2025
AL#154 p.65
Jon Sevy
▪ Super Assilex is surprisingly different from any other so-called sandpaper, and is pretty great stuff.
Category Archives: reviews
Product Review: Wagner Orion 950 Moisture Meter
2025
AL#154 p.66
Leonardo Michelin-Salomon
▪ The Wagner Orion meter is a sophisticated gizmo for measuring the moisture content of wood; in fact its capabilities are far beyond the needs of our reviewer.
Review: Acoustic Guitar Design
2025
AL#154 p.68
R.M. Mottola
▪ The latest lutherie book by Mark French is a gem which successfully balances accuracy, technical depth, clarity, and accessibility.
Review: You Will Be a Builder of Musical Instruments by Edward Victor Dick
2023
AL#150 p.67
John Calkin
▪ After decades in the wood shop, the burning energy of ones young self can seem remote. Our reviewer says that this little book about a remarkable life in lutherie helped him to remember.
A Survey of Guitar Building Books, Part Two
2023
AL#149 p.64
Graham McDonald
▪ Fourteen years ago, McDonald wrote up a survey of the steel string guitar making books that were available at that time. More books have appeared since then, so hes back with an update. Look up the earlier article in our Premium Online Content.
Seven Fine Books About the Romantic Guitar, in English
2023
AL#148 p.44
James Buckland
▪ Beautiful books about the pre-classical guitar, with lush and informative photography, are being published in Europe. Dont worry; they include English text for the benefit of us new-worlders. Mentions Mauro Giuliani, Gennaro Fabricatore, Joseph Pons, Johann Stauffer, Rene Lacote, Wappengitarre.
Review: The Caldersmith Papers
2023
AL#148 p.63
R.M. Mottola
▪ Legit scientist Graham Caldersmith was an early GAL member and a prolific author for us and other journals. Those articles have now been gathered and published in a book. Our reviewer talks about the book, and about Caldersmiths position in the lutherie literature.
Review: The Art of Mandolin Making by Alfred Woll
2022
AL#147 p.65
James Condino
▪ Condino loves this lavish book about the history and construction of the Neapolitan (or tater bug) mandolin, which runs from classic to contemporary.
Review: Jeff Jewitt Finish Buffing Video
2022
AL#147 p.66
John Calkin
▪ Calkin gives the thumbs-up to a fine 5-hour video just about wet sanding and buffing a lacquer finish. Prepping and spraying the finish is a whole other matter, not covered here.
Reviews: Ukulele Making Course with Heidi Litke
2022
AL#146 p.60
John Calkin
▪ Ukes are serious lutherie projects these days. Standards and expectations are high. The same is true for instructional videos. The reviewer is favorably impressed with the instruments, the instructors, and the presentation.
The Musical Instrument Museum — A Must-See for Luthiers
2022
AL#145 p.32
Mark French
▪ Frequent author Mark French spends a lot of time in the physics lab and the workshop. But here he emerges, blinking, into the Arizona sunshine to visit a fabulous musical instrument museum. In fact, it’s The Musical Instrument Museum.
Review: Building the Steel String Acoustic Guitar by R.M. Mottola
2022
AL#145 p.60
Federico Sheppard
▪ Our frequent author and online lutherie resource hero RM Mottola has finally gone all the way. He has written Building the Steel String Acoustic Guitar, a comprehensive, detailed construction method for building a flattop guitar. Speaking of frequent authors, Federico Sheppard reviews it.
Review: Building the Steel String Acoustic Guitar by R.M. Mottola
2022
AL#145 p.60
John Calkin
▪ Our frequent author and online lutherie resource hero RM Mottola has finally gone all the way. He has written Building the Steel String Acoustic Guitar, a comprehensive, detailed construction method for building a flattop guitar. Speaking of frequent authors, John Calkin reviews it.
Review: Inlay Techniques with Larry Robinson
2022
AL#145 p.56
John Calkin
▪ John Calkin looks at another fine instructional video from Robbie O’Brien: Inlay Techniques with Larry Robinson. He likes it.
Product Review: SuperMax 16-32 Drum Sander
2021
AL#144 p.60
Ralf Grammel
▪ Thickness sanders have come a long way since the days when luthiers commonly made their own jury-rigged and cantankerous contraptions. Two experienced builders give the SuperMax 16-32 a thorough workout and pronounce it worthy and workable for an individual luthier’s shop.
Product Review: SuperMax 16-32 Drum Sander
2021
AL#144 p.61
John Calkin
▪ Thickness sanders have come a long way since the days when luthiers commonly made their own jury-rigged and cantankerous contraptions. Two experienced builders give the SuperMax 16-32 a thorough workout and pronounce it worthy and workable for an individual luthier’s shop.
Review: Vincente Arias (1833-1914) The Forgotten Luthier
2021
AL#144 p.65
Kevin Aram
▪ Our reviewer Kevin Aram praises this gorgeous book which includes interviews with several luthiers about the methods and ideas of the great Spanish master builder.
Review: Michael Bashkin Fretting Course from ObrienGuitars.com
2021
AL#144 p.66
John Calkin
▪ Online video lutherie instruction has come of age. Our reviewer John Calkin is a veteran luthier and a fan of lutherie videos from way back in the VHS days. He gives this course a strong reccomendation.
Review: The Diary of Agustin Barrios Mangoré: His Concert Autograph Book by Richard Pinnell and Frederick Sheppard.
2021
AL#143 p.62
Bryan Johanson
▪ Contains many colorized historic photos of the great virtuoso and an essay on his career, in addition to the complete full-color facsimilie of his autograph book with notes and translations.
Review: Acquired of the Angels: The Lives and Works of Master Guitar Makers John D’Angelico and James L. D’Aquisto by Paul Schmidt, third edition
2021
AL#143 p.63
Mike Doolin
▪ The second edition of this book was reviewed in American Lutherie by Linda Manzer in AL#59, 1999.
Review: Logistimatics Micro 299 Mini GPS Tracker
2021
AL#143 p.66
John Mello
▪ Although the Micro 299 was reviewed, the current model at the time of publication was the Micro 431.
Review: Electric Guitar Building with Mike Snider (video download)
2021
AL#143 p.66
John Calkin
▪ This is a major instructional video from Robbie O’Brien’s school, with a running time of 14 hours.
Review: Jose Luis Romanillos Guitars, The Guijosa Period, 1993-2015
2021
AL#142 p.62
Monica Esparza
▪ A positive review of this elaborate, gorgeous, thorough, and expensive book by Josep Melo. Mentions Pepe Romero.
Review: Hanging Tree Guitars
2021
AL#142 p.64
John Littel
▪ A positive review for this arty book about luthier Freeman Vines. Tintype photos are featured.
Review: Advanced Ukulele Building with Jay Lichty
2021
AL#142 p.66
John Calkin
▪ A positive review for a big and ambitious on-line course. Offered through Robbie O’Brien.
Guitar Making with an X-Carve CNC Router
2020
AL#141 p.50
Mark French
▪ Here come the robots. Although CNC routers are not yet at the Jetsons stage, we are far beyond the days when computer-driven tools were only in luthiers’ dreams, not their workshops. Mark French brings us up to date as he selects and installs an inexpensive machine in his home shop.
Review: Sinier de Ridder’s The Spanish Guitar
2020
AL#141 p.65
Chris Sobel
▪ Françoise and Daniel Sinier de Ridder, authors of The Spanish Guitar, will be familiar to American Lutherie readers from their ambitious restoration articles. Our reviewer loves this lavish and informative picture book.
Review: Mottola’s Cyclopedic Dictionary of Lutherie Terms
2020
AL#140 p.65
James Buckland
▪ A positive review.
Review: 34 Iconic Guitars in Life Size
2020
AL#140 p.67
Mike Doolin
▪ A positive review. Mentions Martin, Gibson, National, D’Angelico, Selmer, Les Paul, Fender Stratocaster, Danelectro, Vox, Val-Pro.
Letter to the Editor: Praising McDonald’s Book The Ukulele
2020
AL#141 p.5
C.F. Casey
▪
Review: McDonald’s The Ukulele: An Illustrated Workshop Manual and Weissenrieder and Greenbaum’s The Uke Book Illustrated
2020
AL#139 p.63
Pat Megowan
▪ Our reviewer compares, contrasts, and waxes eloquent about The Ukulele: An Illustrated Workshop Manual by Graham McDonald and The Uke Book Illustrated by John Weissenrieder and Sarah Greenbaum. In addition to a lot of thoughful and practical analysis, he uses the metaphore of different ice-cream eating experiences to explain their complex relationship.
Review: Martinez’ Orfeo Magazine
2019
AL#138 p.66
Bryan Johanson
▪ Orfeo Magazine represents a new idea in marketing. It is free online, or you can buy it as gorgeous coffee-table books of collected issues. Either way, it sure is pretty. Written and photographed by Alberto Martinez, Orfeo Magazine presents one man’s lavishly illustrated pilgrimages into the world of the classical guitar.
Review: Paredes’ Guitarra Clasica Moderna — Historia, diseno y construccion
2019
AL#137 p.66
Juan-Oscar Azaret
▪ This new book is a thoroughly illustrated step-by-step method for making classical guitars, using mostly inexpensive small power tools. It also takes a luthier’s look at a dozen different instruments by well-known hand-makers. Yes, it is only in Spanish. But even if you do not read Spanish, our reviewer says you will probably still get a lot out of it. The author of the book, Luis Alberto Paredes Rodriguez, is a long-time Guild member, a GAL Convention presenter, and an AL author. He takes a close look at twelve different guitar designs, by Voboam; Stradivari; Grobert; Lacote; Panormo; Torres; Esteso; Hauser; Ramírez; Fleta; Schneider/Kasha; Romanillos; and Smallman. He goes so far as to build one of each.
Review: Martinez’ 34 Classical Guitars in Life Size
2019
AL#136 p.66
Peter Tsiorba
▪ It’s called a book, but the format is a box of thirty-four folded sheets, each one a life-size photo poster of a famous guitar. Our reviewer takes a close look. Mentions Antonio Torres.
Reviews: Cuzzucoli and Garrone’s Classical Guitar Design
2018
AL#133 p.66
Juan-Oscar Azaret
▪ This big new book, written in Italian, is available in English. It’s got some math in it. (Insert your own joke here about still being in an incomprehensible language.) Our reviewer finds a lot of value in it, which he explains in some detail.
Product Reviews: Gluboost Fill and Finish
2017
AL#132 p.71
Cat Fox
▪ Experienced guitar repairer Cat Fox gives a big thumbs-up to Glooboost products for drop fills on lacquer. Well, her thumbs are not that big. Just regular.
Product Review: Royal-Lac
2017
AL#130 p.66
Max Girouard Andrew Mowry
▪ Two mandolin makers test this post-catylized shellac product. They like it.
Reviews: The American Violin by Christopher Germain, Philip J. Kass, Darcy Kuronen, Dameron Midgett and John Montgomery
2017
AL#129 p.66
Jeff-Lee Manthos
▪ A trained violin maker takes a thoughtful look at this luxurious picture book cataloging the fine violins of deceased American makers. Mentions Rembert Wurlitzer, Rene Morel, William Salchow, Simone Sacconi, Thomas Metzler, Freelan Stanley.
Reviews: McDonald’s The Mandolin — A History
2016
AL#128 p.68
G.D. Armstrong
▪ Graham McDonald has written books about mandolin-family instrument construction as well as speaking at GAL Conventions and writing for AL. Now he has written a book about mandolin history, and long-time GAL member GD Armstrong likes it. John Calkin gives a good review to a recent addition to Robbie O’Brien’s large and deep online lutherie instruction catalog. This one focuses on Kent Carlos Everett’s fret work techniques.
Reviews: O’Brien’s Fret Work
2016
AL#128 p.68
John Calkin
▪ Graham McDonald has written books about mandolin-family instrument construction as well as speaking at GAL Conventions and writing for AL. Now he has written a book about mandolin history, and long-time GAL member GD Armstrong likes it. John Calkin gives a good review to a recent addition to Robbie O’Brien’s large and deep online lutherie instruction catalog. This one focuses on Kent Carlos Everett’s fret work techniques.
