The 5 Tools every Luthier Needs and Why

A luthier is a maker of stringed instruments in which the sound is produced by strings stretched over a hollow body. There are several different types of luthiers, including: guitar makers, violin makers, cello makers, mandolin makers, and ukulele makers. For this blog I am going to focus on the tools that a guitar maker would need for their workbench. The tools that I will discuss are just the basic tools that are used in everyday building or repairing of an acoustic guitar.

Instrument makers use some very complex machinery to help them make a quality instrument but they still need to have certain hand tools that they use everyday. These hand tools are what many people think of when they hear the word “luthier” as opposed to the more modern term: “guitar builder”. These hand tools are used for many different reasons and can be used in multiple ways depending on the task at hand. The following list contains the essential hand tools that every luthier should have on their workbench and why they need each one.

1. The Workbench

This may seem like an obvious tool but it is extremely important to

Luthiers are craftsmen and women who make some of the most beautiful and treasured stringed instruments in the world. Their tools are their livelihood and an extension of their skill and craft. Tools are expensive, so you need to know what to buy before you buy it. This is a great overview of 5 basic tools every luthier needs on their workbench.

Being a novice luthier can be difficult to get started with. There are so many tools and supplies that you could use to make your guitar, but what are the ones that are truly necessary?

Here is a great list of the 5 tools every luthier needs on their workbench and why.

A good set of files will last you for years to come. For example, you may use a needle file set for sanding down fret ends, or a round file for setting up nut slots and saddle slots. A good set of files will cost around US$30 – US$60 and will definitely be worth your while. This is probably one of the most important tools in this list!

If you want to save money, buy your wood in bulk. I’ve seen some really good deals on Ebay, where people sell off large blocks or even plywood sheets at quite reasonable rates (Be careful though – not all wood is created equal!). If you’re just getting started with building guitars however, it may be better to start off with smaller blocks which are easier to handle until you get more comfortable with using hand tools.

Before doing anything else with your guitar body (apart from perhaps tracing out the shape) you need to cut out your cav

Every luthier, whether you are starting out on a professional or hobby level, needs to have a good workbench. This is where your tools will go and where you will be working on your guitars. Some people like a woodworking table, others like a metal table. Some people even like using the floor of their shop!

Whatever you choose, make sure it is sturdy and at the right height for you to work on your guitars. A luthier table should be at least 4 feet by 8 feet in size, but can be bigger if you need the space. Of course if space is an issue there are many portable workstations available that will work just fine.

No matter what kind of bench you choose, these five tools are staple items every luthier needs in his or her workspace:

As a Luthier, I get asked a lot of questions on how to build an instrument. Typically, people ask me what the best choice is for their first instrument build, whether they should start with a cigar-box guitar or a kit or what. For those who are serious about getting into building as a profession, the conversation quickly turns into what tools they will need.

In this blog post, I will cover the basic tools that every Luthier needs to get started on their journey in building stringed instruments.

If you are a DIY luthier or just starting out in this new profession, you may be wondering what tools you actually need. This blog will cover the most important tools for your luthier journey and why they are essential.

1. Ruler

2. Chisel

3. Knife

4. Sanding Block and Paper

5. Glue

One of the most important and essential pieces of equipment in the luthier’s kit is a good quality workbench. Finding one that suits your needs can be difficult, but it’s certainly worth investing time and money into it.

This guide will take you through some of the best features to look for in a luthier’s workbench, as well as some of the materials they’re often made from and what to expect in terms of pricing.