Links

Samo Sali - A very good luthier and mechanical engineer working in Slovenia. Has written some good papers which are available on his web site. He definitely knows his stuff. Check out his classical guitar with the wavy braces!

Taylor Guitars - Pretty much the BMW of production guitars. Their production facilities are as good as any I've seen and they are constantly improving their designs. Pretty tasty stuff. Note - Taylor Guitars has generously donated several instruments to the Department of Mechanical Engineering technology. If you think that makes me biased, fair enough. Go play one and decide for yourself.

Research Repository of String Musical Instrument Technology - This is an online collection of technical publications dealing with stringed instruments. It's growing as more researchers contribute their materials. This one is particularly helpful for people interested in the technical aspects of instrument design and manufacture.

Liutaio Mottola - This is a slick web site by R.M. Mottola, maker of pretty nifty instruments as well as Technical Editor and Contributing Editor for American Lutherie, journal of the Guild of American Luthiers. He has a range of useful information, web links and even instrument plans. Hitting this site is a must for anyone seriously interested in stringed instruments.

Stewart Macdonald - A reputable supplier of all kinds of luthiery products including books, tools, hardware and wood. I've used them for several years and have always been satisfied. Disclaimer - I have no association with Stewart MacDonald and my comments do not constitute an endorsement by Purdue University

Luthier's Mercantile, Inc. - Another good supplier of luthiery products. I've occasionally used LMI and have never had a problem. My feeling is that they specialize in more high-end products than Stewart MacDonald. Disclaimer - I have no association with Luthier's Mercantile and my comments do not constitute an endorsement by Purdue University

The Guild of American Luthiers - Their quarterly magazine, American Luthiery, is a fun read and they have published several good books to assist both new and experienced luthiers.

The Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans (ASIA) - A society devoted to the construction and repair of fretted instruments. Their quarterly magazine is called Guitarmaker.

The Violin Society of America - While not a guitar making society, it is a good source of information for luthiers, particularly those interested in bowed instruments.

Musical Acoustice Group - University of New South Wales - A site run by Joe Wolf in collaboration with Neville Fletcher. Fletcher is one of the premier musical acoustics researchers and is co-author of "The Physics of Musical Instruments" (which I strongly recommend).

Musical Acoustice Group - Cardiff University - Another serious musical acoustics research group. This one has been operating for some time and is a steady source of new publications and graduates.