Fretted Instrument Construction and Repair Books

By John LeVan - This guide will use photographs, diagrams and sketches made by the author and some provided by various manufacturers to teach how to clean, condition, adjust the action and properly intonate your acoustic guitar, as well as: John's trade secrets on hand-carving bone nuts and bridge saddles, wiring and fretwork. John has also included a chapter on identifying and diagnosing problem guitars. It even includes a forward written by Bob Taylor of Taylor Guitars. This book is perfect to teach a beginner or a reference for the guitar repair professional.

By Roger H. Siminoff - The Ultimate Bluegrass Mandolin Construction Manual is the most complete step-by-step treatise ever written on building an acoustical string instrument. Siminoff, a renowned author and luthier, applies over four decades of experience to guide beginners to pros through detailed chapters on wood selection, cutting, carving, shaping, assembly, inlays, fretting, binding and assembly of an F-style mandolin. A special highlight is an in-depth chapter on the art of tap tuning. This fully-illustrated manual boasts more than 250 photos, a full-color section on the staining and finishing processes, numerous detailed illustrations, and a bonus set of 20 full-size blueprints.

By Jim Williams - This manual is a straightforward profusely illustrated guide to constructing nylon-string classical and steel-string guitars. Includes a useful section on creating the jigs necessary to make the job easier and more accurate, along with full size template diagrams to assist in cutting out and marking the body shape and soundboard bracing patterns. Paperbound book, 104 pages.

By Irving Sloane - Detailed instructions for building a steel string guitar with illustrations covering every step of construction. Also contains instructions for constructing an arched-top guitar. Softcover, 125 pages.

Dan Erlewine - Covers set up, maintenance, and repair of electric and acoustic guitars. Has sections on electric and acoustic adjustments, nut and fret work, tuners and tremolos, finishes, miscellaneous repairs, and more. 207 pages, paperbound.

Irving Sloane - Covering the full range of acoustic guitars, as well as applications to the mandolin, ukulele, banjo, and lute, renowned craftsman Irving Sloane has created a book that makes expert repair techniques accessible to both amateur woodworkers and experienced builders. His comprehensive problem solving includes; closing cracks, patching fractures, adjusting poor action, eliminating buzzing, correcting neck warps, replacement of bridge and pickguard, refretting and refinishing, and restoring antique instruments. Paperbound book, 96 pages, 127 photographs and diagrams.

By Irving Sloane - Clear and easy to follow, this comprehensive workbook gives all the information necessary for building a high quality classic guitar. The author's method of construction conforms to traditional classic guitar making principles and is well suited for the amateur craftsman. Specific diagrams, illustrations, and photographs illuminate each step. Paperbound book, 96 pages.

Dennis Waring & David Raymond - Pictures and diagrams visualize and clarify every aspect of construction: body shape, bridge types, neck and headstock, cutting and shaping, and assembly. Paperbound, 96 pages.

By Roger Siminoff - A complete technical guide, this superbly illustrated book provides all the necessary instructions required for building a high-quality solid-body electric guitar. A step-by-step format takes the builder through each phase of the project, from design and selection of materials through finishing the completed instrument. Contains over 160 photographs, including 10 in full-color on staining and coloring and 4 full-size fold-out pattern blueprints. Paperbound book, 64 pages.