Help...Lutherier advice...

Subject: Help...Lutherier advice...
From: Chip2447
Date: 09 Jun 01 - 11:44 PM

I would like to build a bouzouki. This would be the first project of it's kind, Although, I have performed major surgery on an el cheapo guitar. The little guitar turned out nice, it sounds better, holds tune better, and plays easier than it ever has in the past.
First, am I getting in over my head?
Second, I have found a few places where I can find plans, except I have no idea as to what materials I should use to create the nicest sound.
The ultimate goal here is to produce an instrument that I can learn to play, one that sounds nice and something that I can be proud of.

Thanks folks, I know that I'll get tons of help...

The other Chip....Chip2447

Subject: RE: Help...Lutherier advice...
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Jun 01 - 11:51 PM

Frankly Chip, it depends a lot on your current skill level and the tools you have available. For a first project you might consider a kit.........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help...Lutherier advice...
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 10 Jun 01 - 02:56 AM

John In Remote Kansas (JIRK) on LIK's cookie

Chip
If you're serious about doing a "scratch" construction job, a possible place to start
might be with LUTHIER'S MERCANTILE.
They have had a very complete catalog AND "Catalog-Handbook" that gives some excellent
info for beginners as well as more advanced crafters, and the catalog will give you a good
idea of what kind of parts and materials you are looking at getting (or at least wanting).
Their Catalog-Handbook is not (SOB) free. I paid them $10 about 10 years ago, but it may be more now (if still available.
I have placed a few orders with them - mostly for small stuff, and they have been really good people to deal with.
They have a web site at http://www.wco.com/~imi/catalog.htm, or you might mail them at:

P.O. Box 774
Healdsburg CA 95448

or phone: [phone].

(They have an 800 number for orders, but info is a toll call)

Another place to start would be one of the commonly available "book store" how-to books on a similar instrument - like a guitar.
Robert Benedetto's "Making an Archtop Guitar" from CenterStream/Hal Leonard is one of the better ones
and would probably have more info you could transfer directly to the bouzouki than some of the others I've seen. It's "pricey"
at about $40, but has some good "general principles" stuff that seems to be missing from most of the
flattop books.

I hate to recommend that you go spend money before you dive in, but these (and similar) sources have saved me a
lot of wasted effort on my little projects.

Of course, you are the one that knows WHAT you want to do - it's just a matter of making it as easy on yourself
as you can.

Luck & Patience

Subject: RE: Help...Lutherier advice...
From: Bill D
Date: 10 Jun 01 - 07:07 PM

maybe something here that will help,....

"This page is about our local bouzouki maker, Dimitri Dalagiorgos"

Subject: RE: Help...Lutherier advice...
From: Chip2447
Date: 10 Jun 01 - 11:32 PM

Thanks all. After the major surgery performed on the guitar, I have a pretty high confidence level. I'm beginning to get the idea that perhaps I should think about a kit.

Chip