Reviews: True Faith, True Light: The Devotional Art of Ed Stilley
2016
AL#127 p.61
John Littel
▪ Lots of luthiers are doing nice clean, sophisticated, carefully developed work. Yes, our standards of fit and finish are high these days. But have we squeezed the soul out of it? Did we lose the spark of wonder as we chased the phantom of perfection? Nah. But you might like to check out this book about a guy who feels inspired to make some primitive and heartfelt instruments out of whatever the Universe sends him. And the Universe has a sense of humor.
Reviews: A Collection of Fine Spanish Guitars from Torres to the Present by Sheldon Urlik
2016
AL#126 p.62
Bryan Johanson
▪ The second edition of this important book is a considerable advance over the original.
Reviews: O’Brien Online Acoustic Guitar Building Course by Robert O’Brien
2015
AL#123 p.64
John Calkin
▪ This online course provides information that an endless and distracting internet search will not yield.
Reviews: O’Brien Online Mandolin Making Course
2015
AL#124 p.65
John Calkin
▪ Calkin finds more treasure in the rich mine of Robbie O’Brien’s online lutherie instruction. Instructor Geoff Burghardt covers the process in detail in the 13-hour course.
Reviews: Guitar Makers: The Endurance of Artisanal Values in North America by Kathryn Marie Dudley
2015
AL#122 p.67
Peggy Stuart
▪ Reviewer says the book is a fascinating look at the lives and stories that members of the lutherie community tell about how the current golden age of lutherie came about.
Recent Research: Short Summaries of Recent Scientific Research Articles from Savart Journal
2015
AL#121 p.58
R.M. Mottola
▪ RM Mottola works to build bridges between the dusty bustle of the lutherie shop and the bookish clutter of the egghead’s cubicle. (If the word “math” does not evoke a shuddering fear based on high-school humiliation, check out the Savart Journal, an online research publication hosted by the GAL.) RM describes, in plain English, the contents of two new articles of original research.
Reviews: Qualities of Craftsmanship by Kent Carlos Everett
2015
AL#121 p.60
Gregory Miller
▪ Miller reviews The Qualities of Craftsmanship, a thoughtful little book self-published by GAL stalwart Kent Everett.
Reviews: Short Reviews of a Few Interesting Books on the Ukulele and C.F. Martin
2015
AL#121 p.60
John Calkin
▪ Calkin looks at several books on ukulele, guitar, and American history, and finds interesting connections.
Product Reviews: Gatco Edgemate Carbide Knife Sharpener
2015
AL#121 p.62
John Calkin
▪ Calkin likes the Edgemate Carbide Knife Sharpener. It’s intended for pocket knives and the like, but it’s also useful for a number of lutherie tools.
Product Reviews: Jonathon Franke Channel Scraper
2015
AL#121 p.63
Greg Nelson
▪ Nelson gives a positive review to the Channel Scraper, a simple tool for shaping the edge of a violin plate.
Product Reviews: Generic Inexpensive Borescope
2014
AL#120 p.64
Eron Harding
▪ Techy gizmos soon go from being cutting-edge miracles to being commodified trinkets, and that can bring the price down like crazy. Harding ordered a cheap borescope from Amazon. The crazy thing doesn’t even have a brand name on it. But the bang per buck is hard to beat.
Product Reviews: Garrett Wade Versatile Vise
2014
AL#119 p.54 read this article
R.M. Mottola
▪ Remember the good old Versa Vise? They don’t make it any more. Boo! But now Garrett Wade makes a similar unit. Yay! Is it any good? Mottola takes a close look and delivers his report.
Reviews: The Fretboard Journal
2014
AL#119 p.58
John Mello
▪ John Mello examines two favorite issues of The Fretboard Journal, #32 and #7, and relates the pleasure of the articles with his own mentorship experiences, in particular with Alvino Rey.
Reviews: Making a Spanish Guitar by Luis Romanillos
2014
AL#118 p.64
Pierre Audinet
▪ Audinet gives the thumbs-up to the new book by Jose Romanillos, “Making a Spanish Guitar”.
Reviews: Guitar Making in Nineteenth Century London: Louis Panormo and his Contemporaries by James Westbrook
2014
AL#117 p.60
R.M. Mottola
▪ Guitar-making in Nineteenth Century London by James Westbrook is reviewed by R.M. Mottola, who discusses research and techniques in his own building of 19th century instruments.
Reviews: Technology of the Guitar by Richard Mark French
2013
AL#116 p.63
R.M. Mottola
▪ The second book on guitar technology from Mark French, Purdue mechanical engineering technology professor, presented in a more generally accessible, less math intensive manner than the previous volume.
Product Reviews: Liogier 10 inch Cabinetmaker’s Rasp
2013
AL#115 p.62
Todd Brotherton
▪ Todd Brotherton favorably reviews this delux handmade rasp and provides additional background and information on the tool.
It Worked for Me: Veritas Angle Jig
2013
AL#115 p.67
Tip House
▪ Using a Veritas angle jig to create bevels on the wings of classical guitar bridges for precise control.
Recent Research: Short Summaries of Recent Scientific Research Articles from Savart Journal
2013
AL#114 p.62
R.M. Mottola
▪ Short, not too technical summaries of selected research on violin arching curves, comparing violins to the human voice, and the initial behavior of nylon guitar strings.
Product Reviews: Kahler 2415-CX Tremolo Bass Bridge
2013
AL#114 p.64
Eron Harding
▪ Eron Harding reviews one of Kahler’s latest bass bridge models, a 5 string trem for P-bass bodies; a solid and well made bridge.
Reviews: The Caldwell Collection of Violas: A Life Together in the Pursuit of Beauty by Catharina Meints Caldwell
2013
AL#114 p.66
Don Overstreet
▪ The first E-book review in American Lutherie: a comprehensive volume displaying collections of viols. Each instrument is given a thorough description and numerous photos.
Reviews: Stauffer and Co. The Viennese Guitar of the 19th Century by Erik Pierre Hoffman, Pascal Mougin, and Stefan Hackl
2012
AL#112 p.60
Pierre Audinet
▪ This book emphasizes those few decades of the 19th century in the city of Vienna which laid much of the foundations for contemporary guitar building standards.
Reviews: Building an Electric Archtop Guitar: An Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Own Electric Archtop Guitar by J.p.Laplante
2012
AL#112 p.61
Michael DeLuca
▪ This extensively illustrated guide to building an electric archtop guitar lays out the process in a sequential progression over 15 chapters.
Bog’s Way: An In-Depth, Hands-On Review of John Bogdanovich’s ‘Making a Concert Classical Guitar DVD Set’
2013
AL#113 p.20 read this article
Tom Harper
▪ Harper reviews this DVD set in which Bogdanovich uses a broad repertoire of skills, high end power tools, and a mixture of tightly controlled and freeform processes. DVD set also reviewed in AL#108.
Reviews: How To Build a Vihuela De Mano (45 Minute DVD With Jose Luis Romanillos and Jaume Bossier)
2012
AL#110 p.65
Federico Sheppard Monica Esparza
▪ A 45 minute DVD of a 2010 workshop with early music specialist Jaume Bosser on constructing an authentic period Vihuela de Mano.
Product Reviews: MaG-ic Probe
2012
AL#110 p.67
Mike Doolin
▪ A battery powered electronic magnetic thickness gauge with an LCD display.
Letter to the Editor: Thoughts on When Trees Sing DVD Box Set
2012
AL#109 p.5
Brian Derber
▪ Further explorations on David Wiebe’s review of ‘When Trees Sing’ in AL#107.
Reviews: Contemporary Acoustic Guitar Design and Build by Trevor Gore with Gerard Gilet
2012
AL#109 p.58
R.M. Mottola
▪ A milestone in ‘how to’ lutherie publications on the construction of flattop guitars, packaged in two large volumes: one on design and one on construction.
Reviews: The Henny De Bruin Collection and Website (www.atlasofpluckedinstruments.com)
2012
AL#109 p.60
Alain Bieber
▪ An impressive website, atlasofpluckedinstruments.com, the work of Dutchman Henny de Bruin.
Reviews: Electric Guitar and Electric Bass Design by Leo Lospennato
2012
AL#109 p.61
Veronica Merryfield
▪ A book aimed at the musician, the hobbyist, and luthier who is open to new ideas; divided into 6 sections on beauty, playability, sound, parts, materials, finishes, and completion.
Reviews: Electric Guitar and Electric Bass Design by Leo Lospennato
2012
AL#109 p.62
Melanie Heizer
▪ A book aimed at the musician, the hobbyist, and luthier who is open to new ideas; divided into 6 sections on beauty, playability, sound, parts, materials, finishes, and completion.
Product Reviews: KSM Foundation Bridge
2012
AL#109 p.63
Veronica Merryfield
▪ The KSM bass bridge has a number of interesting features and is very well made.
Recent Research: Short Summaries of Recent Scientific Research Articles from Savart Journal
2012
AL#109 p.64
R.M. Mottola
▪ Short, not too technical summaries of topics including violin bowing direction, violin arching profiles, optimizing guitar vibration mode, and damping in wound guitar strings.
Reviews: Making Concert Classical Guitar with John S. Bogdanovich by John S. Bogdanovich (10 DVD set)
2011
AL#108 p.62
John Calkin
▪ Bogdonavich’s ultra specific guitar building method is professionally chronicled in this handsomely packaged 10-dvd set.
Reviews: The Conservation, Restoration, and Repair of Stringed Instruments and Their Bows- edited by Tom Wilder
2011
AL#108 p.63
Michael Darnton
▪ This 3-book set covers a wide range of topics beyond what the title specifies, in over 142 articles.
Reviews: Adjusting a Steel String Guitar by Kent Carlos Everett
2011
AL#108 p.63
John Calkin
▪ Kent Everett explains step by step how to set up a guitar in this DVD.
Product Reviews: Klumpar Neck Angle Jig and JSimpson Self Adjusting Neck Jig
2011
AL#108 p.58 ALA2 p.72
Roger-Alan Skipper
▪ The plywood Simpson neck angle jig: simple, versatile and inexpensive, and the aluminum Klumper self adjusting neck jig: accurate, more complex, costly, and allowing for centerline adjustment. Both result in perfectly matched joints.
Product Reviews: Purflex and Zipflex
2011
AL#107 p.62
Roger-Alan Skipper
▪ Experimentation with purflex, short segments of wood contained within a flexible u-shaped channel, and zipflex, short pieces of pearl mounted on a firm rubber strip.
Reviews: Hand Made Hand Played: The Art and Craft of Contemporary Guitars by Robert Shaw
2011
AL#107 p.64
Tom Harper
▪ This ambitious book catalogs the work of over 230 luthiers from 19 countries, providing a record of the current state of the art guitarmaking.
Reviews: When Trees Sing: The Complete Guide To Violin Making by Peter Paul Prier
2011
AL#107 p.64
David Wiebe
▪ This 15-dvd set presents 18 hours of video in which Peter Prier demonstrates the process of building a violin.
Product Reviews: Stew-Mac TrueChannel Binding Routing Jig
2011
AL#105 p.54 ALA2 p.59
John Calkin
▪ Calkin tries the new Stew-Mac Truechannel Binding Routing Jig and likes it.
Reviews: Stradivari: by Stewart Pollens
2010
AL#103 p.64 read this article
David Gusset
▪ “Stradivari” by Stewart Pollens recounts every aspect known about the legendary maker and includes over 1,000 black and white images of 16 violins, violas, and cellos.
A Review of Three Old Lutherie Books With An Emphasis on Their Guitar Sections
2010
AL#104 p.26 read this article
Jan Tulacek Alain Bieber James Buckland
▪ An overview of three 19th century lutherie texts, by G.A. Wettengei in 1828, J.C. Maugin in 1834, and Paul Hasiuck in 1907.
Reviews: The Responsive Guitar/Making the Responsive Guitar (box set) by Ervin Somogyi
2010
AL#102 p.64 read this article
Roger-Alan Skipper
▪ This striking two-book set, ‘The Responsive Guitar’, about the physics, dynamics, acoustics, and construction of the guitar, and ‘Making the Responsive Guitar’, information on the workshop, tools, jigs, wood storage, etc, is a handsome tomb featuring hundreds of stunning color photographs.
