KMG D-18 First Build

[Aaron Stocek]

I got my kit from KMG earlier this month and started my build. So far it has been super fun and a great stress reliever from my crazy schedule with two little kids (4 and 7) and a very busy job in structural engineering. I have been playing and studying guitars for the last 25 years and always wanted to build one. I just turned 40 and figured what the hell am I waiting for. I've really appreciated this forum and have found a wealth of good information. One of my favorite things is the construction log so I figured I would try to do one for my build, we'll see how it goes. Thanks for checking it out.

I am going for a D-18 style guitar. I am a flatpicker and love dreadnoughts, so hopefully will build several of this body type.

So I built the mold without too much difficulty, and only some minor cursing. After that everything is coming together really well. The quality of the parts in the kit as great and I really appreciate the KMG build process. I've read and re-read the manual and am really hoping I don't screw something up.

neck and tail block in mold.JPG (159.74 KiB) Viewed 1000 times

The kerfing was fun to install. I am excited to contour the rim and start working on the top and back.

kerfing install.JPG (156.97 KiB) Viewed 1000 times

[Dave Bagwill]

Aaron - welcome to the Forum and thanks for posting. A screw-up is not the end of the world!! If it was, the world would have ended the day after I got my first kit. :-)

[Daniel P]

The guys here can help you recover from almost any screw up. I was advised, and share this advice, read the KMG manual, and reread it. If you follow Ken's instructions to the letter, and understand the objective at each step, these kits go together very nicely.

The only time I've found myself trying to fix something is when I went off-script, or thought I remembered what the instructions said.

Very excited to see your guitar come together - and to hear what it sounds like. The D-18 is one of my favorite instruments, I've never owned one, but keep thinking about building one. Very cool.

[Paul C]

Oh yes indeed the boys/men on this forum will help you for sure just ask them nicely. Good luck with your kit I'm sure it will turn out great!

[dave d]

Welcome to the forum, and congrats on beginning your first guitar. Take lots of photos! We like pictures. I enjoy reading about everyone's guitar-building progress.

[Kevin in California]

Hi Aaron,
Glad you're here and posting too. We will watch you build your first with intense interest!
Have fun and enjoy the process.

Kevin

[Jackspt28]

Welcome to the forum, all the help you need is right here. I built my first guitar a KMG 000 =deep body about two years ago . Turned out awesome and I gave it away as a gift. Since then I have built 3 others and have number 5 -and 6 going right now. You will find it very addicting , I am always looking at tone wood and making jigs to make things easier. Good luck with your first! .....Jack.