www.KitGuitarsForum.com

Greetings all,
I just wanted to say hello and that I'm looking forward to learning about guitar building from the folks here. I'm a bit dazed and confused at the overwhelming amount of information available on the web, and am hoping to soon start to build my first guitar. There seems to be a number of ways to do things and like a lot of other beginners I have some trepidation about jumping in without really knowing where to start. Analysis paralysis for sure...
Judging from many posts I've read, a kit is the suggested approach. I'm leaning towards choosing a plan for an OM guitar such as the OLF OM, if I'm able to find that. (I can find the plan, but haven't yet found a kit with that plan). I'm not sure if there is such a thing as a generic OM kit, or will any kit work and should I just order the plan separately?? Probably the first of many such newbie questions.

I'm located in Canada, west of Toronto. I've been playing guitar for a few years, mostly fingerstyle. I have a modest amount of tools and have done some woodworking so at least know how to sharpen a chisel, do some planing, or use a bandsaw .

cheers,
Dave

The OLF OM is not a true Martin design and the bracing configuration is similar but different. I can provide an OLF kit as i have the planes and patterns to make one.
You are correct , there is a lot of information out there . Not all of it good so read through it and ask plenty of questions. We have a tutorial section here http://www.bluescreekguitars.com/?d=tutorials and many videos here at this link
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_q ... 5.6.1l14l0
there are many videos out there . Now you have to figure out your tooling needs . Start simple , and work on the basics. Learn proper joinery techniques and the importance of the body geometry and how that relates to the neck. This video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrgRKKsxL-M will explain that part. This helps to set up the guitar rim so the the plane of the fretboard will be straight as it comes on the top. It also aims for the target height of 1/2 inch at the bridge and saddle . This is the sweet spot for perfect string height at the bridge for the best transfer of energy to the top.
Over setting a neck , can over drive the top and cause undo stress . Too low and you won't have the best voice out of the guitar.
Good luck to you and we hope you like this forum.

Welcome to the forum Dave, with your woodworking experience you're a shoe-in. Get yourself a kit and get started.

David L

Unless you are already set up to bend sides, I'd strongly suggest a 'serviced' kit like the ones John sells. It will save you the time and expense of the side bending process for the first build. If you talk to John and tell him exactly what you want from a kit (what parts you want serviced and which ones you want to do yourself), he will set you up.

Hi Dave, and welcome! We will help you along the path. Check with John there at Blues Creek, he can set you up with anything you need in a kit, and sevice it as much as you want I'm sure.
I bet you catch the bug like most of us have. I'm building my 5th and 6th guitar in 4 years, from scratch since finishing the first kit.
Have fun and ask lots of questions. Don't be shy.

Kevin

Thank you everyone. I really appreciate the helpful advice.

I totally agree that starting with a 'kit' - don't get the wrong idea, there is a LOT to do even with some serviced parts - you will learn a LOT.
Good luck and welcome!

The idea of a "Kit" turns some people off. Probably due to the stigma.

Trust me, this is nothing to worry about. There is nothing cheap about building a kit, especially for a first guitar. What it does do is simplify a lot of the decision making aspects, leaving you to worry only about getting it built.

There is still a lot of room for customization for trim and accessories as you go.

My first was a 'Kit', but it ended up with some nice maple bindings, waverly tuners, an oval soundhole, and a custom headstock overlay and MOP Inlay.

And the best part is, no one will ever know it was a kit unless you tell them :p

Yeah, call John and discuss what you want. He can do a kit from Martin parts if you want to go low cost.......or set you up with a custom kit to your specs.

My first was a kit and I don't regret it. Allows you to spread the tooling costs over a longer period of time.......and saves you from needing to build so many templates, tools, etc. before the building starts.

John Hall does not have a 'Kit Wizard'.. he IS a Kit Wizard!!