This book is for folks that build acoustic guitars and similar instruments like ukuleles that want to begin doing design work but do not necessarily have technical backgrounds. The term “design work” describes both structural modifications to the instrument and esthetic changes to the instrument body. Structural modifications range from very simple things like designing string sets to support alternate tunings, to much more complex efforts like designing completely new instruments to accommodate nontraditional pitch ranges. Although all such engineering is possible to do by trial and error, this book discusses more reliable and less time-consuming approaches that help the designer get it right the first time. The material is presented in design order, starting with the pitch range of the instrument to be designed, proceeding to the design of the scale length and string set for that pitch range, and continuing with the size, shape, and structure of the instrument body. Where the design effort will be for a more conventional instrument, some of the steps presented in the book will be unneeded and can simply be skipped.

Technical information on the topic of instrument design has traditionally been scarce, but these days there are great resources available to the technically-oriented. But not everyone interested in instrument design has a technical background.

The book provides some basic design information in a format that is easy to understand. The design approaches discussed here make heavy use of free online special-purpose instrument design software, including the powerful "G" Thang Acoustic Guitar Design Tool. The book serves as the user's manual for "G" Thang. Use of this software enables the designer to make use of powerful instrument design technology without having to do complicated engineering math. The software does the heavy lifting. Another key approach taken in these pages is derivative design, the process of adapting important design features directly from existing and proven instrument designs.

Much of an instrument’s originality is expressed in the shape and proportion of its body. The book dedicates considerable space outlining a method for describing the features of the instrument outline; modifications that can be made to those features; and the visual effects those changes will make. Also discussed is the use of high level body outline design software that makes drawing and prototyping outline designs easy and quick.

The combination of basic design info, the use of high level instrument design software, a design approach that is based on the reuse of existing designs, and attention to the details of the esthetic design of the instrument body makes the process of designing a new feature or a whole new instrument accessible to most any builder of guitars and similar instruments.

This lavishly illustrated book has over 190 pages and contains more than 150 photos and drawings. Features of the book include:

• Both USA (Imperial, English) and metric units of measurement are presented
• Math free, except for the occasional use of basic multiplication
• Glossary of terminology is included
• Includes a comprehensive index

Practical Design of the Acoustic Guitar and Similar Instruments was written by R.M. Mottola. The most prolific writer of articles on guitar design and construction, he is a long-time contributing editor and technology editor for American Lutherie, the widely-read journal for stringed musical instrument makers. He also maintains the LiutaioMottola.com guitar making information website.

Testimonials

Endorsers of the book comprise a veritable Who's Who of modern international guitar builders. Here's a sample of what guitar makers throughout the world are saying about Practical Design of the Acoustic Guitar and Similar Instruments:

"I had the privilege of reviewing a pre-publication copy of RM’s new book and computer program which is designed to allow anyone to design and create an acoustic guitar. The book is extremely well written and extremely thorough in providing the relevant information to any aspiring guitar maker. I have been designing and building acoustic guitars for over 40 years and yet, I still learned many things about designing guitars which I did not know. Highly recommended!"

-Sylvan Wells (USA), Wells Guitars and Bay State Guitars

"R.M. Mottola’s books offer a spectacular deep dive into the design and creation of custom, world-class instruments. Alongside his comprehensive website, the wealth of information he provides is truly incredible. I cannot overstate the importance of his contributions to the guitar-building community and highly value his work."

—John Alexander (USA), guitar builder, Immortal Instruments Corp.

"The information presented in this book is pertinent for most luthiers. I increasingly get requests for custom instruments with additional strings or with significantly modified tuning. Meeting these requests has always been challenging. This book provides so much of what is needed to fulfill these requests."

-Anamaria Paredes (Colombia), luthier, lutherie author

"A natural continuation of the author's previous book, Building the Steel String Acoustic Guitar, Practical Design of the Acoustic Guitar and Similar Instruments invites the more nerdier (and perhaps braver) among us to dive deeper into design, curious to see what's down there. The structure is clear, the tone generous (like taking the reader by the hand, preparing them for what's to come, etc.), but also rigorous."

-Leonardo Lospennato (Germany), luthier, educator, and author of the books Electric Guitar and Bass Design and Electric Guitar Making & Marketing

"The "G" Thang design software described in this book is clearly the result of much careful work. I’m impressed with its capabilities. People who spend the time to become familiar with it will be able to get a lot of utility from it. It’s a powerful design tool."

-Mark French (USA), luthier, educator, author of the books Engineering the Guitar, Technology of the Guitar, and Acoustic Guitar Design

"This book and its associated software provide an amazing design tool. Just being able to accurately model an instrument side template is incredible!"

-James Buckland (USA), luthier, educator, lutherie author

Purchase from Your Favorite Bookstore

Practical Design of the Acoustic Guitar and Similar Instruments is available from:

• Bookshop.org
• Barnes & Noble
• Amazon.com

and can be ordered from most retail bookstores. Wholesale inquiries invited.

Online Annex

Looking for the Online Annex of Practical Design of the Acoustic Guitar and Similar Instruments? It is here.