Instrument Making

Trevor Robinson   A musical instrument is among the best things you can make with a lathe. Here is the only complete introduction to making... [read more]

Stephen Corbett   What a thrill for any musician: playing a fine-sounding instrument that he or she has lovingly crafted from scratch. With this richly... [read more]

Roger H. Siminoff   Here's the definitive how-to text for building your own bluegrass banjo. Step-by-step instructions and lots of photos and diagrams. Techniques and materials... [read more]

William R. Cumpiano,Jonathan D. Natelson,Clyde Herlitz   Still the most thorough and comprehensive guitar building book in print. Covers the steel-string folk guitar and the classical guitar. Good photos... [read more]

Robert Benedetto   A master luthier gives step-by-step instructions for making an archtop. Discussion includes a topic not widely covered, which is choosing wood wisely--... [read more]

Roger H. Siminoff   Here's the book that shows you how to not only build an accoustic stringed instrument, but to make one that sounds good.... [read more]

John Troughton   Here's a detailed guide to constructing the mandolin, tenor mandola, and octave mandola. Well written with detailed instructions on various techniques of... [read more]

Juliet Barker   This detailed, color-illustrated guide shows woodworkers every step in the making of a fine violin. Includes tables of measurements for violins, violas... [read more]

Randy Davis   Davis is both a musician and experienced woodworker. He tells you absolutely everything you need to know about materials, tools, supplies, and... [read more]

Roger H. Siminoff,Chet Atkins   Plans for a Les Paul style Gibson guitar, and step-by-step instructions. Requires intermediate woodworking skills for machine set-up. Clear text and lots... [read more]

Darcy Kuronen,Lenny Kaye,Carl Tremblay   Here are photos of 110 gorgeous guitars from across the 400 years of guitar history. It was produced in conjunction with a... [read more]

R. Gerald Alvey,Jerry Schureman,Ron Pen   A biography and step-by-step guide to dulcimer making, this classic book presents the work of a master craftsman, musician, and folk artist... [read more]

Martin Koch   How-to instructions for building both a traditional and a simplified version of a lap steel guitar. This is a good path to... [read more]

Dennis Waring,David Raymond   Detailed instructions show how to build a standard 6-string solid-body electric guitar and bass, using the usual woodworker's stock of tools and... [read more]

Dennis Waring   Try numerous ways, both ancient and contemporary, to construct a variety of remarkable drums from different cultures. The techniques used to make... [read more]

Ginger Summit,Jim Widess   Open a gourd, clean it out, and dry it-- and without any complicated techniques or tools, you've got the body of a... [read more]

Ronald V. Ratcliffe,Henry Z. Steinway,Stuart Isacoff   Here are 200 photos of Steinway pianos, interwoven with the story of how they are made. This beautiful new edition coincides with... [read more]

Manuel Rodriguez   Not a how-to for building a Spanish guitar, but the wisdom and experience of master Luthier Rodriguez whose company is one of... [read more]

Rik Middleton   This thoroughly practical introduction takes you step-by-step through the art of making a classical guitars. The text is thoughtful and helpful, and... [read more]

George Buchanan   With clear instructions and 500 detailed diagrams, this book describes all the materials, tools, and techniques needed to make a violin, viola,... [read more]

Henry A Strobel   Luthiers will want this classic handbook, a standard reference for violin, viola, bass, and bows, in all sizes. With concise text, tablers... [read more]

Henry A. Strobel   Here's an excellent shop manual for luthiers. There are chapters on bow rehairing and repairing; crack and varnish repairs; safety and health... [read more]

Bruce Ossman   This step-by-step account of the violin-making process is presented in the form of a running narrative with clear pencil drawings spotted through... [read more]

When we think of a farmhouse, we imagine a home that is affectionately connected to... [read more]

Your "stuff" is cascading off the walls and counters, and out of the closets. This... [read more]

The New Best of Fine Woodworking Series reprints articles from recent issues of Fine Woodworking... [read more]

An experienced toolmaker teaches you how to keep both hand and power tools sharp and... [read more]