Reviews: more on The Responsive Guitar by Ervin Somogyi
2010
AL#102 p.65 read this article
Michael Sanden
▪ A further endorsement of Somogyi’s two-book set.
Product Review: Veritas NX60 Premium Block Plane
2010
AL#102 p.70
James Condino
▪ Condino reviews the Veritas Nx60 premium block plane and loves it.
Reviews: How To Make a Living By Doing Something Crazy Like Building Guitars by Kent Carlos Everett
2010
AL#101 p.66 read this article
John Calkin
▪ Everett’s book, based on a lecture given at Healdsburg Guitar Festival is a thoroughly researched look at self employment, backed up with experience and hard data.
Reviews: With Strings Attached: Art and Beauty of Vintage Guitars by Jonathon Kellerman
2010
AL#101 p.66 read this article
Walter Carter
▪ This book showcases Kellerman’s vast instrument collection, presented alphabetically by maker, and each accompanied by information on the model, acquisition, and sound of each instrument.
Product Reviews: Knilling Perfection Planetary Pegs
2009
AL#100 p.58 read this article
Randy DeBey
▪ DeBey reviews a set of Knilling Perfection Planetary pegs (geared tuning pegs) designed by John Charles Herin.
Reviews: Violin Rehairing with Roger Foster, by Ronald Louis Fernandez
2009
AL#100 p.67 read this article
Ken Altman
▪ Violin Repairing With Roger Foster, a 53 minute DVD, shows how a professional violin and bowmaker rehairs a bow in his shop, with comments and explanations along the way.
Reviews: Engineering the Guitar: Theory and Practice by Richard Mark French
2009
AL#99 p.66 read this article
Bill Greenwood
▪ This book is aimed at “a niche audience of mathematically literate students who are relatively new to the details of guitar structure. . . .” The reviewer decides it is a successful effort.
Review: Lyre-guitar: Etoile charmante, between the 18th and 19th centuries by Eleonora Vulpiani
2009
AL#99 p.67 read this article
John Doan
▪ The reviewer admires this book that takes a serious look at the lyre-guitar, an instrument that most of us—even those with a bent for history—give short shrift.
A Survey of Guitar Making Books
2009
AL#98 p.58 read this article
Graham McDonald
▪ The author rounds up a collection of acoustic guitar making manuals currently available to help us separate the wheat from the chaff. The serious student will no doubt end up with several of these books, but McDonald will help you decide which ones to buy first. Includes jacket photos of all the books discussed.
Product Reviews: Witherby Gouge
2009
AL#98 p.65
Andrew Mowry
▪ The author reviews the spoon plane and finds that it is more efficient at removing large quantities of wood when carving mandolin plates than the gouges he used to use, and it’s also easier on the carver, a not insignificant benefit. With 2 photos of the tool.
Letter to the Editor: Clarification of DVD review in AL#97
2009
AL#99 p.3 read this article
Ronald-Louis Fernandez
▪ Fernandez offers corrections to Tom Harper’s review of his instruction DVD French Polishing for Guitarmakers 2.0.
Reviews: The Mandolin Project by Graham McDonald
2009
AL#97 p.64 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer is very pleased with this manual that presents the construction of four different styles of mandolin. The instruction is concise and the illustrations well done.
Reviews: French Polishing for Guitarmakers 2.0 by Dr. Ronald Louis Fernandez
2009
AL#97 p.65 read this article
Tom Harper
▪ Beginners often face the prospect of French polishing with some trepidation. As in many facets of lutherie, video is usually a better instructor than text. With only a few reservations the reviewer finds this DVD to be a clear and concise tutorial.
Reviews: The Guitar in America, Victorian Era to Jazz Age by Jeffrey J. Noonan
2008
AL#96 p.65 read this article
Don Overstreet
▪ The book is about the Banjo, Mandolin, and Guitar Movement that ended with the Great Depression. While the reviewer admits that there is little here for luthiers, there is a ton of interesting material for the musical history buff. This time is where many of the instrument icons we all copy came from.
Reviews: Building the Selmer-Maccaferri Guitar by Michael Collins
2008
AL#96 p.66 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer enjoyed this 14-hour DVD set but advises that it’s not the last word in the construction of a fine guitar.
Product Reviews: Plasti-Dip and the Stewart-MacDonald Binding Laminator
2008
AL#95 p.62
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer gives a thumbs up to Plasti-Dip, a thick liquid used to apply a plastic coating to tools, and to the Stew-Mac Binding Laminator, used to lay up various combinations of plastic or celluloid bindings and purflings. With 4 photos.
Reviews: Classical Guitar Making, A Modern Approach to Traditional Design, by John S. Bogdonovich
2008
AL#95 p.64 read this article
John Mello
▪ The reviewer finds this book to be “an impressive achievement, a logical first choice of the available stand-alone methods for classical guitar construction.”
Reviews: Guitar Voicing Class with Ervin Somogyi
2008
AL#95 p.65 read this article
Joe Herrick
▪ The reviewer not only learned a lot about choosing tops and designing brace patterns, he had a very good time. The class took him beyond building generic guitars and into the realm of building the specific guitars that he andor his customers want to hear.
Reviews: Step by Step Guitar Making by Alex Willis
2008
AL#94 p.63 read this article
John Mello
▪ The reviewer finds this book to be a useful addition to the beginning luthier’s library, but that it falls short of being a stand alone teaching text.
Product Reviews: Mandolin tuners
2008
AL#93 p.60
James Condino
▪ Condino rates all the commonly available mandolin tuners and explains why spending $500 for the best set available might make good economic sense. He also likes the Stew-Mac mandolin peghead drill jig. With 12 photos.
Reviews: La Chitarra di Liuteria—Masterpieces of Guitar Making, by Stefano Grondona and Luca Waldner
2008
AL#93 p.70 read this article
Tom Harper
▪ The reviewer much admires this book that attempts to supply the reader with an emotional appreciation of specific guitars made during the late 18th century to the mid-20th century.
Product Review: Samson Zoom H4 Recorder
2007
AL#92 p.62 read this article
Harry Fleishman
▪ Can you think of uses for a small CD-quality, digital recorder that interfaces with your computer? If not, skip this review. If you’d like to demo your latest guitar on your website, or analyze its tonal spectrum, then maybe this machine is for you. It’s fairly inexpensive, very portable, and Harry likes it. With 1 photo.
Review: Building the Kamanche by Nasser Shirazi
2007
AL#92 p.64 read this article
Barbara Goldowsky
▪ Mr. Shirazi’s book give clear and precise direction for building all the parts of this Persian instruments, as well as information about building five different body types. This is perhaps the only AL book review that includes a nice interview with the author. With 1 photo.
Letter to the Editor: Replying to Binding Cutter Review
2007
AL#90 p.6 read this article
Harry Fleishman
▪ Harry says his blindfolded binding cutter jig really does work.
Product Reviews: Schatten Pickup Winder
2007
AL#90 p.62
Harry Fleishman
▪ The reviewer test drives the Shatten pickup winder as well as the Stewart-MacDonald pickup winding kits and finds the road a bit bumpy until the instructions are consulted, but in the end recommends all the equipment whole-heartedly. With 2 photos.
Product Reviews: Luthiertool Binding Cutting Base
2007
AL#89 p.64 ALA2 p.22
Alan Perlman John Mello
▪ Both reviewers test fly the Luthiertool Binding Cutter Base, an attachment for a small router or laminate trimmer. Perlman is enthusiastic about the tool. Mello is a little less so but admits he’s glad he bought it. With 1 photo.
This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.
Product Review: edge vise, combination slot head fixture, and rosette cutter by Luthiertool Co.
2006
AL#88 p.58 ALA2 p.10
John Mello
▪ The reviewer (who bought these tools, by the way) finds that they were a good investment that saves him time and increases the accuracy of his work. With 7 photos.
Review: Les Luths reviewed
2006
AL#88 p.62 read this article
Alain Bieber
▪ The reviewer heartily recommends this catalog of lutes and theorbos in the musical instrument museum of Paris.
Review: The Century That Shaped the Guitar by James Westbrook
2006
AL#88 p.63 read this article
Bryan Johanson
▪ No, it wasn’t the 20th century, silly. It was the 19th century in which the classical guitar grew up.The reviewer calls this book wonderful, informative, and generous. There is also a CD available of 19th century guitar music played on restored instruments of the time.
Product Review: De-Glue Goo reviewed
2006
AL#87 p.58
Mike Tagawa
▪ This product removes beaded and smeared dry glue from most any surface with damaging the underlayment. The reviewer says it works. With 11 photos.
Review: Guitar; An American Life by Tim Brookes
2006
AL#87 p.60 read this article
Ervin Somogyi
▪ The reviewer is wildly enthusiastic about this book that seems to cover every aspect of the American guitar.
Product Review: SawStop Table Saws
2006
AL#86 p.62 ALA2 p.4
James Condino
▪ Saw stop table saws are meant to screech to a halt before they can cut your skin. The reviewer finds that they really work. What are your fingers worth to you, anyway? With 8 photos.
Reviews: The Ukulele by Denis Gilbert, and Ukulele Design and Construction by D. Henry Wickham
2006
AL#86 p.68 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer finds that neither of these books is that great but that Wickham’s is probably a better value than Gilbert’s.
Product Review: Stewart-MacDonald Fret Scale Rules
2006
AL#85 p.59
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman is at his humorous best here, hunting the past for how frets used to be laid out, why they were often wrong, and why the new Stew-Mac rules are tools worth having. Did you know there are at least three ways to calculate fret spacing? Did you know they vary in their results? Can musicians hear the difference? With 1 photo and a chart.
DVD Review: In Search of the Harp Guitar, It’s History, Players, and Makers, hosted by John Doan
2006
AL#85 p.64 read this article
Cyndy Burton
▪ The reviewer enjoyed this DVD, though she seems hesitant to recommend it to anyone seeking solid information about building a harp guitar. It’s a tour of the contemporary harp guitar scene important to anyone who wishes to be part of that society in any guise.
Product Review: The Luthier’s Friend
2005
AL#84 p.57 BRB7 p.509
Keith Davis
▪ The reviewer fairly gushes about the many uses for this drill press sanding tool.
Review: The Setup and Repair of the Double Bass for Optimum Sound by Chuck Traeger
2005
AL#84 p.58 BRB7 p.534 read this article
James Condino
▪ The reviewer finds this book to be a treasure well worth the high cost to anyone serious about the standup bass.
Review: Baxter’s Database of Violin and Bow Makers v3.0 by Edward D. Baxter
2005
AL#84 p.59 BRB7 p.535 read this article
Randy DeBey
▪ The reviewer seems ambivalent about the value of this software, claiming that it is frustrating to use and probably of most value to violinists who are searching for an older instrument and need information about the builders.
Review: Build a Steel String Guitar with Robert O’Brien by Robert O’Brien
2005
AL#84 p.60 BRB7 p.536 read this article
John Calkin
▪ Though the reviewer found fault with this CD-ROM he decides that for the beginner it is better instruction than any book on the subject.
Review: Building an Acoustic Guitar by Dan Erlewine and Todd Sams
2005
AL#84 p.61 BRB7 p.537 read this article
John Calkin
▪ This 70 minute video demonstrates building an acoustic guitar from a Stew-Mac kit, and may be a bit misleading in it’s title.
Review: Folk Harp Design and Construction by Jeremy H. Brown
2005
AL#83 p.52 BRB7 p.532 read this article
C.F. Casey
▪ The reviewer notes that this book is more about harp construction theory than about actual construction techniques, but decides that that is where the emphasis should be. He notes that the section of string length vs. string tension is especially useful, and that the book as a whole should have an important place on any harp makers’ reference shelf.
Review: The Guitar of Andres Segovia Hermann Hauser 1937
2005
AL#83 p.53 BRB7 p.533 read this article
Tom Harper
▪ This offering includes a pamphlet by R.E. Brune and Don Pilarz that includes 30 color photos of this guitar, a new full-size blueprint by Brune, a CD of music by Segovia, and a poster. The reviewer concludes that “as a builder of classical instruments I really can’t imagine passing up this compilation.” ‘Nuff said.
Review: Build Your Own Lap Steel Guitar by Martin Koch
2005
AL#83 p.55 BRB7 p.533 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer notes that luthiers with a modicum of experience may find this book and CD combination lacking in useful new information. However, he enjoyed the reading/viewing and decides that the beginning electric luthier could do much worse than starting with Koch’s work.
