particular order):
Many of these people are personal friends and have been influential in my work as a guitar builder.
Ralph Novak, Novax Guitars
Harry Fleishman, Fleishman Instruments
Rick Toone, Toone Guitars
Ola Strandberg, Strandberg Guitars
Saul Koll, Koll Guitar Co.
Mike Doolin, Doolin Guitars (Mike is no longer actively building, but his work continues to inspire)
Paul Rhoney, Rhoney Guitars (Paul is no longer actively building, but his Oceana model is highly sought-after on the used market)
Mark Swanson, Swanson Guitars
Chuck Tweedy, Tweedy Guitars
David King, King Bass
Jim Bonnell, Bonnell Guitars
John Sonksen, Vicara Guitars
Matt Proctor, M-Tone Guitars
Clayton Pledger, Pledger Guitars
Gage Halland, Halland Guitars
Joe Parker, Joe Parker Guitars
Jayson Bowerman, Bowerman Guitars
Michael Sankey, Sankey Guitars
Frank Falbo, Falbo Guitars
Wes Lambe, Wes Lambe Guitars and Hybrid Guitars
Andy Webber, Whalehazard Guitars
Butch Boswell, Boswell Guitars
David Schwab, Coney Island Guitars
Ellis Hahn, LEH Guitars
Many of these people are personal friends and have been influential in my work as a guitar builder.
Ralph Novak, Novax Guitars
Harry Fleishman, Fleishman Instruments
Rick Toone, Toone Guitars
Ola Strandberg, Strandberg Guitars
Saul Koll, Koll Guitar Co.
Mike Doolin, Doolin Guitars (Mike is no longer actively building, but his work continues to inspire)
Paul Rhoney, Rhoney Guitars (Paul is no longer actively building, but his Oceana model is highly sought-after on the used market)
Mark Swanson, Swanson Guitars
Chuck Tweedy, Tweedy Guitars
David King, King Bass
Jim Bonnell, Bonnell Guitars
John Sonksen, Vicara Guitars
Matt Proctor, M-Tone Guitars
Clayton Pledger, Pledger Guitars
Gage Halland, Halland Guitars
Joe Parker, Joe Parker Guitars
Jayson Bowerman, Bowerman Guitars
Michael Sankey, Sankey Guitars
Frank Falbo, Falbo Guitars
Wes Lambe, Wes Lambe Guitars and Hybrid Guitars
Andy Webber, Whalehazard Guitars
Butch Boswell, Boswell Guitars
David Schwab, Coney Island Guitars
Ellis Hahn, LEH Guitars
Books you should read:
Making an Archtop Guitar, by Robert Benedetto
Guitarmaking: Tradition and Technology, by William Cumpiano and Jonathan Natelson
Make Your Own Electric Guitar, by Melvyn Hiscock
Electric Guitar & Bass Design, by Leonardo Lospennato
Left-Brain Lutherie: Using Physics and Engineering Concepts for Building Guitar Family Instruments, by David Hurd
Acquired of the Angels: The Lives and Works of Master Guitar Makers John D'Angelico and James D'Aquisito, by Paul William Schmidt
The Bouzouki Book: A Workshop Guide to Building Irish Bouzoukis and Citterns, by Graham McDonald
Making an Archtop Guitar, by Robert Benedetto
Guitarmaking: Tradition and Technology, by William Cumpiano and Jonathan Natelson
Make Your Own Electric Guitar, by Melvyn Hiscock
Electric Guitar & Bass Design, by Leonardo Lospennato
Left-Brain Lutherie: Using Physics and Engineering Concepts for Building Guitar Family Instruments, by David Hurd
Acquired of the Angels: The Lives and Works of Master Guitar Makers John D'Angelico and James D'Aquisito, by Paul William Schmidt
The Bouzouki Book: A Workshop Guide to Building Irish Bouzoukis and Citterns, by Graham McDonald
Forums to check out:
Musical Instrument Makers Forum
Official Luthiers Forum
Australian/New Zealand Luthiers Forum
Music Electronics Forum
ProjectGuitar.com
Musical Instrument Makers Forum
Official Luthiers Forum
Australian/New Zealand Luthiers Forum
Music Electronics Forum
ProjectGuitar.com