Peter,
I am sure that this isn’t the type letter you are use to getting. But I subscribed to this site entirely in the hopes that you would be able to help. I recently purchased a Martin guitars build your own Martin D41 guitar kit. I am planning on doing this as a present for my fathers birthday. I am needing to assemble and finish the guitar. I want to spare no expense in time or effort finishing this for him. I think that it would mean a lot more than a purchased new guitar. At least to him and me it will. I was wondering if you could point me to any books, personal techniques, brand stains, or anything else that I will need to study up on and know before I tackle this. I am a ground zero woodworker. I don’t even know the steps to take. But I am willing to learn! I hope that you will take time out to let me in on a few tips. This will be more than just a piece of wood to me and more importantly my father. I want people to look at it in amazement of the finish. I will be anxiously awaiting your words of wisdom.
Sincerely,
Craig Smith
U.S. Navy
Replies
Craig,
I've done a number of guitars over the years but, all electric. While I'm not a player, I love guitars. I must say I admire your enthusiasm and willingness to do this.
Start by reading. Jeff Jewett has some very good books on finishing. Do you have any woodworking schools in your area? I would strongly suggest you take a class on finishing if one is offered. It will help make sense of the products you read about and shorten the learning curve. I'm sure there are many books dedicated to building guitars also.
A luthier friend of mine suggested the web site http://www.stewmac.com. It has lots of products and info. He told me about a quick finishing kit they offer, but I didn't see it when I checked. If you contact them ask about a finishing kit that contains spray lacquers and an information package.
When you decide to start playing with the stains,sealers etc. make a bunch of samples on similar wood. This will be time VERY WELL SPENT. I can't emphasize that enough.
Where are you located stationed?
GO NAVY
Peter
Peter,
Thank you I really appreciate the information. I will definately check into schools in this area! I will also pick up some extra wood if I can find it the guitar is made of East indian rosewood spruce and "select hardwoods" So I will get some rosewood and spruce. Is there big differences in other rosewoods?? Is there other rosewoods?? Other than "East Indian' that is. I am currently Station at N.A.S Oceana Master jet base in Virginia Beach Virginia. I wrote Martin Guitars and they sent me a long list of tools. Most I don't understand. But I can send you the list if you think you can help me understand. I was also recomended a couple other books. I will definately do my hamework on it all. I figure if it turns out good I will make myself one seeings how I am in the middle of lessons to play now. Ha Ha I really do appreciate all the help you have given I will send you pics if I can get in touch with you during and after the prodject is over. If you wanna check in on the progress my email is [email protected] Thanx again boss!!
Sincerely,
Craig Smith
U.S. Navy
Craig,
Glad to help. It's a long road but you'll do fine. The rosewood is an oily wood so you'll need to learn the virtues of shellac as a sealant. Rosewood ain't cheap so get whatever you can.
Spruce is easy to work with you won't need to worry about coloring it(or the rosewood ) for that matter. Most spruce tops are clear finished.
ABOVE ALL, THANKS FOR THE JOB YOU ARE DOING FOR OUR COUNTRY!
" I LOVE THE SOUND OF JETS, THE SOUND OF FREEDOM"
Peter
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