Rating: 
Summary: You needn't be a guitar maker to value this book.
Review: Yes, they call them "Luthiers," and this is one of the books that will get you started in learning the trade. But, you need not have building guitars for a living as your goal to enjoy and value this book. Anyone who has a broken or damaged instrument, should know when it is time to take it to a Luthier for the needed repair, or when it is something he might tackle himself. In the latter case, it would be well to have this book, and one written by Hideo Kamimoto, called Complete Guitar Repair. Of the two books, this one is by far the most complete, as you might expect. Kamimoto's book is more specifically aimed at repairs, as the title suggests. Any guitar player, after he or she learns the scales and how to place their hands and fingers on the instrument and to tune it, will sooner or later develop a respect and curiosity for their instrument. They will want to know what makes one instrument sound better than another, or why the action is harder on the fingers on one, and relatively soft and quick on another. What is the difference in strings, what wood gives the best resonance in a sound board, why the differences in sizes and shapes? Gradually, as your interest widens, you will come to this kind of book. This is one of the best. From it, you will learn all of the above, and more. If you are willing to invest years, and acquire the tools and the skills, perhaps you will eventually build your own guitar. But, whether you do or not, this is a valuable book for any guitar aficionado. Joseph Pierre
Rating:
Summary: You needn't be a guitar maker to value this book.
Review:
Yes, they call them "Luthiers," and this is one of the books that will get you started in learning the trade. But, you need not have building guitars for a living as your goal to enjoy and value this book. Anyone who has a broken or damaged instrument, should know when it is time to take it to a Luthier for the needed repair, or when it is something he might tackle himself. In the latter case, it would be well to have this book, and one written by Hideo Kamimoto, called Complete Guitar Repair. Of the two books, this one is by far the most complete, as you might expect. Kamimoto's book is more specifically aimed at repairs, as the title suggests. Any guitar player, after he or she learns the scales and how to place their hands and fingers on the instrument and to tune it, will sooner or later develop a respect and curiosity for their instrument. They will want to know what makes one instrument sound better than another, or why the action is harder on the fingers on one, and relatively soft and quick on another. What is the difference in strings, what wood gives the best resonance in a sound board, why the differences in sizes and shapes? Gradually, as your interest widens, you will come to this kind of book. This is one of the best. From it, you will learn all of the above, and more. If you are willing to invest years, and acquire the tools and the skills, perhaps you will eventually build your own guitar. But, whether you do or not, this is a valuable book for any guitar aficionado. Joseph Pierre
Rating:
Summary: Good Book
Review: All woodworkers are perfectionists, but those who make musical instruments live in a special place in hell. For them, each step, no matter how small can have a huge, and unexpected effect on the final result. Even if they follow the same plans and use the same materials, two guitarmakers can have significantly different results.
Developing the techniques that will give the craftsman both consistency and control over the final result can often take a lifetime of experimentation. This excellent book, by Cumpiano and Natelson, helps to bridge the gap between novice and journeyman. It will enable most aspiring luthiers to produce something special. The writers focus on the practicalities of guitarmaking - the tools and techniques used. The arrangement is functional and step-wise, the explanations clear, with a sufficiency of illustrations and photographs. Little attention is paid to the more exotic equipment that appears in professional workshops. This is a book for the hand-craftsman, not someone intent on starting a business. I confess that I did not by the book with the intent of making a guitar. Instead, I was on the verge of having one made for me, and I wanted to understand the process enough to talk intelligently with the makers (in my case, the luthier, the tuning machine maker, and the inlayer). As such, this book bridged an important gap. What is missing from the book is any detailed discussion about material choice and the effect of certain design decisions (materials, bracing, etc.). Since these are the things that can make the difference between an OK instrument and a work of the luthier's art, I would have liked to see much more information. For that, unfortunately, one must seek elsewhere. But for everything else, this volume will do.
