Last Update: 05/23/08
Online Apprentice II-"Make a Miguel Rodriguez Style Guitar" CD-Rom
was released on May 15, 2008!
Introduction
Welcome to "Online Apprentice," a free online guitar-making course for the novice and experienced woodworker. There is no fee for enrollment. Our current projects are a 1976 Miguel Rodriguez, Jr. style Classic Guitar and an Australian style lattice guitar inspired by Greg Smallman. Participants are responsible for expenses incurred and appropriate safety precautions. Each month we'll have 2-3 online lessons that will require a commitment of 1-3 hours of time per lesson. A private newsgroup has been set up for registered participants to discuss their concerns, challenges, and questions. The limit is 60 participants. At the end of the course, lessons will be compiled onto a cd-rom that will be made available through this web site. The project guitar will be auctioned off on ebay.
The idea for this course came about after reading some articles written by Kevin Aram in the old "Guitar International" magazine titled "Making a Torres Guitar." I knew there were a lot of folks out there who wanted a more intimate relationship with the guitar. They wanted a greater understanding of it. What better way then to build their own guitar. When I was in my senior year at California State University, Northridge I began to build my first guitar. I built it in my dorm room with a limited amount of handtools. Little did I know at that time that lutherie would become my profession and that experience an inspiration for this course.
I also credit Frank Ford of www.frets.com and
David Van Edwards who's web sites were an inspiration for this course.
Help Support Online Apprentice.
The Online Apprentice II course features the use of the Guild of American Lutherie Plan #46 "1976 Miguel Rodriguez, Jr. Classic Guitar" drafted by Tom Blackshear. You will need to purchase GAL Plan #46.I also recommend you purchase issue #68 of American Lutherie which features this plan and an interview with Mr.Blackshear.
This installment of Online Apprentice is geared for, but not limited to, those with some experience building guitars. I recommend going through the first course before attempting this model. Some of the techniques are more advanced and require more expensive tools and machinery. Our goal will be to build an exact replica.
This is an advanced course which will use many new guitar making techniques. The cost in tools and materials can range from $1,500-$2,500+. You will need a good vacuum clamping system which will be discussed in the lessons. I am currently drafting a set of drawings that can be purchased.
Online Apprentice III Index of lessons.
Getting Started
I recommend that you read Roy Courtnall's book "Making Master Guitars" and William Cumpiano's "Guitarmaking-Tradition and Technology". This will get you familiar with the process.
FAQ's
Q:What is the tuition for the course?
A:There is none! I know it sounds crazy. This course is supported by T-shirt sales, participant donations, and the sale of the project guitar to the highest bidder on EBAY to help cover my expenses. See Support page for details.
Q: How much are materials?
A:The average material cost is $350. Costs can vary and depends if you purchase all materials at once or on a purchase as you go basis.
Q:How much are tools?
A:That depends on what you already have in your tool box. Some of the tools you may already have. A "tools" link has been provided at the bottom of this page. I do not recommend that you go out and purchase all these right away. Each lesson will be prefaced with tools required for the job. Of course there are some specialty tools that will be needed. My guess would be $500-$1,000+ spread out over the year.
Q:Are there any other costs?
A:There is the possibility of unforseen costs. You might need to purchase other materials for making jigs and fixtures that will aid in construction of the instrument. Some of these materials can be found as scrap at construction sites or cabinet making shops, but please ask before you take! It's always a good idea to practice on scrap before working on the real deal.
Q: Do I need woodworking experience?
A:No, but it will get you off to a good start. This is not a woodworking 101 course. If you need work on your woodworking skills or woodshop safety issues there are plenty of books that cover that topic. I will not be teaching basic woodworking, although I will give you some hints and tips. Most work on a guitar has to do with making good joints and a little woodcarving.
Bill of Materials-This link will take you to the list of materials that you will need to construct your guitar. A list of vendors in the USA is also provided.
The John Gilbert thickness sanding disc is one of my most used tools for thicknessing tops, backs, sides, necks, veneers, etc. They can be special ordered from Greg Matonis, John's son-in-law who owns and makes Gilbert tuning machines.
The best place to ask quesions is on our "members only" newsgroup at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/onlineapprentice/
Samples from "Online Apprentice II-Make a Miguel Rodriguez Style Guitar" Cd-rom
Released on May 15th, 2008.
A.Preparation and Planning
B.The Neck and Head
C.The Plates
D.The Rosette
E.Bracing the Plates
F.Side bending
G.Sound box assembly
H.The Fingerboard
I.Final Carving and Refining
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