For many guitar players, building a guitar seems like a dream. That dream may not be as far away as you think. Building your own instrument can be one of the most rewarding projects you'll undertake. On the other hand, it can also turn into a nightmare! If you've ever considered building a guitar, choosing and purchasing a set of guitar plans is one of the first, and most important, decisions that you'll have to make. Many would-be luthiers start their project with a set of plans that isn't high-quality and end up frustrated shortly into their project. Following these steps will help you choose a great set of blueprints for your project!
Choosing a Guitar Type: This may sound like common sense, but it's a good idea to know what type of guitar you'd like to build before you begin shopping for plans. You can find plans for virtually any type of guitar with any type of bracing pattern that interests you, but you'll need to know what you want before you can buy your guitar plans. For example, are you interested in a classical guitar or is a Dreadnought more your style? You'll spend many hours on the construction of your instrument and the finished product will hopefully be something you will enjoy and play for many years so you want to start by choosing plans for an instrument type that you will truly enjoy.
Pay Attention to Drawings: You will learn very quickly that when it comes to guitars, having exact dimensions is very important! Choose a set of guitar plans that have been drawn in a professional CAD system and you will increase the likelihood that your plans have all the dimensions you need and that they are drawn to scale. When it comes to something as particular as building an instruments, hand drawn plans or plans that don't include every dimensions just won't do.
Full-Size Guitar Plans: Do not fall into the trap of buying a set of plans that is less than full size just because they cost less money. You'll want as much detail as possible and in order to see all the detail on your plans they need to be a full-size set. You are looking for plans that are 36" x 48". You can often buy plans electronically and have them printed yourself or you can purchase plans that are already printed for you. Either way, you will pay a bit more for large scale plans - the printing cost plays into this higher cost - but it's well worth the money spent!
How Much Detail Is Included: Before spending your money on a set of guitar plans, check to see how much detail they include. When it comes to building, the more detail the better! Look for plans that include all dimensions (ideally in both inches and millimeters) as well as lots of construction notes and tips. While you may not use all the included notes, you'll be glad to have them as you build.
In closing, choosing your guitar plans is the first and one of the most important decisions you'll make as you build your own instrument. Just like plans are important when building a house, they are important when building a guitar! Take the time to find a great set of plans and you'll enjoy the building process, reduce stress, and end up with a guitar that will be passed down from generation to generation.
Choosing a Guitar Type: This may sound like common sense, but it's a good idea to know what type of guitar you'd like to build before you begin shopping for plans. You can find plans for virtually any type of guitar with any type of bracing pattern that interests you, but you'll need to know what you want before you can buy your guitar plans. For example, are you interested in a classical guitar or is a Dreadnought more your style? You'll spend many hours on the construction of your instrument and the finished product will hopefully be something you will enjoy and play for many years so you want to start by choosing plans for an instrument type that you will truly enjoy.
Pay Attention to Drawings: You will learn very quickly that when it comes to guitars, having exact dimensions is very important! Choose a set of guitar plans that have been drawn in a professional CAD system and you will increase the likelihood that your plans have all the dimensions you need and that they are drawn to scale. When it comes to something as particular as building an instruments, hand drawn plans or plans that don't include every dimensions just won't do.
Full-Size Guitar Plans: Do not fall into the trap of buying a set of plans that is less than full size just because they cost less money. You'll want as much detail as possible and in order to see all the detail on your plans they need to be a full-size set. You are looking for plans that are 36" x 48". You can often buy plans electronically and have them printed yourself or you can purchase plans that are already printed for you. Either way, you will pay a bit more for large scale plans - the printing cost plays into this higher cost - but it's well worth the money spent!
How Much Detail Is Included: Before spending your money on a set of guitar plans, check to see how much detail they include. When it comes to building, the more detail the better! Look for plans that include all dimensions (ideally in both inches and millimeters) as well as lots of construction notes and tips. While you may not use all the included notes, you'll be glad to have them as you build.
In closing, choosing your guitar plans is the first and one of the most important decisions you'll make as you build your own instrument. Just like plans are important when building a house, they are important when building a guitar! Take the time to find a great set of plans and you'll enjoy the building process, reduce stress, and end up with a guitar that will be passed down from generation to generation.
About the Author:
Are you looking for a great set of guitar plans? Be sure to visit Georgia Luthier Supply for a great selection of guitar plans and a wide selection of other guitar building tools.
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