Review: Aux origins de la guitare: vihuela de mano by Joel Dugot
2005
AL#82 p.63 BRB7 p.530 read this article
Bryan Johanson
▪ The author really, really likes this history of the vihuela. But you have to read it in the French.
Review: The Art of Modern Violin Making by Ricardo B. Flores
2005
AL#82 p.64 BRB7 p.531 read this article
Ken Goodwin
▪ The reviewer enjoyed the CD-ROM format of this teaching unit, noting that the pictures are better than those of a typical book, though navigating around the CD can be irritating at first. Though he hints that there could be more instruction for the money he concludes that a beginning violin maker would find the CD a good investment.
Product Review: The JLD Bridge System
2005
AL#81 p.56 BRB7 p.514
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer likes this system of pulling down the bulging tops of flattop guitars. With 3 photos and a diagram.
Review: El Tiple Puertorrqueno: Historia, Manual y Metodo by Jose Reyes-Zamora
2005
AL#81 p.58 BRB7 p.527 read this article
C.F. Casey
▪ The reviewer enjoyed this Spanish-only book about the Puerto Rican tiple, which includes the instrument’s history, how to build it, and how to play it.
Review: Left-Brain Lutherie by David C. Hurd, PhD
2005
AL#81 p.59 BRB7 p.528 read this article
R.M. Mottola
▪ The right side of the brain is creative and the left side is analytical. It’s nice when they can work together, but for most of us one side or the other is dominant. The reviewer (who is admittedly left-brained) would like even right-brained luthiers to read this book, though he admits that they may struggle. Intelligent people shouldn’t ignore any source of information that may improve their work. Those who become luthiers to escape from real work may not grasp this concept.
Product Review: Stew-Mac Measuring Tools
2004
AL#80 p.52 BRB7 p.507
Harry Fleishman
▪ Toolman Harry examines three new measuring devices from Stew-Mac and finds them all to be accurately made and useful. The tools are the Fret Rocker (for finding high frets), the String Action Gauge (for measuring string height), and the String Spacing Tool (for laying out nuts and perhaps saddles). With 3 photos and a diagram.
Review: The Bouzouki Book, by Graham McDonald
2004
AL#80 p.58 BRB7 p.525 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer found this book about several ways of constructing the Irish bouzouki to be up-to-date, useful, and generally well written, though the huge number of typos bothered him.
Review: The Vihuela de Mano and The Spanish Guitar: A Dictionary of the Makers of Plucked and Bowed Musical Instruments of Spain by Jose L. Romanillos and Marian Harris Winspear
2004
AL#80 p.59 BRB7 p.526 read this article
Bryan Johanson
▪ The reviewer gushes about the detail and quality of research that went into the book, as well as the authors’ enthusiasm for their subjects.
Product Reviews: Slotted-Head Tuners
2004
AL#79 p.48 BRB7 p.516
Todd Rose
▪ Slot-heads have been standard on classical guitars since they evolved away from wooden friction pegs, but that elegant design has appeared only intermittently on steel string guitars. Noting a comeback in the steel string slot-head, the author examines and evaluates many of the various tuners available, from the basic to the sublime. With 19 photos and list of sources.
Product Review: Stew-Mac Shaped Braces
2004
AL#79 p.60 BRB7 p.512 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer examines Stew-Mac’s top and back brace sets for flattop guitars and finds that they limit the luthiers design options, but he nonetheless is able to put them into one of his guitars with no qualms. With 4 photos.
Review: Emasco Finger Planes
2004
AL#77 p.64 BRB7 p.524
Don Overstreet
▪ The reviewer likes these brass finger planes made in Arizona and in the end decides that their price of $89 apiece is reasonable for any professional builder of archtop instruments.
Review: Setar Construction, An Iranian Musical Instrument, by Masser Shirazi
2004
AL#77 p.64 read this article
Marc Connelly
▪ The setar is a “long-necked, fretted, 3-or 4-stringed instrument with a gourd-shaped soundbox,” (reviewer’s description). The reviewer loves this book about how to construct the setar, admires it for its detail and concision, and enjoys the fact that it is printed in both English and Persian script (in 2 sections, not both at once).
Product Review: Spot Check Thermometer
2003
AL#76 p.58 BRB7 p.510
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer tries out the Spot Check contact thermometer on his side-bending machine and makes some interesting discoveries. This tool is too cheap and useful to be without. With 3 photos.
Product Review: Colorado Soft Cases
2003
AL#75 p.64 BRB7 p.503 read this article
R.M. Mottola
▪ The author tries out soft cases (gig bags) by Colorado Case Co. and finds them to be satisfying though pricey. With 5 photos.
Kit Review: LMI’s OM Guitar
2003
AL#74 p.48 BRB7 p.538
John Calkin
▪ The oversize nature of the parts in this kit offers the ability to build guitars that are wider and/or deeper than the standard Martin OM. The author builds one he calls the magnum, a normal OM shape that has the depth of a dreadnought. He finds it to be a thoroughly top-flight instrument. With 18 photos and a sidebar about the author’s Ferrari OM, an attempt to build the lightest possible instrument that will still thrive in the real world.
Review: Getting a Bigger Sound: Pickups and Microphones for Your Musical Instrument by Bart Hopkin with Robert Cain and Jason Lollar
2003
AL#74 p.60 BRB7 p.523 read this article
Fred Carlson
▪ The reviewer likes this book a lot. It is more concerned with explaining how instrument amplification works and how one might build hisher own gear than in reviewing the many commercial units that are available.
Product Review: Fossil Ivory Bridge Pins
2003
AL#74 p.64 BRB7 p.505 read this article
Harry Fleishman
▪ Mr. Harry examines fossil ivory as a material for bridge pins, nuts, and end pins, and finds it exquisite. He also checks out the Stew-Mac Bridgesaver tool and finds it useful on a variety of fronts.
Product Review: Stew-Mac Bridge Saver
2003
AL#74 p.65 BRB7 p.506
Harry Fleishman
▪
Review: A History of the Lute from Antiquity to the Renaissance by Douglas Alton Smith
2003
AL#73 p.60 BRB7 p.522 read this article
Bryan Johanson
▪ The reviewer pronounces this book to be “a massive achievement to which the reader can return again and again for information, insights, and pleasure.” A pretty good indication that he found it useful and valuable.
Review: Shoptalk 6
2003
AL#73 p.61 BRB7 p.523
John Calkin
▪ This video is a collection of shop tips that the reviewer found to be valuable and entertaining, especially in view of the low price.
Product Reviews: Tite-Mark Marking Gauge; Contour Plane; Veritas Apron Plane
2003
AL#73 p.64
Jeffrey-R. Elliott Cyndy Burton
▪ Some tools have a value way beyond function. Elliott looks at three he especially likes, a low-angle plane, a marking gauge, and a small spokeshave which is called a contour plane.
Review: Dan Erlewine Lutherie Videos
2002
AL#72 p.54 BRB6 p.541 read this article
John Calkin
▪ Eight new videos (with four already on DVD) from the inventor of video lutherie instruction. The reviewer obviously likes them and believes they will speed the learning curve for anyone interested in guitar repair and maintenance.
Product Reviews: Asturome ES/RV Detail Spray Gun
2002
AL#72 p.60 BRB6 p.486
R.M. Mottola
▪ The reviewer examines the Asturmes ES/RV spray gun and finds that it’s the answer to the finish problems he’s found, and at a reasonable price. With one photo.
Review: So You Want to Make a Double Bass; To Make a Double Bass; Double Bass Making
2002
AL#71 p.66 BRB6 p.540 read this article
David Riggs
▪ The reviewer turned his pages into a gathering of all the chief sources of useful bass making information, finding that in the end “there is a very deep well of information not in print.”
Kit Review: Musicmaker’s Irish Bouzouki
2002
AL#71 p.44 BRB6 p.507 read this article
John Calkin
▪ Irish ‘zooks are cool, though they don’t much resemble bouzoukis and very few of them come from Ireland. The author finds the kit to be easily assembled and a bargain. Though the nontraditional materials may turn off some, the instrument is playable and sounds decent. With 13 photos.
Product Reviews: Grizzly Pneumatic drum Sander
2002
AL#71 p.62 BRB6 p.485
R.M. Mottola
▪ Mottola likes the Grizzly H2881 pump sander, a handheld drum sander he uses for sculpting neck heels and the like. He doesn’t however, much enjoy doing business with the Grizzly company. With 2 photos.
Product Reviews: Tusq Martin-Style Bridge Pins
2002
AL#70 p.54 BRB6 p.470 read this article
Fred Carlson
▪ Carlson ventures into Plasticland hoping to find a useful substitute for animal parts on his guitars. An aversion to both plastic guitar parts and animal slaughter leaves hardly any useful material for bridge saddles, and he sort of settles on a material called Tusq. Partly tongue-in-cheek and generally philosophical, the review concludes that beef bone saddles will be around for awhile yet.
Kit Review: Musicmaker’s Regency Harp
2002
AL#69 p.48 BRB6 p.500 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The author discovers that this kit provides a harp fit for a professional musician. The finished harp is a powerful instrument with a wide range, and though the kit is pricey it is easy to build. The process of lace finishing is described in detail. With 17 photos.
Product Reviews: Delta and Performax Abrasive Planers
2002
AL#69 p.56 BRB6 p.481
Harry Fleishman
▪ Guitar maker and teacher Fleishman compares two thickness sanders, the Performax 22-44 and the Delta 31-250, finding that both are useful, have different peculiarities, and that you are better off with either one than without a thickness sander at all. With 2 photos.
Product Reviews: Ameritage Cases
2001
AL#68 p.60 BRB6 p.484 read this article
R.M. Mottola
▪ Product reviews include Ameritage cases, a Grizzly H2881 drum sander, and an Asturomec ES/RV detail spray gun.
Letter to the Editor: Defending Larry Sandberg’s Book
2001
AL#67 p.3 read this article
Harry Fleishman
▪ Harry Fleishman leaps to the defense of Larry Sandberg. He feels that Ben Hoff was too harsh in his criticism of Larry’s book The Acoustic Guitar Guide.
Review: Dangerous Curves: The Art of the Guitar by Darcy Kuronen
2001
AL#67 p.60 BRB6 p.539 read this article
John Calkin
▪ This is a picture book of guitars that the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, included in a show of artfully conceived instruments. The reviewer loves the style of the photography but gives the project a so-so evaluation.
Review: Music, Cognition, and Computerized Sound; An Introduction to Psychoacoustics edited by Perry R. Cook
2001
AL#67 p.60 BRB6 p.539 read this article
R.M. Mottola
▪ The luthier who has no interest in how human beings hear and interpret sound hasn’t really come to terms with instrument making at all. The reviewer likes this textbook that takes in this subject, though it sounds like heavy going.
Kit Review: Musicmaker’s Hurdy-Gurdy
2001
AL#66 p.50 BRB6 p.496 read this article
John Calkin
▪ Calkin barely knew what a hurdy-gurdy was when he began this kit, and afterwards he still wasn’t too sure. Not that it was the kit’s fault. The hurdy-gurdy (a mechanical fiddle) has nearly vanished from the musical scene and few details are to be found outside of museum blueprints. The kit turned out pretty good, though it makes no attempt at historical accuracy. Fun stuff, with 15 photos.
Review: Custom Guitars: A Complete Guide to Contemporary Handcrafted Guitars edited by Simone Solondz
2001
AL#66 p.55 BRB6 p.536 read this article
Benjamin Hoff
▪ The reviewer finds this book too expensive and too incomplete to recommend on any level other than for the nice photography.
Review: Benedetto Archtop Plans
2001
AL#66 p.56 BRB6 p.537 read this article
David Riggs
▪ Riggs raves about the detail included in this blueprint of a Benedetto archtop.
Review: Custom Knifemaking by Tim McCreight
2001
AL#66 p.57 BRB6 p.538 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer decides that if you want to make your first knife you just about can’t go wrong with this book.
Product Reviews: Stew-Mac Brown Tape
2001
AL#66 p.58 BRB6 p.480
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman spends an entire column talking about a particular brown masking tape, and darn if he doesn’t make it sound like a fine use of space.
