The most important tools for guitar-making are saws, chisels, planes and sandpaper. Having said that, shop-made jigs are extremely useful for accuracy and repeatability, power tools can speed things up if used safely and according to the craftsman’s high standards. There are also a myriad of specialty “lutherie” tools on the market which should be bought only after careful consideration. If they improve accuracy, speed things up, allow you to do something otherwise impossible then they are a great investment. Otherwise leave them on the shelf for the amateurs.

These two things I found on the Music City Bridge website are well thought out and useful. The first is the crack repair system which eliminates a few of the typical problems with this repair. These are: incorrect placement, sloppy glue stains and roughly shaped cleats. The second is a jack which should save you the time it takes to make a custom height support post each time you need one for interior work.

Here is a new opportunity for anyone who wants to own a Rolf Eichinger guitar. As you will know if you follow me, Rolf was the master builder who taught me the most important lessons in this world of guitar. This particular guitar was built with very lightweight wood in an attempt to make the lightest guitar he had ever made. It has been played professionally by the same owner since it was purchased. You can judge the beauty of the wood for yourself and I imagine you could get a sound sample from the owner. Contact me if you are interested and I will pass on his contact details.

Cedar top
Rosewood back and sides
640 scale
made in 1999 – the year I met Rolf

I received some new guitar tuners last week and I like the look of them. I will be paying attention to what clients have to say about them. So far I like that they are lighter weight than some others and they have tension screws. I am sorry I can’t give you more information but here is the webpage so you can contact them yourselves.

A new video from these four fantastic guitarists. Javier Riba plays his Torres copy that I made in 2005. See it on youtube.

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https://johnguitar.com/book-the-granada-school-of-guitar-makers/  Are you looking for something for the guitar-lover in your life? Or maybe the guitar-lover is you and you want to give yourself a gift. In either case this book is just the thing. It satisfies those who are interested in history, craftsmanship, music and specifically the guitar. This is the second edition and there is more information in the link above.