Rating: 
Summary: Direct and Informative
Review: All woodworkers are perfectionists, but those who make musical instruments live in a special place in hell. For them, each step, no matter how small can have a huge, and unexpected effect on the final result. Even if they follow the same plans and use the same materials, two guitarmakers can have significantly different results. Developing the techniques that will give the craftsman both consistency and control over the final result can often take a lifetime of experimentation. This excellent book, by Cumpiano and Natelson, helps to bridge the gap between novice and journeyman. It will enable most aspiring luthiers to produce something special. The writers focus on the practicalities of guitarmaking - the tools and techniques used. The arrangement is functional and step-wise, the explanations clear, with a sufficiency of illustrations and photographs. Little attention is paid to the more exotic equipment that appears in professional workshops. This is a book for the hand-craftsman, not someone intent on starting a business. I confess that I did not by the book with the intent of making a guitar. Instead, I was on the verge of having one made for me, and I wanted to understand the process enough to talk intelligently with the makers (in my case, the luthier, the tuning machine maker, and the inlayer). As such, this book bridged an important gap. What is missing from the book is any detailed discussion about material choice and the effect of certain design decisions (materials, bracing, etc.). Since these are the things that can make the difference between an OK instrument and a work of the luthier's art, I would have liked to see much more information. For that, unfortunately, one must seek elsewhere. But for everything else, this volume will do.
Rating:
Summary: Probably the best do-it-yourself guide to making a guitar!
Review: As a chronic do-it-yourselfer my intest in playing guitar
has spawned an interest in building a guitar. I found this
tome after years of searching the stacks at my local library,
and I instantly fell in love with it. It is quite clearly
written and each step is explained in exquisite detail. The authors have divided up the steps into several short procedures so that the reader does not feel overwhelmed. Each procedure is profusely illustrated and accompanied in most cases by a list of materials and tools required.
Cognizant that the lay carpenter probably does not have much
in the way of woodworking tools, the authors pare down
the list of tools needed to a manageable list available
at most hardware stores, mostly hand tools. The authors
also include an up to date list of catalog suppliers of
necessary parts, tools, and woods.
(reviewed by Josh Freeman)
Rating:
Summary: The gods prostrate themselves before this masterpiece.
Review: As a technical writer and luthier, I can vouch for this tome on both accounts. It explains guitarmaking in such detail that it does not need to include any patterns; after reading this book, you will understand the instrument well enough to build one on a desert island from memory. Although the paperback edition is quite sturdy, I used mine until it fell apart. Buy the hardback.
Rating:
Summary: A wealth of guitar building knowledge
Review: As an amatuer luthier with limited guitar building experience I found this book extremely helpful with my craft. It is a valuable reference, providing us with an indepth insight into the world of guitar building. Guitar history, technical Data and instruction that is easily understood is appreciated in such a comprehensive volume. The book gives you instruction to build either a classical or steel string guitar, and anticipates problems you may have with various techniques, which I have found very helpful. A worthy addition to your bookshelf!
Rating:
Summary: "Guitarmaking..." is well written and detailed.
Review: Cumpiano and Natelson have written a great book for beginners. In this book are all of the details necessary for constructing your own classical or steel-stringed guitar. The appendix is an indespensable resource with lists of potential suppliers, wood types, and dimensions for every piece. They describe the process with a minimum of technology used. If you do not have a bending iron, for example, they describe what one is and how to construct it. I am using this book as THE guide for the construction of my first classical guitar, and have not found it lacking in any respect. -BLF
Rating:
Summary: An amazing work
Review: Cumpiano et al. has done something quite amazing, a gift to guitar lovers everywhere. They have compiled together virtually every detail of guitar making, interspersing it with concepts from history. The reader not only learns how, but where some ideas came from and how they developed over time. Guitar making is a daunting task. I'll admit it, I have yet to actually build one, but the idea fascinates me. I, who have no mechanical ability whatsoever feel that this book in fact makes the job seem less frightening, and, yes, even possible! Clearly, the proof is in the doing, but to move me from a position of extreme doubt to possibility is a sign of the authors excellent work in this book. Assuming I ever get to the point of making a guitar (and right now, the cost is what is prohibitive to me!) the one things I would like to know more about is where and how I can change some of the parameters. For example, there is a great deal of tracing required for this book, which is then transferred onto the wood. While this is good, I would like to know what is necessary, as opposed to merely design. The measurements that they give are for THIS guitar that they lead you to build in the book; how do these numbers relate to others so that I can know how to bring creativity to the guitar. However, I know that I perhaps ask for too much. For a book that is already over 300 pages long, what I suggest may make it too massive a tome. Someone want to loan me a table saw? I want to build! -ways to change around
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Even if you don't plan on making a guitar, it's a fun read.
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