Product Reviews: Fishman Voltage Doubler
2001
AL#65 p.59 BRB6 p.478
Harry Fleishman
▪ AL’s Tool Meister reviews a bunch of circuit accessories from Stewart-MacDonald. He rejects the Black Ice crunch-adder but likes the Voltage Doubler, ConducTool, Megaswitch, and Yamaha 5-way switch.
Review: The Acoustic Guitar Guide by Larry Sandberg
2001
AL#65 p.62 BRB6 p.535 read this article
Benjamin Hoff
▪ Hoff seriously doesn’t recommend this book about buying and maintaining a guitar.
Review: Installing Transducer Pickup Systems by Dan Erlewine
2001
AL#65 p.63 BRB6 p.536 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer recommends this video about installing under-the-bridge flattop guitar pickups.
Review: Northumbria Tuning Gears
2000
AL#63 p.61 BRB6 p.533 read this article
Gary Southwell
▪ The reviewer likes these high-end tuning machines for their precision and elegant appearance.
Review: Archtop Guitar Master Class Series Part 1: Focusing on Bridges and Tailpieces by Bob Benedetto
2000
AL#64 p.56 BRB6 p.534 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer finds this video to be more opinion than explanation, and that the limited amount of information included doesn’t justify its purchase.
Review: The Art of Violin Making by Chris Johnson and Roy Courtnall
2000
AL#64 p.56 BRB6 p.534 read this article
Michael Darnton
▪ Though the reviewer finds that this book shares a few of the same limitations as all other violin construction books, in the end “this is a great book (that) for the most part completely eclipses every previous violin making text.”
Kit Review: Stew-Mac’s D-28 Guitar
2000
AL#64 p.58 BRB6 p.493
John Calkin
▪ The author enjoyed building this kit and decides that it is a fine value as well as a good way to enter guitar making. With 14 photos.
Product Reviews: Hipshot Ultralight Bass Tuners
2000
AL#64 p.61 BRB6 p.476
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman returns to this column after a long absence, and finds that he has a strong admiration for Hipshot Ultralight Bass Tuners. He also examines the Earvana intonated nut intended for Fender electric guitars and finds that they do improve intonation, though the installation is not a piece of cake. With 3 photos.
Review: From Harp Guitars to the New Hawaiian Family: Chris J. Knutsen, History and Development of the Hawaiian Steel Guitar by George T. Noe and Daniel L. Most
2000
AL#62 p.62 BRB6 p.531 read this article
Jonathon Peterson
▪ The reviewer recommends this book that traces the history of harp and Hawaiian guitars, focusing sharply of the life and work of Knutsen.
Review: Taylor on Guitars: New Neck Designs by Bob Taylor, Taylor Guitars
2000
AL#62 p.63 BRB6 p.532 read this article
Woody Vernice
▪ This video is used to explain the design of the new Taylor neck. The reviewer likes it as more than the selling aid that Taylor envisioned, that for him it opened the discussion for the future role of the handbuilder.
Nine Electric Guitar Construction References
2000
AL#63 p.50 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The best of these books and videos should put you well on the way to making professional quality electric instruments. You should know about the others, too, if only so you know to avoid them.
Product Reviews: Livos Oil Finish
2000
AL#63 p.56 BRB6 p.471 read this article
Fred Carlson
▪ Mr. Fred spins a tale about new finish products, then reviews the orange oil-based finish products from Livos.
Review: Sunburst Finishing by Dan Erlewine and Don MacRostie
2000
AL#63 p.61 BRB6 p.533 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer admires this video as a look at the real world of guitar finishing, where standards are high and problems are bound to arise.
Review: Guitar Finishing Step-by-Step by Dan Erlewine and Don MacRostie
2000
AL#61 p.62 BRB6 p.530 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer recommends this book to anyone who wishes to spray lacquer, but especially to those who wish to recreate many of the electric guitar finishes the factories have put out.
Review: The Player’s Guide to Guitar Maintenance by Dave Burrluck
2000
AL#61 p.62 BRB6 p.530 read this article
Dave Zogg
▪ The reviewer decides that this very pretty book should serve all but the tool-disabled to care for their guitars.
Review: Spray Finishing Basics by Dan Erlewine and Don MacRostie
2000
AL#61 p.63 BRB6 p.531 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer likes this video for its good advice to luthiers who have no access to professional equipment. Those who already have a booth and good spray gear will also benefit from the instruction. The 2 jobs involved are both electric guitars finished in colors.
Kit Review: The Riverboat Banjo from Musicmaker’s Kits
2000
AL#62 p.50 BRB6 p.490 read this article
John Calkin
▪ This is the first of a new semi-regular column. The Riverboat features massive amounts of wood to paint or carve, as well as a head adjustment system that eliminates all of the traditional banjo hardware. Calkin likes it. With 7 photos.
Product Reviews: Frets.com CD
2000
AL#62 p.54 BRB6 p.470 read this article
Fred Carlson
▪ Carlson examines Frank Ford’s “Frets.Com, A Luthier’s Notebook”, an ongoing CD-ROM project taken from Ford’s website and finds that it offers more information than one reviewer can deal with. The reviewer also looks at the Fret Tang Expander and the Fret Tang Compressor, 2 tools invented by Ford, and finds them a good addition to his tool kit. With 4 photos.
Product Reviews: Stew-Mac Neck Jig
2000
AL#61 p.52 BRB6 p.468
John Calkin
▪ Good grades are given to the Stew-Mac neck jig, a fretting aid. The fret nippers intended for jumbo fret wire is greeted with mixed emotions. The Allen mandolin tailpiece is found to offer grace and dignity to any mando with a bridge high enough to allow its use.
Product Reviews: Moto-Tool Bases; Neck-Making Tools: JAWS
1999
AL#60 p.44 BRB5 p.436
Fred Carlson
▪ Hi-Tone instrument cases are reviewed and not found wanting, “a contender for the handsomest case out there, and very solidly built.”
Review: Mandolin Magazine
1999
AL#60 p.48 BRB5 p.485 read this article
Randy Allen
▪ Mandolin magazines come and go. The small market must cramp their longevity. Then reviewer likes this latest contender, and if it’s as good as he says we all hope it will hang around for awhile.
Review: Assembling a Solidbody Electric Guitar by Dan Erlewine
1999
AL#60 p.48 BRB5 p.485 read this article
John Calkin
▪ All it takes to slap together a parts guitar is a screwdriver and some common sense, right? Way wrong! The reviewer decides that this video should be figured into the budget of every first-time guitar assembler.
Product Reviews: Routing Jig; Router Base for Moto Tool; Fingerboard/Bridge Heating Iron
1999
AL#59 p.56 BRB5 p.452
Fred Carlson
▪ Carlson checks out Iboney, a specially treated cow bone used for nuts and saddles. Also in this column is an examination of 3 Stew-Mac tools, a fingerboard and bridge heating iron, a purfling cutter attachment for the Dremel MultiPro, and a binding cutter for the Stew-Mac version of the MultiPro router base. Fred likes the Iboney, and decides that both Stew-Mac Dremel attachments are better made than the Dremels themselves. The heating iron passes inspection, too, but the GAL Tool Guy feels a bit luke-warm about it.
Review: Acquired of the Angels by Paul William Schmidt
1999
AL#59 p.62 BRB5 p.482 read this article
Linda Manzer
▪ The reviewer finds this book about the life and work of John D’Angelico and James D’Aquisto “is a wonderful and carefully prepared book,” though perhaps not free of errors.
Review: Advanced Inlay Techniques by Larry Robinson
1999
AL#59 p.63 BRB5 p.478 read this article
John Calkin
▪ Robinson not only continues to widen the scope of instrument inlay, he invites others to come along and shows them how to do it. The reviewer is very enthusiastic about this video tape.
Review: Research Papers in Violin Acoustics, 1975-1993 edited by Carleen Hutchins and Virginia Benade
1999
AL#59 p.63 BRB5 p.483 read this article
David Hurd
▪ The reviewer finds that the expense and daunting technical nature of this two-volume set should not prevent individuals from acquiring them and wading in. He admonishes that one never knows what will come out of such reading, but that nothing will come of it if it isn’t attempted.
Review: Shoptalk 5 by Todd Sams, Don MacRostie, Dan Erlewine
1999
AL#59 p.65 BRB5 p.484 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer likes this instruction video that is ultimately intended to sell product, and finds that the instruction far outweighs the salesmanship angle of this Stew-Mac tape.
Product Reviews: Chapin Insight Guitar Inspection Camera
1999
AL#58 p.52 BRB5 p.449
Fred Carlson
▪ How would you like a video camera that can snoop inside your guitar? Carlson examines the Chapin Insight guitar inspection camera and finds that it’s loads of fun and probably very useful to a repairman who has the $350 to improve his inspection capabilities.
Review: Ring the Banjar! The Banjo in America from Folklore to Factory, by Robert Lloyd Web
1999
AL#58 p.55 BRB5 p.480 read this article
Woody Vernice
▪ In 1984 the MIT museum sponsored an exhibition of banjos built predominantly in and around Boston. This book is sort of the catalog of that show, complete with two essays about the history of the banjo and the Bostonians who built the factories. The reviewer decides that if you like the open-back banjo you’ll enjoy this book.
Review: Making and Playing Musical Instruments by Jack Botermans, Herman Dewit, and Hans Godefroy
1999
AL#58 p.55 BRB5 p.480 read this article
David Riggs
▪ The reviewer likes this book about building assorted folk and flea market instruments, though he doesn’t expect serious luthiers to have much use for it. Not unless they like to kick back with a tin can banjo, that is. A fun book for unserious moments.
Review: Violin Making—Live! Watch Me Make a Cello, Step-by-Step by Henry Strobel
1999
AL#58 p.56 BRB5 p.481 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer finds this set of three video tapes (about 6-hrs. worth) to be roughly made but perhaps invaluable to the learn-at-home crowd.
Review: Julian Bream, the Foundations of a Musical Career by Stuart W. Button
1999
AL#58 p.57 BRB5 p.481
Cyndy Burton
▪ Bream began when the classical guitar world was small, indeed. The reviewer finds this collection of letters about Bream’s early years to be small, expensive, and enjoyable.
Product Reviews: Turbo Carver
1999
AL#57 p.58 BRB5 p.436
Fred Carlson
▪ Carlson takes over the GAL test pilot seat for new tools. This time he flies the Turbo-carver, an ultra-speed carving tool similar to (but not as elaborate as) a dentist drill. Carlson likes the tool but can’t seem to find a lot of use for it in lutherie. And though the tool is fairly inexpensive, he also questions its lifespan.
Review: Acoustics of Wood by Voichita Buchur
1999
AL#57 p.62 BRB5 p.479 read this article
Nicholas-Von Robison
▪ The reviewer finds that this technical tome about how wood vibrates may have a lot of value to any luthier who wants to work out the math, but that its high price will make it unavailable to most.
Review: Tambura by Dusan Brankov
1999
AL#57 p.63 BRB5 p.480 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer finds that this book will guide any luthier through the construction of this instrument that is sort of a simple guitar from Yugoslavia.
Review: Basic Pickup Winding and Complete Guide to Making Your Own Pickup Winder by Jason Lollar
1998
AL#55 p.63 BRB5 p.477
Bishop Cochran
▪ The reviewer finds that this book is weak on pickup design considerations but that it will ultimately set the luthier free to customize his sound and escape the high cost of commercial pickups.
Review: Wood: The Best of Fine Woodworking
1998
AL#55 p.63 BRB5 p.477
Nicholas-Von Robison
▪ The reviewer finds this collection of magazine articles will furnish new information to woodworkers of all experience levels. It should also encourage many to harvest their own wood supply and show them how to make it into a material worthy of their best work.
Review: Basic Inlay Techniques and Intermediate Inlay Techniques by Larry Robinson
1998
AL#55 p.64 BRB5 p.478
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer finds that for anyone wishing to attempt intricate, carefully fitted inlays these two instruction videos should guide them through the craft phase and help to release whatever art they may be capable of.
Review: How to Repair Your Diatonic Accordion or Concertina by John Townley and Jehan Paul
1998
AL#55 p.65 read this article
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer enjoyed this video. It is iconoclastic and hip, and should help anyone keep their squeezebox wheezing healthily. Instruction should always be this fun.
