Building your own guitar can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Not only does it allow you to create a one-of-a-kind instrument that is perfectly suited to your style and preferences, but it also gives you the chance to develop new skills and gain a deeper understanding of how guitars work.
Whether you are an aspiring luthier or a seasoned guitar builder, having access to the best guitar building supplies is essential for a successful project. In this ultimate guide, we will uncover some of the top suppliers in the United States that offer a wide variety of high-quality guitar building materials, tools, and components.
1. Stewart-MacDonald: Known as the “Luthier’s First Choice,” Stewart-MacDonald is a go-to destination for guitar builders. They offer an extensive range of woodworking tools, guitar hardware, and electronic components. Their catalog includes everything from tonewoods and fretwire to pickups and finishing supplies.
2. LMII: Luthiers Mercantile International (LMII) is another reputable supplier that has been serving the guitar building community since 1984. They provide an impressive selection of tonewoods, including exotic species like Brazilian Rosewood and curly maple. LMII is also known for their comprehensive selection of guitar kits and instructional materials.
3. Allied Lutherie: If you are looking for high-quality tonewoods, Allied Lutherie is the place to go. They specialize in sourcing premium tonewoods from all around the world, ensuring that every guitar builder can find the perfect wood for their project. They also offer various tools, finishing products, and guitar building accessories.
4. Luthier’s Mercantile International (LMI): LMI is a trusted supplier that offers a wide range of guitar building supplies, from tonewoods and bindings to adhesives and finishes. They are known for their exceptional customer service and their commitment to sustainability by offering responsibly sourced tonewoods.
5. Philadelphia Luthier Tools & Supplies: As the name suggests, Philadelphia Luthier Tools & Supplies has a vast selection of luthier tools and supplies for guitar builders. They offer a variety of tools, ranging from entry-level to professional-grade, as well as tonewoods, guitar hardware, and finishing products.
6. Woodcraft: While not exclusively focused on guitar building supplies, Woodcraft is a well-known supplier of high-quality woodworking tools and materials. They have an extensive network of stores across the country, making it convenient for guitar builders to find the tools and supplies they need locally.
7. StewMac: StewMac, the abbreviated form of Stewart-MacDonald, is a popular supplier that specializes in guitar building supplies. They offer a wide array of tools, hardware, and parts, catering to both beginner and experienced luthiers. Their website also provides helpful resources, such as how-to videos and tutorials.
When embarking on a guitar building project, it is crucial to choose suppliers that provide top-notch materials and tools. The suppliers listed in this ultimate guide have established their reputation within the guitar building community and consistently offer high-quality products to ensure the success of your project.
Remember, building a guitar involves both technical knowledge and artistic expression. Take your time, research, and choose the best suppliers that align with your specific needs. With the right guitar building supplies in hand, you are one step closer to creating your dream instrument.
