First Build Frustrations

[sawdustdave]

I've been woodworking for over 30 years, but this is my first guitar. Things I've become frustrated, angry, really upset about:

Bindings (maple) kinked a bit at the waist. And they don't fit as well to the top as they ought. Next time, I'll try different binding material, perhaps...

Top sanded through to the heel support. Not a big deal, I fashioned a bit of rosewood and covered up the "oops". Looks OK, if just a tad crooked.

My 4th neck dovetailed into the body fine, but there is a slight kant to the neck, side to side. From the fingerboard it's not too bad, but I'm upset about this. Like I said, it's the 4th neck... Also, I'm not certain the truss rod works.....

Bridge - first time I put strings on to check the nut/saddle the bridge lifted. I had epoxied it on, so I needed to plane and sand down to bare spruce. Next time, glue. Still lifted... This time I've expoxied the bridge on and will wait days before removing the clamps. It's 50 degrees in the shop, warm for Wisconsin December. But the temp should be find.

Finish - I've already sanded down the back and sides twice, probably will again. I began with coats of shellac after sanding flat to 320 grit. Wet sanded the shellac to 800, then used wipe on poly because I can't spray (no tools for that). No streaks, but the finish bubbles on me. Rough. So, we'll go again.

I almost can't wait for my next build to fix the errors I'm committing on this one. But, I am learning, so that's something...

Dave

[tippie53]

Seems we need to help you . Now there are many ways to build a guitar . What what the thickness of the binding ? What references are you using for building the guitar ? We have videos out on you tube to help show how to do many building steps .
You Tube check out Blues creek guitars also on Bluescreekguitars.com there are tutorials. A good reference book would be Bill Cory's book. The investment in money will more than pay dividends on the outcome of your next project.
When in doubt ask we are here to help

[deadedith]

Your attitude seems good, you have woodworking skills, you're looking forward to the next build - I think you will be okay.

Yes, a little blood has been shed, and yes, there was one particular day when words came from my mouth that were not spoken by me - they were too foul for such a pure-hearted soul such as myself :-) - but overall, the increase in skill and craftsmanship makes up for some of the setbacks.
As John says, luthery looks hard, but it's harder than that.

[Darryl Young]

Sorry about the frustration Dave......and I can relate. Seems you are fairly new here. The best advise I can offer is to ask questions here before you start an unfamiliar step. My most noticable issues were binding, finishing, and stupidity. I've got a chance on 2 out of 3........

Are you making your own necks? If so, I'm impressed. I haven't yet tried that.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Hey there Dave,
I think first and foremost, you should know that you do not have to proceed in this hobby alone. There is a huge mass of professional, and trial and error knowledge here for you to tap.
I would never have started building my first kit if there were not Bill Cory's book and this forum to come to for help. I have now built 4 from scratch, starting my 5th from scratch. I've come a long way, but I could not have done it on my own.
Show us pictures of your project, and you will get some guidance to perhaps fix some of your issues on this one and for sure, help you along with your next.

Kevin

[Ken Hundley]

HI there Dave!

Welcome to the asylum....we are truly crazy here, except for the few pros who really know what they are doing. 99% of us here started out with far less experience than you, and just look at the quality that has been shown (Check out the Show it Off area). This means that with a few pointed questions and lots of answers, we can get you on your way. None of us made a perfect first instrument, or even a perfect 8th instrument, put suffice it to say that most after the second were purely cosmetic issues that most will never see.

You have come a long way on your own....we're here to help the rest of the way. There are no dumb questions, and lots of "Ah Ha!" moments. Ask away, but more importantly, give us some info about your build, and show us some pictures of the problem areas. Who's kit are you building? Or is it a scratch build? What model? What materials? Give us a synopsis of your process....I think we know what you are struggling with. We're happy to help....there's a wealth of knowledge participating here, both with pros who know how it "should be done" and also those of us who have figured out a way to do one or two on a budget. Keep at it, it gets better (or worse, if you become an addict like most of us....don't worry, there's a 12 step program that involves graduating to boat building....).

[johnnparchem]

There are a few good book that show how to make a guitar from scratch.

I found the following books really clear about how to put together a fairly specific guitar from a plan:

Building Your Own Acoustic Guitar Jonathan Kinkead
Step by Step Guitar making Alex Willis

guitarmaking Tradition and Technology by William R. Cumpiano and Jonathan D. Natelson goes a lot deeper in the hows and why of building a guitar.