The Hub

Hi Everyone,

I believe this may be my first post here, so just a quick introduction — I’m Andrew in Milwaukee, WI. I’ve been building a few years. My luthier eyes were opened first by Charles Fox in Portland which led me to the Gallop School. I recently retired from a tech career and I am now based in Milwaukee, WI focusing on acoustic builds.

I’m currently exploring wood-body resonator guitars, and I’d love to learn more from those with experience in this area.

For reference, I’m thinking along the lines of instruments like the National El Trovador or wood-body Duolian-style builds — not necessarily copying, but working in that general design space.

What I’m hoping to learn:
• Recommended wood species for these builds (solid vs ply, typical choices, etc.)
• Typical thicknesses / construction approaches
• Any known suppliers for appropriate materials (especially quality ply, if that’s the route)
• General lessons learned or “watch-outs” from those who’ve built them

Any insight, references, or supplier recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance — I’m looking forward to learning from the group.

— Andrew