If you've ever thought about building a guitar, this article is for you! One of the most important, and overlooked, decisions of the guitar building process is the purchase of a set of guitar plans. Not only is it one of the first decisions you'll have to make, it's also one of the most important. Building your own instrument can be extremely rewarding, and result in an instrument that will be handed down for generations. However, without the proper materials and preparation, it can easily turn into a disaster. Trying to build a guitar with a poor quality set of blueprints will have you frustrated in no time at all! Read on to learn how to choose the best possible set of plans.
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.
Professionally Drawn Plans: Constructing a guitar is fussy work so you'll want a set of plans that has been professionally drawn. Blueprints that have been created in a CAD system are going to be your best option as they are most likely to have the correct dimensions and include the detail you'll need to get through your build.
The Size of the Plans: Full-size plans are more expensive than a smaller set of plans, mostly because they cost more to print, but when it comes to building a guitar the extra money you spend is well worth it! As you dive into the building process you will want to be able to see as much detail as possible and the best way to do this is with large scale plans. Look for plans that are printed, or can be printed, on 36" x 48" paper. In many cases, you will have the option to purchase plans that have already been printed or plans that you receive in electronic version and can print yourself. Bottom line - spend the extra money, you'll be glad you did!
The Devil Is In The Detail: You should be able to get a good idea of what the plans you are purchasing look like before you spend money on them. Make sure that they include all the dimensions you'll need as you complete your build. Additionally, check to see that dimensions are listed in the format which you prefer to use. Ideally, they will all be in both inches/fractional inches and millimeters. An added benefit is detailed construction notes and tips. Some plans include lots of notes which you will likely find to be very helpful as you build your guitar.
You'll make lots of decisions as you build your guitar. Things like wood type and finish are very important but before you get to that point, you'll want to select the best guitar plans possible. You'll increase your chance of a successful and low stress build and you'll end up with a guitar that you will play and enjoy for many years!
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.
Professionally Drawn Plans: Constructing a guitar is fussy work so you'll want a set of plans that has been professionally drawn. Blueprints that have been created in a CAD system are going to be your best option as they are most likely to have the correct dimensions and include the detail you'll need to get through your build.
The Size of the Plans: Full-size plans are more expensive than a smaller set of plans, mostly because they cost more to print, but when it comes to building a guitar the extra money you spend is well worth it! As you dive into the building process you will want to be able to see as much detail as possible and the best way to do this is with large scale plans. Look for plans that are printed, or can be printed, on 36" x 48" paper. In many cases, you will have the option to purchase plans that have already been printed or plans that you receive in electronic version and can print yourself. Bottom line - spend the extra money, you'll be glad you did!
The Devil Is In The Detail: You should be able to get a good idea of what the plans you are purchasing look like before you spend money on them. Make sure that they include all the dimensions you'll need as you complete your build. Additionally, check to see that dimensions are listed in the format which you prefer to use. Ideally, they will all be in both inches/fractional inches and millimeters. An added benefit is detailed construction notes and tips. Some plans include lots of notes which you will likely find to be very helpful as you build your guitar.
You'll make lots of decisions as you build your guitar. Things like wood type and finish are very important but before you get to that point, you'll want to select the best guitar plans possible. You'll increase your chance of a successful and low stress build and you'll end up with a guitar that you will play and enjoy for many years!
About the Author:
Looking to find the best deal on guitar plans? Then visit Georgia Luthier Supply to find the best advice on the right guitar building plans for you.
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