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Private member DiscussionCAD/CAM

What would you like to see in a luthiery Fusion360 plugin?

As one does, I got distracted designing a fretboard for my newest acoustic build and thought 'Wouldn't it be great if there was a plugin to do this automatically?' Several days and 1000 lines of Python later, it's definitely possible. But then I thought "What else might be interesting as part of a plugin like this?" So I'd love to hear what you think, including: - Is this something you think is valuable (irrespective of price) - If it is va…

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Not sure what a script would do differently than Austin's parametric fretboard? There have been updated versions of the parametric fretboard which are available for free on Austin's discord, made by…
Private member DiscussionAcoustic Builds

Build Sheet for acoustic builds?

I'd like to start doing a hard copy of notes on my guitars. Does anyone have a build record sheet that they could share? I have some ideas of what I want to put in it, but I'm open to suggestions. Ultimately I'd like to photocopy a bunch of them and get them bound into a book for my benchtop.

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I just use, and take notes on, my order form which has all the specs/appointment info I need to build whatever the customer orders.
Private member DiscussionResumes

Luthier Jobs

Hello. I just graduated from my third Luthier school. I’m looking for guitar building or repair jobs. Any suggestions for places that are currently hiring? I have built 3 guitars from scratch so far in school and I have experience working at Santa Cruz Guitar Company building acoustics. Attached is my resume. Thanks. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/iezmmah84aws61u5r5c1u/Music-Resume.pdf?rlkey=utsnkjbddncbufsznnm14iaet&st=2wwk2pct&dl=0

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Private member DiscussionGo Acoustic Audio

Go Acoustic Audio Joins The Looth Group: Acoustic Amplification Redefined

Hi everyone, We’re really excited to be joining The Looth Group as new sponsors, and we wanted to take a moment to introduce ourselves. I’m Ben, and together with Paul McGill we run Go Acoustic Audio. Paul is in his 50th year of guitar making — a milestone that speaks to both his craftsmanship and his persistence in chasing better sound. He’s spent a lifetime building instruments for players at every level, listening closely to what works…

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Ian Davlin DiscussionJob Postings

Career Opportunity - Mike Lull’s (Bellevue WA 98005)

We’re Hiring: Experienced Luthier Mike Lull’s Guitar Works is looking for an experienced Luthier to join our team. We’re seeking someone with strong hands-on experience in instrument repair and restoration who’s ready to work in a collaborative, high-quality shop environment. Our demand for our acoustic repair and restoration services as well as our own line of guitars/basses is growing year over year and we’re looking to add to the tea…

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Private member DiscussionShare Your New Builds Content

Acoustic build - documenting on instagram

I've been documenting progress of an acoustic kit build from Amazon over on Instagram, would love for some feedback from those that know more than I do. My goal is to build only with the materials provided in the kit, though I'm definitely using as many tools as I have at my disposal. I'm not expecting a quality instrument at the end of it, but I at least want it well built :) Looking forward to any feedback I can get. Thanks. https://ww…

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Hey Aaron! Greetings from down the road in West Hartford. One of the things that I don't like about Instagram is its inability to weave a narrative. Check out this presentation I did on a site called…
Private member DiscussionGeneral Business

Call for Luthiers and Small Makers

Call for Luthiers and Small Makers Daymaker Music – Bainbridge Island, WA Daymaker Music is opening this November in downtown Winslow in Bainbridge Island, and we’re inviting makers and luthiers who value craft, sustainability, and community to help us shape what customers see and hear when they walk in. We’re looking for small makers, independent luthiers, and custom builders who want their instruments on a dedicated wall of our new retai…

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Thanks for the callout. I'll reach out soon to learn more. Best, Chris
Private member DiscussionAcoustic Repair

Fretboard hump above fret #12

Is it a common problem for the fretboard on an acoustic to develop a hump around Fret #12 and higher, where the neck meets the body? If so, what is the cause, and is there something that can be done, or avoided, during the initial build process? I have two quality Zager brand guitars that both have the problem, with the problem being worse on the cheaper model. I am a newbie to fret dressing and lowering, so I first tried adjusting the…

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Private member
Thanks for a great answer. I am a retired sonar engineer, so your explanation makes perfect sense to me. I figured it had to be almost an endemic problem with acoustic guitars.Next question: Can you r…
Private member DiscussionGeneral Business

Workshop Layout

Hi everybody, Can anyone share their workshop layout? I have recently moved country and I need to transition from sharing a 300 sqm workshop to having my own, which will be significantly smaller. I would find it very helpful if someone - especially luthiers operating in a small workshop - could share their workshop layout, even just by describing it (what machines are essential in your space, what machines do you outsource, etc). I mainly b…

