Seven Helpful Ways to Ensure a
Successful Build
By Brian Forbes
Speaking of success: Brian Forbes is a successful, well-known and respected luthier, woodworker and author. We are delighted that he has contributed an article for this issue of the SOLG newsletter. We are even happier to let you know that Brian will be writing articles for future issues as well! And later in this issue, I review one of Brian's books "Acoustic Guitar Making - How to Make Tools, Templates, and Jigs"
There are several things you can do as a new luthier to ensure your builds go as smoothly as possible. Today, I'll share some of my favorites, and they can help you be more productive and less frustrated in your shop. Enjoy.
Make the Jigs First
Of all the tips you are about to read, this is one of the best. For any instrument, there are jigs, forms, and templates that you need to make. Do yourself a favor, and make all of these before you start the actual instrument build.
Nothing interrupts the flow of a good project like having to stop and make a jig. It's a complete gear change, and sometimes it can take a lot of time. It's also tempting to rush through this part of the process, which is another mistake.
Instead of making an inferior jig or template, thus producing an inferior instrument, take the time in the beginning to make all of your templates and jigs. Not only will you gain some insight into the build, but when the time comes you will have everything you need.
Choose One Book or Plan
Next, it's important to choose one book or set of plans to follow. Especially as a beginner, you might not know how different parts impact each other. Choosing one plan helps avoid a lot of mistakes.
Accidentally combining measurements from two different sources rarely results in a good outcome, and that's what can happen when you work from two sets of books or plans. If you change the wrong thing, your instrument might not function at all.
Instead, just pick one resource and stick with it. After you make a few instruments, you will understand what can be changed and what cannot. Then, you will be able to make something that is more custom without the danger.
Don't Set a Time Limit
Something you can do to help your stress level, which will consequently help your build, is not setting a time limit. Especially if you are brand new to instrument making, you have no idea how long it's going to take.
SOLG Newsletter - Issue 2 - September 2020
Page 3