Review: 1996 Luthier’s Art; 1997 Luthier’s Art
1998
AL#55 p.65 read this article
Woody Vernice
▪ These are two picture books of guitars made by luthiers who attended the Healdsburg Guitar Festivals in 1996 and 1997. The reviewer finds that the pictures are too little, but that luthiers looking for new ideas may browse through them endlessly.
Review: A Collection of Fine Spanish Guitars from Torres to the Present by Sheldon Urlik
1998
AL#54 p.54 BRB5 p.474
Cyndy Burton
▪ The reviewer urges the purchase of this pricey book ($119.95) by anyone seriously interested in the history or construction of the classical guitar.
Review: Easy Guitar Maintenance and Repair by Harvey Citron
1998
AL#54 p.55 BRB5 p.476
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer finds that this video is a good learning device for anyone wishing to learn how to set up their electric guitar or bass, perhaps less so for acoustic players.
Review: Archtop Guitar Design and Construction by Robert Benedetto
1998
AL#54 p.56 BRB5 p.476
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer finds this set of 5 videos to be useful and complete for those who wish to build an archtop guitar, but that those who lack previous lutherie experience should also have the book by Benedetto.
Review: Spray Finishing by Andy Charron
1998
AL#54 p.57 BRB5 p.477
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer decides that the book should be of use to anyone who is about to purchase their first spray gear, but that other sources of information are more lutherie-specific.
Product Reviews: Wood Thickness Indicator, Nut Files, Fret Slot Cleaning Tool
1998
AL#54 p.58 BRB5 p.444
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman tries out a tool for puncturing archtop plates to establish depth of cut, likes it, but finds that the standard size tool is for violin makers and guitar makers must special order; the nut files of a lifetime come into his shop; a good tool that Everyman can afford turns out to be nice fret slot cleaning tool.
Ten Fiddle Books
1998
AL#53 p.52 BRB5 p.486
John Calkin
▪ A non-fiddle maker reviews 10 of the less expensive books about building violins. Are they useful? Interesting? Deadly dull? Worth the bread? There are far more expensive books in this category, but these are the ones most likely to be encountered by the beginner. This will give you a leg up before you order.
Product Reviews: Guitar Cradle, Mirror, Fret Tools, Go-Bars, Guitar Neck Removal Jig, Pro 7A Mike
1998
AL#53 p.56 BRB5 p.442
Harry Fleishman
▪ Harry ‘fesses up: many luthiers are just too darn serious to grok good humor. But he, himself, is serious about testing new gear. In this issue he sort of likes a Bench Guitar Cradle, isn’t very enthusiastic about the Ultimate Guitar Mirror, is ambiguous about a fret slotting miter box and saw, finds a good mini-mic to combine with piezo pickups for not a lot of money, hates a commercial go-bar deck, and raves about a neck removal jig for dovetail joints. Whew!
Review: The Classical Guitar: A Complete History edited by John Morrish
1998
AL#53 p.64 BRB5 p.474
Bryan Johanson
▪ The reviewer finds the book flawed in minor ways but says that it is well worth its price of $75, which is a pretty good recommendation.
Review: Tom Ribbecke’s Archtop Building Course
1997
AL#52 p.60 BRB5 p.473
C.F. Casey
▪ The reviewer came away from Ribbecke’s seminar not only feeling that he now had the foundation needed to build archtops, but felt that his lutherie skills in general had been boosted by his experience.
Product Reviews: Crack Repair Set
1997
AL#51 p.58 BRB5 p.440
Harry Fleishman
▪ The Guild’s tool buster tames two new offerings and enjoys the ride. The first is a knife for opening cracks in guitar tops. The other is jig that thins and shapes the splints to be put into the slots cut by the knife. Along the way he examines the catalog of Luthiers Mercantile International.
Product Reviews: Sewing Shop Finds; Cutting Burs; Spring Clamps
1997
AL#52 p.58 BRB5 p.441
Harry Fleishman
▪ Ever thought to look in a fabric store for lutherie tools? I’ll bet’cha that Harry beat you to it. He found a deal on aprons, some good layout tools for design work, and bias tape for tying on bindings. Then he opened a Woodcraft catalog and discovered clamps and a carbide burr cutter he couldn’t live without. Just one more column demonstrating why the editorial staff has developed a fatherly concern for their toolman’s life on the edge of lutherie.
Review: Musical Instrument Design by Bart Hopkin
1997
AL#51 p.46 BRB5 p.471
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer likes this book about instrument creation. The book deals lightly with the physics of music and lightly with the concept of craft. Hopkin’s real message is that musical instruments are everywhere on the planet, not just in the guitar shop, and he happily guides the reader through the creation of dozens of them. Deals with wind and percussion instruments more than with strings, but the string section is useful.
Review: Things About the Guitar by Jose Ramirez III
1997
AL#51 p.46 BRB5 p.471
Bryan Johanson
▪ Though taken aback by the ego of the author, the reviewer decides the book is invaluable to his enjoyment of the guitar. “If you care about the guitar, you should own this book.”
Review: Woodshop Dust Control by Sandor Nagyszalanczy
1997
AL#51 p.47 BRB5 p.471
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer likes the informal structure of this book about an important health consideration in any woodshop.Shop dust can be controlled on a low budget when necessary, and many collectors and aids can be made in the shop.
Review: Gibson’s Fabulous Flat-top Guitars by Eldon Whitford, David Vinopal, and Dan Erlewine
1997
AL#51 p.48 BRB5 p.472
Woody Vernice
▪ The reviewer especially raves about the photography included in the book, though his assessment of its value to the working luthier is not so hot.
Review: The Ukulele, A Visual History by Jim Beloff
1997
AL#51 p.49 BRB5 p.472
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer enjoyed his time spent with this book, but decides its appeal will be to those who are already ukulele enthusiasts. If you aren’t one, it probably won’t make you one.
Review: Guitar Electronics with Lindy Fralin
1997
AL#51 p.49 BRB5 p.472
John Calkin
▪ This video is about designing, making, and repairing pickups, starting at the bottom. The reviewer enjoyed the tape and found that it taught him new material in a manner that didn’t frighten him off.
Product Reviews: Fret Tang Pliers, Bridge-Slotting Jig
1997
AL#50 p.54 BRB5 p.438
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman examines two tools used for changing the width of fret tangs and a Dremel tool jig for routing bridge slots after the bridge is glued to the guitar. He likes them all. With 3 photos.
Product Reviews: Moto-Tool Bases; Neck-Making Tools: JAWS
1997
AL#49 p.54 BRB5 p.436
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman examines two retrofit bases for the Dremel mini-router, and likes them both for different reasons. He also test drives a set of micro-chisels and JAWS, a hand-powered fretting press, and recommends them. With 5 photos.
Review: A Bow Making Course taught by Joseph Regh
1997
AL#49 p.62 BRB5 p.470
Colin Kaminski
▪ This course, which saves years of learning on your own, is based on jigs and fixtures, and too brief for those who prefer to work by hand. Joseph is very forthcoming with his methods, ideas, and tricks.
List of Reviews
1997
LW p.134
Staff
▪ Abstracts of reviews of books, videos, and periodicals related to the themes of this book.
Nineteen Stew-Mac How-to Videos 2
1996
AL#48 p.46 BRB4 p.474
John Calkin
▪ Reviewed here are six videos, one about violins setups, one about French polishing, and four about guitar repair. All are found worthy, though two of the repair tapes are for the inexperienced luthier.
Product Reviews: Cutting Tools
1996
AL#48 p.49 BRB4 p.440
Harry Fleishman
▪ The GAL’s Toolman/stand-up comic checks out a potpourri of rasps, a pair of small drawknives, and a specialized chisel, and suggests what you should do with your junky Model 3 or 4 Dremel tool.
Review: Dobro Set Up & Maintenance by Paul Beard
1996
AL#47 p.60 BRB4 p.470
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer generally likes this video for the specific information it offers about Dobro hardware. He also finds that half the tape is too basic to be of real help to seasoned luthiers.
Review: Como Hacer una Guitarra by Hernan Rengifo Canas
1996
AL#47 p.60 BRB4 p.471
Kenny Hill
▪ This book, printed only in Spanish, describes guitar making in Ecuador. The reviewer finds that the Ecuadorian guitar as described in this book is crudely fashioned, and that the text is incomplete. Nevertheless, he enjoys it as a look into another culture.
Review: The Rickenbacker Book: A Complete History of Rickenbacker Guitars by Tony Bacon and Paul Day
1996
AL#45 p.58 BRB4 p.468
Richard Beck
▪ The reviewer finds that this is a “best value in a guitar history and identification book.”
Review: The Complete Guide to Sharpening by Leonard Lee
1996
AL#45 p.58 BRB4 p.468
Jess Wells
▪ The reviewer finds that this book is “the one sharpening book on the market today which I find useful as a reference in my library.”
Review: Acoustic Guitars and Other Fretted Instruments: A Photographic History by George Gruhn and Walter Carter
1996
AL#45 p.59 BRB4 p.469
Robert Lundberg
▪ This is a thorough and glowing review of an important book, by a reviewer who is best known for his work in early instruments.
Product Reviews: American School of Lutherie (Charles Fox)
1996
AL#46 p.50 BRB4 p.437
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman attends Charles Fox’s American School of Lutherie and sends back a very enthusiastic report of what he found there.
Nineteen Stew-Mac How-to Videos 1
1996
AL#45 p.44 BRB4 p.474
John Calkin
▪ Some videos are worth the money, and some aren’t. It depends more on the depth of your experience and interest than on the quality of these videos, which is generally good. Take a look at a batch of tapes (and one book) from Stewart-MacDonald about building or repairing stringed instruments.
Product Reviews: LMI Adjustable-Radius Sanding Block
1996
AL#45 p.54 BRB4 p.436
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman test drives the adjustable fretboard arching planes from Luthiers Mercantile International, and finds that they handle the curves nicely. Also, an update on Highlander pickups.
Nine Mountain Dulcimer Books
1995
AL#44 p.48 BRB4 p.472
John Calkin
▪ As always, not all books are created equal. Calkin compares all the dulcimer books he could round up.
Product Reviews: More Stew-Mac Tools
1995
AL#44 p.52 BRB4 p.434
Harry Fleishman
▪ This time the GAL’s Toolman tests a Stewart-MacDonald diamond coated fret file, and the Hacklinger gauge for measuring the thickness of instrument tops and backs. He likes the file enough to recommend it. He likes the gauge, too, but its high price puts him off.
Review: Making and Modifying Woodworking Tools by Jim Kingshott
1995
AL#44 p.57 BRB4 p.467
Andres Sender
▪ The reviewer finds that this book is particularly useful for the plane maker, and ultimately decides that it is “. . .a remarkable deal if you can find it.”
Product Reviews: Stew-Mac Tools
1995
AL#43 p.48 BRB4 p.432
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman examines and enjoys two tools from Stewart-MacDonald, the Bridge Saddle Routing Jig and the Adjustable Fret Slotting Saw.
Review: Electric Guitar Setups by Hideo Kamimoto
1995
AL#43 p.60 BRB4 p.466
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer finds that this should be a useful book for any but the most experienced repairman.
Review: Checklist of Technical Drawings of Musical Instruments in the Public Collections of the World by Rob van Acht
1995
AL#43 p.61 read this article
Robert Lundberg
▪ The reviewer finds that this book is too limited in its scope, and recommends against its purchase. However, he maintains that a sensibly revised edition would be an important and welcome resource, and that such a revised edition is in the works.
Product Reviews: Highlander Transducer
1995
AL#42 p.54 BRB4 p.431
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman examines the Highlander acoustic guitar pickup and decides it’s pretty good, but not perfect. He has never met the perfect pickup, so far.
Review: Electric Guitars and Basses, a Photographic History by George Gruhn and Walter Carter
1995
AL#42 p.56 BRB4 p.465
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer is enthusiastic about this picture book but decides that it may have no relevance to the life of a typical luthier.
Review: The Physics of Musical Instruments by Neville H. Fletcher and Tom Rossing
1995
AL#42 p.57 BRB4 p.466
Don Bradley
▪ The reviewer finds that the authors have made an invaluable reference for studying the vibration of all types of musical instruments.
