Acoustic Guitar Talk |
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 Late Sleeper Kev |
Guitar Kits? |
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Posts: 28 (09/03/07 01:30 AM) |
Has anybody ever built a guitar from a kit from Martin or LMI? I've been looking into them and everything I hear about them is good. I can't imagine they'd have a big re-sale value, but if it's a good guitar I'd have no reason to sell it.
Just curious about some real-world experiences with them. |
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heid2 |
Re: Guitar Kits? | ||
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Posts: 10167 (09/03/07 02:53 AM) Moderator |
No experience withit here, but maybe someone does...
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Lonnie Lewis |
Re: Guitar Kits? | ||
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Posts: 1622 (09/03/07 08:08 AM) |
Good morning Kev, haven't built one either. Oldgeez will probably be able to help you though. I believe Mike is on everyday so he'll be around.
Also, Mike, oldgeez and I belong to the UMGF. If you aren't a member of it yet you should think it over. Luthiers "O" Plenty over there. Lonnie |
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Arch Monkey |
Re: Guitar Kits? | ||
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Posts: 21403 (09/03/07 11:13 AM) Arch Monkey |
I know someone who built a martin from a kit. the guitar is very very good but he needed the help and equipment of a luthier to complete the job.
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oldgeez |
Re: Guitar Kits? | ||
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Posts: 585 (09/03/07 02:02 PM) |
Hey Kev. It's my understanding that a very fine guitar can be built from a kit. However, it's not cheap. Figure $800-$1000 for the kit and the tools to build.Also, the quality of guitar you get will depend a lot on your shop skills, so to speak. And it's MHO that the finish would probably be one of the hardest things to do right.Disregarding looks for a minute, a guitar finish has to be pretty thin in order to let the woods vibrate properly.I build electric guitars as a hobby. I've built several. It's very addictive
 .It's also very rewarding to play something you built with your own hands.In fact, I'm selling my Les Paul partly because the latest guitar I built is just as nice, but also to fund a new acoustic guitar, since I now prefer the acoustic over the electric.I have never built an acoustic, mainly because of the fact that I don't have anywhere to build where I can control the humidity, which is much more important with acoustics than electrics. If I were you and wanted to build a kit, I'd start with a StewMac kit,www.stewmac.com from my research they offer the best instructions. The materials from them, LMI, etc, are top notch. IMO, I wouldn't choose a Martin kit. Most of them have laminate back and sides, and the ones that don't are much more expensive.With StewMac or LMI, you get solid woods of good quality at a decent price.If you wanna build, I say go for it, but keep in mind, your first one you'll make some mistakes on(guaranteed).Keep in mind, it's not simply slap it together and you're done. It'll take time, patience and money.It's not a cheap way to get a nice guitar, and the greater focus on detail you invest in it, the better the outcome will be. Chances are though, you'll get a good-sounding and playable instrument, but IMO the biggest buggaboo will be getting a pro finish, and your neck set will probably be less than perfect.I would suggest reading all you can about it, and if you're confident after doing so, go for it.If not, spend the $800-$1000 on a good production model guitar and enjoy. Here are some links that might be helpful: www.kitguitarbuilder.com www.frets.com www.guitarmaker.org www.kitguitarsforum.com/forum/index.php www.reranch.com/reranch/ Also, download StewMac's dread kit instructions from their site. It'll give you a really good idea what you're in for. Mike
The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing www.soundclick.com/michaelbaker-us www.soundclick.com/mikebayker www.myspace.com/mikebayker |
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Late Sleeper Kev |
Re: Guitar Kits? | ||
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Posts: 28 (09/03/07 08:09 PM) |
Thanks for the replies, folks.
Oldgeez, I really did like the kits from LMI and Stewmac, and I have read that their instructions are much better than Martin. The only real reason I was thinking Martin was that it'd be nice to have a brand new D28 for $1,000. I customized a dread kit from LMI last week which will run about $600, but I think you are right about mistakes. They are going to happen, especially on the first one. So I think I may get the Stewmac kit, as it is definitely cheaper. I have three Gibsons, J-45, J-150(maple) and a Blues King, and also have a Epiphone Masterbilt EF500, so the kit guitar is really just something I want to try, not really a necessity. I am pretty skilled with my hands in general, and am a pretty decent trim and cabinet carpenter even though that's no longer my primary occupation. It'll probably be a few weeks before I pull the trigger, but I will keep you updated. Thanks again!! |
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Lonnie Lewis |
Re: Guitar Kits? | ||
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Posts: 1622 (09/03/07 08:35 PM) |
Best of luck Kev. Please take plenty of pics and post.
Lonnie |
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oldgeez |
Re: Guitar Kits? | ||
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Posts: 585 (09/03/07 08:56 PM) |
Kev, it's interesting that you mention the Masterbuilt. The EF500R is the guitar I'm selling my Les Paul to buy. I was planning on a 000-16GT, but it doesn't look like the funds are gonna happen. But if the sale goes thru I can afford the Epi, and if it's anything like their DR500R or AJ500R it'll be a killer guitar for very little cash!
By the way, I have been contemplating building an acoustic for a couple of years now myself, and will likely do so when I find a place to set up shop.Along with the humidity issues, I don't wanna be spraying Nitro in the house, and for an acoustic, that'll be the prefered finish, along with a dovetail neck joint.If I'm gonna build one, I may as well get exactly what I want.I might even try my hand at hot hide glue.  Mike
The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing www.soundclick.com/michaelbaker-us www.soundclick.com/mikebayker www.myspace.com/mikebayker |
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Arch Monkey |
Re: Guitar Kits? | ||
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Posts: 21403 (09/28/07 09:28 PM) Arch Monkey |
bump.
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SteveO |
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Posts: 3072 (09/28/07 10:43 PM) |
Oh come on Arch .....You were given a completed Martin D-18 Kit for a wedding present
 ..... ...........I said in an Email to Arch that I might start building again some time this up coming year.... The one Arch got, was built on the same kitchen table that he has eat'n at down in the Bayous of Louisiana....Oh yea after his speeding ticket on the 20 mile Long Bridge crossing the Atchafalaya and the story of Bubba the State Trooper (not Bubba the Mule) Here's a Pic of the Bridge..... wikimapia.org/1395058/ |
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heid2 |
Re: Guitar Kits? | ||
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Posts: 10167 (09/28/07 11:58 PM) Moderator |
Yeah, you boys have sooooome history.
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Arch Monkey |
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Posts: 21403 (09/29/07 03:46 AM) Arch Monkey |
The morrel of that story is don't get up at 130 am and drive from Columbus GA to Lake Charles LA. You might drive like you've eaten mushrooms.
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Rumpole |
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Posts: 3 (01/19/09 09:37 AM) |
I have a friend who built a Stew-Mac and I like it a lot. In fact I like the sound of it better than his Taylor!
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