Product Description

An essential item for the instrument builder, The Luthier's Handbook explores the secrets and science behind making good-sounding acoustic stringed instruments. Renowned author Roger H. Siminoff brings to the table more than four decades of luthiery experience and shares the time-tested philosophies, tips and technology of the craft. As the ideal complement to other books on building instruments, this text describes the structural and acoustical attributes of air chambers; what to listen for when tap-tuning; selecting a good piece of wood; placement of the braces and tone bars and how to tune them; how to select the right strings; what to consider in bridge design concepts; and much more. Includes a free String Gauge Calculator for determining the right set of strings.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #68111 in Books
• Published on: 2002-02-01
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Customer Reviews

Masterpiece
This is one of the most incredible books I've had the pleasure of reading. This is not a "how to" book but more of a "why and what if" book. The insight the author has into his craft is something I, being a carpenter / builder can only aspire to have. It inspires you to create. Read this book any brace yourself for a life of creating musical instruments that you will never part with

DON'T BOTHER WITH THIS!!
Very Very Poor.
A complete waste of time and money.
All about his theories (some of which are scientifically incorrect)without any real practical guidance.
I'm sure he can build a great guitar or mandolin, but this book puts YOU no closer to achieving a good result.

5 STARS +++
A 5 STAR rating still does not give this book the credit it deserves compared to ALL the other books written on guitar construction "Tuning".

Although I am not a luthier, I have spent a lifetime earning a living in the field of structural vibrations, and as such, I can firmly say that this is the only guitar construction book I have read that gets it ALL right with regards to "tuning" the instrument during construction to achieve the desired response. Most of the Masters seem to know how to "tune" a guitar, but I think many may not truely understand the technical details of the process.

Yes, as one of the reviewers stated, it may be too complicated for some beginners, but the title says "Luthier's" Handbook, not "Beginner's" Handbook.

I plan to build my first guitar (or more) during my retirement and entend to use this book as my "Bible".