Review: The Conservation and Technology of Musical Instruments, A Bibliographic Supplement to Art and Archaeology Technical Abstracts, Vol. 28, edited by Cary Karp
1995
AL#42 p.57 BRB4 p.481
Robert Lundberg
▪ The reviewer finds that although the abstracts are clear and well written, the quality and usefulness of the abstracted material is not judged. The unwary may be sent on a long search for information of little, or dangerous, use.
Product Reviews: Sabine Stealth Tuner
1995
AL#41 p.48 BRB4 p.429
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman examines the battery-powered Stealth guitar tuners from Sabine, which are meant to be mounted on the guitar. He finds them useful but aesthetically hard to hide on the instrument.
Review: Making an Archtop Guitar by Bob Benedetto
1995
AL#41 p.52 BRB4 p.463
Tom Ribbecke
▪ The reviewer finds that this book sets a new standard for guitarmaking books in general, and that it should affect the evolution of the archtop guitar for many years to come.
This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.
Review: The Art of Inlay by Larry Robinson
1995
AL#41 p.53 BRB4 p.464
John Calkin
▪ The reviewer finds that if you wish to push your inlay work beyond the traditional patterns you may find this book indispensable.
Product Reviews: Onboard Preamps
1994
AL#40 p.56 BRB4 p.427
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman tests the L.R. Baggs Micro Drive preamp and the MEQ-932 preamp available from Martin. Both units are for acoustic guitars, and the reviewer found them both to be a good value but not necessarily interchangeable.
Review: A Guide to Useful Woods of the World
1994
AL#39 p.46 BRB4 p.458
Nicholas-Von Robison
▪ The reviewer finds the book to be accurate and that the authors and editor did their best to escape the dry, technical aspects of wood science.
Review: Strobel Series for Violin Makers, books one through four and a preview of book five
1994
AL#39 p.46 BRB4 p.458 read this article
Robert Lundberg
▪ The reviewer finds that Strobel’s books are useful and accurate, and that the author has made a brave attempt to encourage luthiers to make their own violins, rather than strict copies of master instruments. Always look for the latest edition of each volume since changes and updates often accompany each new edition.
Review: Making Master Guitars by Roy Courtnall
1994
AL#39 p.49 BRB4 p.461
Kevin Aram
▪ The reviewer finds that his good first impression of the book is dimmed by six months spent in its company. He maintains that the information is inconsistent and not in the best interest of the beginning luthier, nor complete enough for the experienced builder.
Review: New Zealand Timbers by Norman C. Clifton
1994
AL#39 p.51 BRB4 p.463
Marc Worsfold
▪ This book only concerns itself with wood varieties that grow large enough to harvest for lumber. In that light, the reviewer finds it to be an “excellent, well-researched book that gives a different view of New Zealand resources other than sheep.”
Product Reviews: Bob Smith Glues
1994
AL#39 p.54 BRB4 p.425
Harry Fleishman
▪ The GAL’s tool man examines Bob Smith Industries line of epoxies and CA glues and finds that they shoot down the competition.
Product Reviews: Bourgeois Transducer/Mic Combo
1994
AL#38 p.52 BRB4 p.424
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman has made himself an expert in the field of amplifying the acoustic guitar. Here he examines the Transducer/Mic Combo, from Dana Bourgeois Guitars, and decides that it is a “real bargain.”
Product Reviews: The Apprentice
1994
AL#37 p.52 BRB4 p.422
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman spent a month doing all his repair work on The Apprentice, an instrument holder from WidgetWorks, and declares that he can’t give it up.
Review: The History and Artistry of National Resonator Instruments by Bob Brozman
1994
AL#37 p.57 BRB4 p.458
Ron Lira
▪ The reviewer says, “I’m so impressed with this book I could just bust!” Apparently America now has a National heaven.
Product Reviews: Trem-Setter and Tuning Gizmos
1993
AL#36 p.60 BRB3 p.441
Harry Fleishman
▪ Toolman tries out the Hipshot Extender Key for guitars, and the Hipshot Trilogy bridge. He finds them to be useful products with specific uses.
Product Reviews: Sperzels and Waverlies
1993
AL#35 p.54 BRB3 p.441
Harry Fleishman
▪ The Guild’s resident tool and hardware tester takes a look at Waverly vintage-style tuners, Sperzel locking machine heads, and the Trem-Setter stabilizing device. All are given the nod of approval.
Product Reviews: Dan Erlewine’s Don’t Fret video
1993
AL#34 p.56 BRB3 p.439 read this article
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman examines a rash of Stew-Mac fretting tools and their fretting video. He gives the green light to the entire package after extensive testing.
Product Reviews: Dean Markley SST
1993
AL#33 p.54 BRB3 p.437
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman tests the Dean Markley SST acoustic guitar pickup (saddle/transducer) and decides that it may fit certain needs but it doesn’t offer faithful reproduction of the guitar’s acoustic sound.
Review: Building a Herringbone-style Acoustic Guitar by Don MacRostie and Dan Erlewine
1993
AL#33 p.57 BRB3 p.471 read this article
Dave Maize
▪ Videos begin to get their due in the review department. The reviewer decides this tape is a valuable aid for the first-time builder.
Review: The Workbench Book by Scott Landis
1992
AL#32 p.62 BRB3 p.470 read this article
Robert Lundberg
▪ This marvelous book of workbenches will fill you with ideas of how to improve the ‘heart’ of your own shop.
This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.
Product Reviews: Waverly Fret Tang Nipper
1992
AL#31 p.60 BRB3 p.437
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman reviews the Waverly Fret Tang Nipper and finds that for the full-time builder it is an indispensable tool.
Product Reviews: Mini-Flex Microphone System
1992
AL#30 p.52 BRB3 p.435
Harry Fleishman
▪ Fleishman wrings out the line of Mini-flex guitar mikes and finds them wanting. He also tries out the Radio Shack electret condenser mike #33-1063 and likes it.
Taking the Guitar Beyond Equal Temperament
1992
AL#30 p.56 BRB3 p.469
Curt Carpenter
▪ The reviewer is disappointed in the chapters about pickup making. The rest of the book is hard to follow and perhaps too deep for beginning luthiers. The book does offer food for thought, but should be used in conjunction with other references.
Review: The Ultimate Guitar Book by Tony Bacon
1992
AL#30 p.56 BRB3 p.469 read this article
Lloyd Zsiros
▪ The reviewer finds that although the book offers no information on playing or building guitars, it is otherwise an excellent resource and a pleasure to read. The photos are excellent and the book covers a lot of ground.
Review: The Luthier’s Mercantile Catalog for Stringed Instrument Makers
1992
AL#29 p.58 BRB3 p.467 read this article
Cyndy Burton
▪ Seldom does a new catalog cause so much excitement. The reviewer especially likes it for bedtime reading.
Review: Identifying Wood: Accurate Results with Simple Tools by Bruce Hoadley
1992
AL#29 p.58 BRB3 p.467 read this article
Nicholas-Von Robison
▪ The reviewer decides this book isn’t perfect for the DIY wood analyzer, but it will do, especially since it’s the only game in town.
Review: Making Guitar 1 by Daniel Fort and Owen Riss
1992
AL#29 p.59 BRB3 p.468 read this article
Lloyd Zsiros
▪ The reviewer likes this video at first, but after repeated viewing finds it comes up short. If you have all the books and still can’t get motivated, perhaps this tape will help.
Product Reviews: Acoustech Dynamic Field Pickup
1992
AL#29 p.62 BRB3 p.434
Harry Fleishman
▪ Harry reviews the Acoustech Dynamic Field Pickup.
Review: The Gibson Guitar (Volumes 1 & 2) by Ian C. Bishop
1991
AL#28 p.60 BRB3 p.466 read this article
Gary Frisbie
▪ Books from the 70s written by an Englishman and intended to provide a wealth of info on Gibson guitars built from 1950 to the end of the 70s. Book 1 covers all the major lines of solidbody and hollowbody electrics, jazz and flattop acoustics. Book 2 covers omissions and inaccuracies in book 1, plus Epiphones, Kalamazoos, and Dwight guitars
Review: The Fender Guitar by Ken Archard
1991
AL#27 p.60 BRB3 p.465 read this article
Kevin Kobie
▪ The reviewer finds that this book is a well-written, useful reference about all Fender guitars.
Review: The Modern Classical Guitar for Friend or Builder by Donald M. Sprenger
1991
AL#27 p.60 BRB3 p.465 read this article
C.F. Casey
▪ The reviewer finds this book to be mostly a rehash of Irving Sloane’s Classic Guitar Construction.
Review: Guitar Player Repair Guide by Dan Erlewine
1991
AL#26 p.58 BRB3 p.463 read this article
Manny Bettencourt
▪ The reviewer finds that this book is an invaluable resource for the professional repairman and will let the amateur evaluate a potential repair and decide whether or not he has the skill to tackle it.
Review: Steel-String Guitar Construction by Irving R. Sloane
1991
AL#26 p.58 BRB3 p.463 read this article
David Riggs
▪ The reviewer finds that this book offers good, solid instruction to the person building their first guitar.
Review: Fine Woodworking Design Book Five
1991
AL#26 p.59 BRB3 p.464 read this article
Harry Fleishman
▪ The reviewer admires the beauty of the book’s photography, but seems hesitant to recommend it since so little of it is dedicated to musical instruments.
Review: Making Stringed Instruments — A Workshop Guide by George Buchanan
1991
AL#26 p.60 BRB3 p.464 read this article
C.F. Casey
▪ This British D.I.Y. book offers alternative diction, syntax, and approach to the material.
Review: How to Make a Violin Bow by Frank V. Henderson
1991
AL#25 p.60 BRB3 p.462 read this article
David Riggs
▪ A useful how-to book with clear, concise directions on bow making and other lutherie practices.
Review: The Encyclopedia of Wood
1990
AL#24 p.60 BRB2 p.504
Nicholas-Von Robison
▪
Review: Wood Handbook by Forest Products Laboratory
1990
AL#24 p.60 BRB2 p.504
Nicholas-Von Robison
▪
Review: Wood in Australia by Bootle
1990
AL#24 p.60 BRB2 p.504
Nicholas-Von Robison
▪
Review: Understanding Wood by Hoadley
1990
AL#24 p.60 BRB2 p.504
Nicholas-Von Robison
▪
Review: Elseviers Wood Dictionary, Vol. I by Beekman
1990
AL#24 p.60 BRB2 p.504
Nicholas-Von Robison
▪
Review: Checklist of United States Trees by Little
1990
AL#24 p.60 BRB2 p.504
Nicholas-Von Robison
▪
Review: Imported Wood Purchasing Guide by Int. Wood Trade Pub.
1990
AL#24 p.60 BRB2 p.504
Nicholas-Von Robison
▪
Review: Tropical Timbers of the World by Chudnoff
1990
AL#24 p.60 BRB2 p.504
Nicholas-Von Robison
▪
Review: What Wood is That? by Edlin
1990
AL#24 p.60 BRB2 p.504
Nicholas-Von Robison
▪
Review: Whittling and Woodcarving by Tangerman
1990
AL#24 p.60 BRB2 p.504
Nicholas-Von Robison
▪
Review: Eisenbrand Inc. by Exotic Hardwoods
1990
AL#24 p.60 BRB2 p.504
Nicholas-Von Robison
▪
Review: Constructing a Bluegrass Mandolin by Roger Siminoff
1990
AL#23 p.57 BRB2 p.503
David Riggs
▪ Riggs used Siminoff’s F-model book to build an A-model mandolin. His review offers building tips from his own experiences, as well as recommendations for changes in the book.
Review: Musical Acoustics — Selected Reprints
1990
AL#21 p.60 BRB2 p.500
Steve Newberry
▪ A collection of outstanding papers from the literature of acoustical physics.
Review: Make and Play a Lute by Ronald Zachary Taylor
1989
AL#20 p.56 BRB2 p.500
James Flynn
▪ The reviewer bubbles with enthusiasm for this book.
Review: L’ELAN
1989
AL#20 p.56 read this article
Francis Kosheleff
▪ The reviewer finds this little Canadian magazine put out by a lutherie school to be “interesting but not too deep.”
