Extract from the Introduction, Step by Step Guitar Making (Revised)

When I wrote the first edition of Step by Step Guitar Making, I didn’t realize it would be so popular, selling over 7,000 copies worldwide. Since its publication in 2006, I have met many first time guitar makers and been amazed at the quality of their first guitars. I have received many emails and read many of the comments posted on websites, forums and in published reviews.

In this, the second edition, I have attempted to address these comments. You will find new information on tools and jigs. There is a revised chapter on the neck and endblock which includes details on how to make bolt-on mortise and tenon, and the ubiquitous dovetail neck joints.

Within the neck and endblock chapter I have also included details on how to make different head designs, including slotted head for both early steel string and classical guitars.

At the end of the steel string soundboard chapter I have provided several pages of information on classical guitar soundboard bracing which includes instructions on how to make your own classical guitar rosette.  

In the chapter on assembly I have provided information on how to develop a template for the final shape of the rib.

New to the second edition is instructions and advice on cutting and inlaying a simple mother of pearl shell design.

For those of you who are not satisfied with making just one guitar I have added suggestions on other instruments you might like to make once you have completed your first guitar, such as a mandolin.

The section on finishing has been fully revised and updated.

Setting up now includes advice on how to install an under saddle pickup.

The book concludes with help on trouble shooting your new guitar where you will also find new information on the care of the instrument, including travelling with and shipping your guitar.

If you are really eager to get your hands on a pre-release, signed edition, come along to Yandle's autumn show next week, GMC will have plenty of copies of the book on their stand. I will be there demonstrating guitar making and look forward to answering your questions on guitar making.

No more excuses we're back on blog

Thanks to the ministrations of chief Weber Veronica The Great my blog is back in business, thanks Vron.

First, I have been busy selling my guitars and currently I only have two in stock. One is an early 000 Indian rosewood acoustic and the other is a Brazilian Rosewood OM cutaway, please enquire for prices.

Under construction is a Brazilian OM cutaway and next in line is a F5 mandolin. When I get time I will get back to a couple of parlour guitars, a classical and a bouzouki.

I have not been attending any folk festivals this year. Instead I am concentrating on completing my first novel, making new instruments and catching up on orders. I will also be promoting the revised edition of my guitar making book Step by Step Guitar Making (Revised) at the venues listed below.

Yandles Autumn Show 2010.

Martock, Somerset, September on Friday the 10th and Saturday the 11th 2010
I will be demonstrating guitar making as a featured demonstrator for GMC Publications (+44 (0)1273 477374 General Enquiries) and signing copies of my book Step by Step Guitar Making (Revised) at Yandles in September 2010 (September 9th and 10th) Information Yandles.

Bournemouth Literary Festival

Bournemouth, Dorset, 23rd October 2010
I will be giving a talk about making guitars and about my experiences of writing and getting a non-fiction 'how to' book published. I will have copies of my book, Step by Step Guitar Making (Revised) with me, along with a few of my remaining copies of the first edition of my book for sale. The venue is, St Peter's Church, Hinton Road, Bournemouth BH1 2EE at 7p.m. Tickets are 3.50 each. For more details and to book tickets, please contact John Houghton. For Festival information click Information Bournemouth Literary Festival.

Extract from Festival website.
Writing and publishing a 'How to book' by guitar and lute maker by Alex Willis, A craftsman in wood, Alex has in his time built his own ocean going yacht. These days he builds finely crafted bespoke guitars and lutes. His superbly illustrated book, Step-by-step Guitar Making is a best seller in its field. Enjoy a relaxed evening listening to Alex talk about his work both as a craftsman and a writer, and see samples of his instruments. A must not only for guitar enthusiasts but for all who fancy writing a 'how to' book and who wish to know how to go about it.

Just realised that as I sit here and edit this blog it is the first night at Towersey Folk Festival, hope someone is making coffee for Colin.