Martin Guitar Kit Project Build - Part One

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anonymous
20:21 Friday.03 December 2010
A mold cost me about $100, clamps – you need various kinds, cam clamps, spring clamps, bar clamps, – you can build spool clamps cheaply. A couple of chisels, a small router with a jig for cutting purfling/binding channels and trimming the top and back (about $40 maybe for the jig at Kenneth Michaels Guitars. To set the bridge in its proper location, you’ll need a jig (I can’t remember, maybe $75, but Ken Michaels will give you a quote, or LMI or Stewart-Mcdonald has prices). Scraper, small razor saw or similar, jig saw or band saw, small files, drill or drill press, orbital sander, lotsa sand paper. Finishing supplies are not too cheap, about $100 . I’m afraid it adds up. I spent between 400 and 500 on my first, but not very much on my 2nd, and the only extra cost on this one is the extras that I bought because I wanted to modify it and finishing supplies.

I could have bought a Martin for about what I spent, and been happy, but this is fun for me, so the cost was somewhat secondary. I ain’t rich, but now I will have built 3 for less than 3 good ones would cost, and giving them to my kids to pass on is well worth it. I’ll try to formalize something in part 3 about essential tools, nice to have tools, and splurge tools. For example, you can use small jeweler’s type files to cut nut slots, but dedicated nut slot files are about $85 or so for a set. Not necessary, but they do make better work on the nut since each file is the width of the string. Setting the bridge can be done without a jig, but it’s painstaking and you have to really concentrate to make it perfect.
Bob

anonymous
07:58 Friday.03 December 2010

Bob, what do you figure the special tools and jigs will cost me if I get one of these kits.

anonymous
07:07 Wednesday.01 December 2010
The only thing that I’m apprehensive about is the dovetail neck. I’ve done bolt-on necks before. A dovetail presents some challenges. I’ll let you know when I get there.

Bob

anonymous
22:33 Monday.29 November 2010

Nice start Bob. I don’t have a question yet but I’ve been thinking for awhile that I’d like to build a guitar, and have wondered if this kit would be too challenging for me. I’ll be watching with great interest as you build this one. Thanks for posting the info.

anonymous
22:28 Monday.13 February 2012

[…] This is Part Two of Guitar Kit Builder’s series on building the Martin Guitar Kit by Bob Moore. See the series from the beginning at Martin Guitar Kit Project Build – Part One. […]

anonymous
22:28 Monday.13 February 2012

[…] continuing series on building a Martin Guitar Kit. To start the series from the beginning, visit Part One. And now, our continuing story from author Bob […]

Rick Howard
02:00 Tuesday.27 October 2015

I want to buy a spruce top, rosewood sides and back with no cut aways. Thick for full sound and tone. Pre bent sides and pre cut fret slots. I want the entire kit in one package for under $500.00 delivered to my home in Keaau Hawaii 17-1653 5th street 96749. I’ll pay through PayPal. Contact me by my gmail address. I build High End Solid body KOA Electric one of a kind Works of art and have been asked to build two Martin Dreadnaught style acoustic/Electric GUITARS and I’ve chosen to use your DIY KIT to See if the quality is where I need it to be. Thank You for your prompt attention. RICK HOWARD, LUTHIER,DESIGNER,ELECTRONICS WIZARD AND Professional GUITAR player for 49 of my 62 years!.

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