Review: Antonio de Torres, Guitar Maker — His Life and Work by Jose Romanillos
1989
AL#19 p.56 BRB2 p.496
Jeffrey-R. Elliott Cyndy Burton
▪ The reviewers find this book to be “a significant resource. . .densely packed with information both useful and interesting.” The evolution of the classical guitar, as described by Romanillos, should be of interest to all contemporary builders.
This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.
Review: Classic Italian Violin Varnish: Its History, Materials, Preparation and Application by Geary L. Baese
1989
AL#18 p.52 BRB2 p.497
Robert Lundberg
▪ The reviewer finds he could easily recommend this book if it weren’t so overpriced.
Review: The Steel String Guitar: Construction and Repair (Updated Edition) by David Russell Young
1989
AL#17 p.52 BRB2 p.495
David Thormahlen
▪ The reviewer has reservations about the repair chapter of this book, but otherwise finds it to be “accessible, innovative, and valuable.”
Review: Useful Measurements for Violinmakers: A Reference for Shop Use by Henry A. Strobel
1989
AL#17 p.52 BRB2 p.494
Al Stancel
▪ The reviewer gives this book very high marks for usefulness, readability, and accuracy.
Review: First Bass
1989
AL#17 p.52 read this article
Tim Olsen
▪ The reviewer enjoys the premier issue of a magazine for bottom end kind of people.
Review: Guitars, Guitars, Guitars: A Pictorial Reference Manual by Dave Crocker, John Brinkmann, and Larry Riggs
1988
AL#16 p.54 BRB2 p.493
Mark Humpal
▪ The reviewer finds that if you just like to look at guitars, and don’t demand art quality photos, you’ll like this book and its 1200 pictures.
Review: Tuning the Wood: Contemporary Illinois Stringed Instrument Builders by The Illinois State Museum
1988
AL#16 p.54 BRB2 p.493
Mark Humpal
▪ The reviewer finds this to be “a wonderful little book. . .,” “slick, well crafted, ready for the coffee table. . . .”
Review: From the Pages of Experimental Musical Instruments, Vol. III
1988
AL#16 p.55 BRB2 p.493
Tim Olsen
▪ It’s hard to tell when the reviewer is being enthusiastic or facetious, but I think he likes this cassette collection of odd musical noises (noisy musical oddities?).
Letter to the Editor: Koestler’s “The Act of Creation”
1989
AL#17 p.3 read this article
Richard Schneider
▪ Schneder really liked this book, and he writes to say that Stewart Brand agres with him about it.
Review: Guitars and Mandolins in America by Robert Hartman
1988
AL#15 p.69 BRB2 p.492
Joseph-R. Johnson
▪ The reviewer is enthusiastic about the research potential of this updated book, and believes it will be of use to the repairman who may face Larson instruments on his bench.
Review: The Shrine to Music Museum — A Pictorial Souvenir
1988
AL#15 p.69 BRB2 p.492
Tim Olsen
▪ The Shrine to Music Museum holds some of the world’s most important collections of musical instruments. This inexpensive volume is not only a great souvenir to those who have visited the museum, but a valuable research resource.
Review: Guitarmaking: Tradition and Technology by William R. Cumpiano and Jonathan D. Natelson
1988
AL#14 p.60 BRB2 p.490
Cyndy Burton
▪ This book, which has since become sort of the Bible of guitarmaking, is described by the reviewer as “the book we’ve all been waiting for.”
Review: From the Pages of Experimental Musical Instruments, Volume II
1988
AL#13 p.57 BRB2 p.490
Tim Olsen
▪ Olsen admits to an interest in odd musical noises. This cassette gets his approval as “interesting,” and not a lot more.
Review: The Flamenco Guitar by David George
1987
AL#12 p.64 BRB1 p.503 read this article
David Macias
▪ The reviewer encourages all students of the guitar to read this book, regardless of their special interests.
Review: Violin Set-Ups and Adjustments by Dan Erlewine and Paul Newson
1987
AL#11 p.50 BRB1 p.502 read this article
George Manno
▪ The reviewer finds this video to be a wise investment, especially for one new to the craft.
Review: The Manuscript on Violinmaking by Giovanni Antonio Marchi
1987
AL#11 p.50 BRB1 p.502 read this article
Don Overstreet
▪ The reviewer finds the book to be of mild interest for the violin historian, but seems to have been generally disappointed in its usefulness to the luthier.
Review: Appraisers Reference Manual of Authentic String Instruments and Bows by Thomas E. Florence
1987
AL#11 p.51 BRB1 p.502 read this article
George Manno
▪ The reviewer finds this to be the one book that every violin shop and instrument appraiser should own. ‘Nuff said.
Review: Selected Articles from VSA Journal
1987
AL#11 p.51 BRB1 p.501 read this article
Ernest Nussbaum
▪
Review: A Guitar Maker’s Manual
1987
AL#10 p.62 BRB1 p.500 read this article
Cyndy Burton
▪ Workbook format, large, 160 photos and diagrams, and spiral binding are great advantages of this nuts and bolts straight method book.
Review: Jose Oribe: The Fine Guitar
1987
AL#9 p.56 BRB1 p.498
C.F. Casey
▪ The reviewer believes that the book may help an experienced luthier adjust his “attitude” toward his craft and thereby make a better instrument. The beginner may not find it so useful.
Review: From the Pages of Experimental Musical Instruments, Volume 1 by Experimental Musical Instruments
1987
AL#9 p.56 BRB1 p.500 read this article
Tim Olsen
▪ The reviewer is enthusiastic about the mind-opening possibilities of this booklet/cassette combination.
Review: Guitar and Vihuela: An Annotated Bibliography by Meredith Alice McCutcheon
1987
AL#9 p.56 BRB1 p.499 read this article
Joseph-R. Johnson
▪ The reviewer finds that the book “falls short of being a thorough international bibliography, but will prove valuable to guitar and vihuela teachers, students, and luthiers.”
Review: The New Yorker Special by Frederick Cohen
1987
AL#9 p.57 BRB1 p.500 read this article
Tim Olsen
▪ The reviewer has high praise for this 28-minute film about famed archtop builder Jimmy D’Aquisto. As well as being a “valentine” to D’Aquisto, this film offers a tasty repast for information-hungry luthiers. (AL#9 p.57).
Review: A Catalogue of Pre-Revival Appalachian Dulcimers by L. Allen Smith
1986
AL#7 p.60 BRB1 p.497 read this article
James Flynn
▪ The reviewer doubts the book’s conclusions and finds it of no value to the serious luthier. He states, however, that dulcimer enthusiasts may find it interesting.
Review: Italian Violin Varnishes by George Fry
1986
AL#7 p.60 BRB1 p.498 read this article
George Manno
▪ The reviewer finds the book to be a worthwhile investment for anyone seriously trying to duplicate antique violin finishes.
Review: Physics And Music by Neville H. Fletcher
1986
AL#7 p.61 BRB1 p.498 read this article
Tom Rossing
▪ The reviewer is enthusiastic about this booklet for the nonscientist, finding it useful and accurate.
Review: SMAC83: Proceedings of the Stockholm Music Acoustics Conference
1986
AL#6 p.52 BRB1 p.496 read this article
Tom Rossing
▪ The reviewer finds that this collection of scientific papers will be of value to instrument builders, though it offers no “how to” advice.
Review: The Early History of the Viol by Ian Woodfield
1986
AL#5 p.53 BRB1 p.495 read this article
Christopher Allworth
▪ The reviewer finds the book to be “important and useful” to builders who wish to pursue the early viols.
Review: Julian Bream: A Life on the Road
1986
AL#5 p.53 BRB1 p.496 read this article
Gila Eban
▪ The reviewer finds the book to be of interest to the luthier, even though it offers little technical information about guitars.
Review: The Luthier’s Mercantile Catalog for Stringed Instrument Makers by Luthier’s Mercantile
1985
AL#4 p.52 BRB1 p.492 read this article
Frederick Battershell
▪ The reviewer examines what has become one of the main-stay catalogs of lutherie and finds that it’s not only chock full of wood, supplies, and tools, it’s a nearly encyclopedic source of lutherie information.
Review: Violin-Making As It Was, And Is by Ed. Heron-Allen
1985
AL#4 p.52 BRB1 p.494 read this article
Kirk-A. Janowiak
▪ The reviewer finds that this book is a necessary addition to any luthier’s library, but especially to one who may not yet be equipped with power tools.
Review: Geometry, Proportion, and the Art of Lutherie
1985
AL#4 p.53 BRB1 p.492 read this article
R.E. Brune
▪ The reviewer finds that this book about Renaissance and Baroque stringed instruments is “the most intense 178 pages of treatise on the art of lutherie. . . . Lots of math, and “exquisite” drawings of 33 instruments.
Review: The Technique of Violin Making by H.S. Wake
1985
AL#3 p.48 BRB1 p.489 read this article
Frederick Battershell
▪ The reviewer finds the book to be poorly organized and under-illustrated, making it a poor text for the beginning violinmaker.
Review: The Science of Sound by Tom Rossing
1985
AL#3 p.48 BRB1 p.491 read this article
Paul Wyszkowski
▪ The reviewer finds the book to be a complete text on the basics of acoustics that is relatively free of math and technical jargon.
Review: 1/1 The Quarterly Journal of the Just Intonation Network by The University of Iowa, School of Music
1985
AL#3 p.49 BRB1 p.490 read this article
Edward Kottick
▪ The reviewer finds the journal interesting, yet is nevertheless critical of its informational accuracy.
Review: Experimental Musical Instruments
1985
AL#3 p.50 BRB1 p.490 read this article
Fred Carlson
▪ The reviewer finds the newsletter “thin”, but is enthusiastic about its future.
Review: Guitars and Mandolins in America Featuring the Larsons’ Creations by Robert Hartman
1985
AL#2 p.51 BRB1 p.487 read this article
John Bromka Ron Lira
▪ Positive reviews praise the text, photos, and ad reproductions in this book about the Larson brothers, who made instruments from the 1880s to 1944.
Review: The Strad Facsimile — An Illustrated Guide to Violin Making by Edwin John Ward
1985
AL#2 p.51 BRB1 p.487
Frederick Battershell
▪ The reviewer praises the concise approach of the book as it describes one builder’s construction of a violin.
Review: Lutes, Viols and Temperaments by Mark Lindley
1985
AL#2 p.52 BRB1 p.488 read this article
Edward Kottick
▪ The reviewer calls the book a brilliant overview and analysis of all that can be said about the complex issue of temperament on string instruments between 1520 and 1740.
Review: Guitars: From the Renaissance to Rock by Tom and Mary Ann Evans
1985
AL#2 p.53 BRB1 p.488 read this article
C.F. Casey
▪ The reviewer calls this the best of the popular (as opposed to scholarly) histories of the guitar.
Review: Classic Guitar Making by Overholtzer
1985
AL#1 p.54 BRB1 p.486
William McCaw
▪ The reviewer praises the book as the most logical of the construction methods he has read, but takes issue with some specific techniques.
Review: Constructing the Mountain Dulcimer
1985
AL#1 p.54 BRB1 p.486 read this article
Peter Estes
▪ The reviewer praises the book in general, and especially the quality of the diagrams.
Luthiers Library
1975
GALNL Vol.3#5,6 p.17 read this article
Frederick Battershell
▪ The Successful Craftsman: Making Your Craft Your Business by Alex Bealer, is a book that promises a great deal and delivers nothing of lasting value, thus betraying its author’s profession, advertising.
Review: Classic Guitar Making by Arthur E. Overholtzer
1974
GALNL Vol.2#3 p.9 read this article
Robert-S. Anderson
▪
Review: The Modern Harpsichord by Wolfgang Joachim Zuckerman
1973
GALNL Vol.1#1 p.4 read this article
J.R. Beall
▪ The Modern Harpsichord by Wolfgang Joachim Zuckermann is a large, well illustrated, intelligently written and edited volume that lists and comments of most of the known makers of today.
Review: Earl Scruggs and the 5-String Banjo
1974
GALNL Vol.2#1 p.3 read this article
James Arial
▪
Review: Guitar Repair: a Manual of Repair for Guitars and Fretted Instruments by Irving Sloane
1974
GALNL Vol.2#2 p.14 read this article
Leo Bidne
▪