FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Martin Guitar Home Page

Question:
In perusing the Martin Guitar website, I came across the section for guitar kits and am intrigued. I've obviously never built a guitar before, but am reasonably literate in woodworking (not Norm Abrams though -- he has more tools than God).  I was particularly interested in the kit# 3W-18KITR, which is listed at a price of $350.00.  Is it unreasonable to try one of these kits?  How difficult are they?  I noticed that they come with everything but glue, and seeing as, from my knowledge of instruments; glue is a big deal, what type of glue would be recommended?  What about finish -- what is recommended (I presume that the best finish for a guitar can't be found at Home Depot).  What other questions haven't I asked that I should? I obviously don't want to get in the middle of something that I can either screw up royally, have fall apart or end up with something that sounds like an old Kay guitar.  Let me know your thoughts - especially you guys who have attempted to build one.

Answer:
I have never built one but I have modified several.  This all sounds very interesting.  I will check it out. If all the parts are made to assemble. It should not be much of a problem. Just get some good glue and a few clamps. Lacquer is a superb finish that can be rubbed out to look like glass. If you want to make it a color consider automotive acrylic lacquer but use a primer first. The Martin kit you're referring to is sold by sold Stewart Macdonald through their catalogue. I didn't know that was a Martin kit.  $500 seems a little steep to cut one's teeth on building a guitar.  I think I've seem some cheaper copy kits? Check out this site...this woman has built some of the kits your talking about, and has some very useful info on her site, with many details...http://www.jps.net/kmatsu/ I read an article several years ago in Guitar Player about putting one of these kits together.  I gathered from the article that it is not for the faint of heart.   You might go to Stewart-McDonald.  I believe that they sell these Martin kit guitars already assembled and they may give you some advice.