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I bought a way big CNC and that was mostly a mistake. The capacity is cool but it takes up so much of my floor space. I use it in ways I didn't really think I would. I could definitely get by with…
Private member DiscussionShare Your New Builds Content

Acoustic Guitar

Hello! This is my current build! https://www.instagram.com/p/DMO6PqXRAkg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MWdhbW4wdG51bDJ4ZQ== "Here’s a quick check-in on the two guitars I’m currently working on. The bodies are getting ready for binding(arm bevel too!), while the neck is in the middle of headstock design. For the tiger-patterned guitar, I’m planning to inlay Jakho-do (Korean tiger-and-magpie painting) with mother-of-pearl. The other one…

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Private member DiscussionAcoustic Builds

Cutaway vs. Scoop cutaway

Thinking of trying a scoop cutaway on my current acoustic build. I actually planned to do it but I’m having second thoughts. I have no issues bending a cutaway. Question for those who have done it - is the higher end of the fretboard still comfortably accessible with the scoop and, is there any perceptive difference in sound by saving that small portion of the upper sound box? I guess I’m just wondering if the extra work is worth anyth…

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I had the same line of thinking. I appreciate your feedback. I haven’t searched the AGF for this topic yet, great idea.
Private member DiscussionShare Your New Builds Content

3D printing and CNC

3D printing and CNC are two areas that I am interested in as a way to facilitate acoustic building. Two questions: 1) For those of you that have both capabilities in your shops, which do you find more useful or more often used on a regular basis? 2) How did you choose a cnc machine? Given the high cost and huge number of products in the marketplace the decision is a bit daunting. Given that the learning curve is steep, I am inclined to b…

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> 1) For those of you that have both capabilities in your shops, which do you find more useful or more often used on a regular basis? Without a doubt, the CNC is much more useful for building ELECTRIC…
Private member DiscussionAcoustic Builds

Low spots on sides

Im going to be starting my 6th acoustic build soon. One issue I continue to have is low spots on the sides. I use an LMI bender with the spring steel slats that LMI provided (they are pretty stout). One observation, sometimes there is a bit of rebound in the sides as I take them out of the bender. I sort of force them into the mold to glue the neck and tail blocks. I’m wondering if that may be where the issue is occurring. After removing…

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I find that I get better results, meaning less springback if I let the sides sit in the fox style bender overnight. Also side splints can help as well.
Private member DiscussionAcoustic Builds

Bending Crelicam Ebony

A client has asked me to build an acoustic guitar using crelicam ebony for the back and sides that he is getting form Stewmac. I have heard it's challenging to bend, and this will be an OM so the waist is pretty tight. Any thoughts or suggestions for bending these sides? I use a homemade bending machine modelled after LMI's latest design (may they rest in peace) and I have had good success bending rosewood, walnut, mahogany, and pau fer…

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See the Michael M and Michael B entries in the "Side Bending" thread below
Ian Davlin DiscussionJob Postings

Northampton Community College Luthier Instructor

https://northampton.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/NCC/details/Luthier-Instructor_JR3840 The staff and faculty of Northampton Community College share a single goal: to help students transform their lives through education. It's a goal that reaps rewards thousands of times over the course of a career. Employees at Northampton receive competitive compensation and an array of benefits while working on campuses located in a region with a very h…

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Private member DiscussionAcoustic Builds

New Member Intro (Indianapolis)

Hello, Just heard of this group and decided to join. My name is John Read and I live in Indianapolis, IN, USA. I have been building Martin style acoustic guitars for 5 years and am on scratch build #28. I am also the website administrator for both kitguitarsforum.com and asiartisans.org/guitarmaker.org. Loothgroup looks to be a fantastic, next-generation communication tool and I look forward to joining into the conversations. Here's my c…

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Ian Davlin
Welcome John ! That mold looks like you've built more than a few.
Private member DiscussionGeneral Business

Continuing Education/Career Advice

Hi everyone, I was hoping to get some advice on training opportunities. My background and situation (briefly), I’m a self-taught guitar tech and electric luthier with 3 years experience (after 20yrs office work). I have a job in a high volume guitar shop doing setups and quality checks on outgoing/sold guitars. The store does repair work but I have not been included in this, despite many requests. I do not believe this is due to skill le…

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Joe, It sounds like you know A LOT more than I did when I started my business. I started it as a side hustle and worked another job during the day, growing skills on nights and weekends and taking on…