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I like to buy once cry once but that has it's limits. Which plane(s) should I get and which brand is the best for the money? I don't want to spend my time restoring and old plane or searching for the right old one, if I can avoid it.(lol) I'd like to keep that to building the kit. Thanks in advance!

P.S. I am sort of a minimalist, because I'm usually broke, so if I can get one tool that does several things, I'm all for that.

I mostly use an old small Sargent block plane that my grandfather had to plane down the sides of the braces. That and a chisel. You'll need a chisel, of course, to sculpt the ends.

The operative word is probably "small." I'd like one or two finger planes of various sizes, like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Ibex-Violin-Make ... nger+plane

But I haven't convinced myself (yet) to spend that much money.\

Lei-Nielsen has some beautiful small planes, too:
https://www.lie-nielsen.com/nodes/4072/block-planes

That L-N plane is a copy of a Stanley 103- it says 102 on it , but that Stanley 102 did not have a depth adjuster where the 103 does. The Stanley plane is lighter weight than the L-N, which I find good, and infinitely cheaper.

Ed

Yes -- L-N tools are beautifully made and of irreproachable quality, but there are other, cheaper alternatives that work just as well.

I've been to the L-N factory in Warren, ME. If anybody is in the area you'd probably enjoy a visit and seeing their showroom. It's fun to look. It's right on Route 1.

I build my first four guitars with a LN block plain and a set of chisels. I do have some violin or instrument planes but find that the LN block plane is small enough. I am sure there are other quality block planes.

Find yourself a usable condition old Stanley block plane, something like a 60 1/2 low angle adjustable throat. You can do alot with that plane.
I don't have an extra right now or I'd sell you one.
I do have a restored Stanley 220 general purpose plane I can sell you for $25 plus shipping (probably a small USPS flat rate priority box) if you are interested.
Let me know and I'll put on a pic.

I'll echo Kevin. My favorite plane is the Sheffield English made Stanley low angle block plane with adjustable throat. Here it's marketed as the 60 1/2. I also use a 1/2" chisel.