Need Recommendation for Getting Started

[Cosbyite]

I am all excited to start building acoustic guitars, and was ready to get started with one of Ken's Success Kits.

I just learned that Ken's kits are no longer available.

What does the group recommend for a starting point?

[Kevin in California]

You can get a kit from John Hall at Blues Creek Guitars, or visit LMI (Luthiers Mercantile International), they sell kits that you can customize.
A 3rd option is Stewart McDonald, who also sells a couple of different kits. There are some other places out there, but I'd not recommend any but these.

It is a fun hobby, I encourage you to ask lots of questions as you get started. Don't be shy. Everyone here will help you out.

Kevin

[John Parchem]

I agree with Kevin's choices. If you order a kit from John it is worth calling him so that you get what you want. He is flexible. The LMI kit maker allows you to choice how much they do vs what you need to do. The stewmac has the most detailed instructions, you can view the instructions on line before building the guitar.

[Herman]

Welcome Cosbyite,
These three sellers are all fine. They all have friendly service. John Hall is easy to reach personally. He is a seller, but also a builder.

You can also take a peak at Martins site (guitar makers connection). Maybe the cheapest choice.
They used to sell kits with second grade stuff. Structually sound, but with little optical flaws.
Good luck
Herman

[peter havriluk]

There's a couple of books by Bill Cory that might bear reading a few times over, before starting. One on assembling Martin kits, another more general. Both really worthwhile, says me.

[Jim Ebert]

You might want to look at Robbie O'briens on line guitar course. It is very detailed and allows you access to another really good forum with a massive amount of information and lots of really helpful people just like here. LMI sells a kit that Robbie uses in his in shop classes which is another option. Youtube, Google, Youtube , Google, repeat, repeat, repeat etc, etc etc. Ask questions. We all benefit for the answers and it gives us all something to do while we are trying to figure out how to fix our last mistake. Good Luck
Jim

[Dennis in Anola]

Having built several of Ken's excellent guitar kits and wanting to purchase another, I was very sad to learn that they are no longer available. I recently received a HD28 style kit from John Hall at Blues Creek Guitars and I highly recommend dealing with John. Not only is he a very experienced luthier he will bend over backwards to supply a customized product. My new BCG kit is of excellent quality and John is terrific to deal with.