Acoustic Guitar Construction

I DO understand...

I think I kind of need to make a disclaimer of sorts here. I'm a complete "Newbe" when it comes to acoustic guitars, other than I have played them for 60 years.
My father was an early player in the field and as a kid I was exposed to a lot of now famous or infamous :) people in the music industry and because of that I got to play a few VERY famous guitars in my life time. Some that are in museums today. Didn't make me and expert by any means and most of the playing ability didn't wear off either, except maybe that Merle Travis taught me my first 6 string harmony cord on his Super 400 and Les Paul taught me how to use a tape recorder.
What it did do, was give me a passion for this stuff. I spent most of my life trying to make a living at what "I" knew, and never had time to do anything like this. I'm trying to follow a dream, but I missed the boat about 20-30 years ago.
Now, after setting up a shop (Almost) and investing in not one...but TWO junk kits because I couldn't see the forest for the trees, a year and a half ago, I'm trying to learn enough to correct that and at least get to build them.
I'm like a kid in a candy store. "Ohh what's THAT?" "Gee should I try THIS?" etc. I'm a long way from posting something like this because "It's better" I don't even know what's what today believe me. I just see things and point them out to find out if it's something to consider.
I know that Ken has been very successful with his methods and I've never heard of ANYONE who was unhappy with his products or service. he's a very knowledgeable Man and that's one reason I'm here.
Actually I can't do anything right now, I'm not only dumb when it comes to building, but I'm confined to bed and have been for 8 months awaiting major experimental spinal surgery that may or may not work, to remove 6" of my spine, so I may NEVER get to build one of these things, actually I only have a 50/50 chance of surviving the surgery, but that hasn't dampend my enthusiasm in the least. I apologise for excessive posting and posting things that may seem foolish to those who know....I Guess I need to listen more and post less, but I REALLY want this site to WORK, this family of folks who enjoy this stuff and have an interest and want to learn and DO this needs a place LIKE this.
There aren't many out there in this field that wish to share knowledge, it's been a locked field for many many years and I for one appreciate Ken's willingness to share a lifetime of information so others may enjoy doing this who don't have a fortune to attend a Luther's school or have time to "Pay their dues" and learn from the school of hard knocks....because some won't live that long.
So...thanks to all for your patience and knowledge and know that I mean well, even if I really don't have a lot to offer.

Cheers!
Ray:)

That was a very generous post, Ray.
I had no idea the extent of your medical situation. I hope you have lots of caring support around you.

deadedith wrote:That was a very generous post, Ray.
I had no idea the extent of your medical situation. I hope you have lots of caring support around you.

Yeah I do Dave, I thank God every day for my family, and my Sweetheart of 45 years...it's hard on everybody I hope it's over soon one way or the other. :)
My Daughter and Son-in-Law are amazing people...we have a private apt. on their property and they make it possible for me to be at home...that doesn't happen much these days with busy people in an "It's all about me world" we live in.
It suddenly dawned on me that this should have been in the "Shoot the Breeze" thread...sorry move it if you wish, sometimes I don't think well...they have me on heavy doses of morphine and two other nerve pain killers..otherwise I'd be crazy. Tired of that too...I hate meds of any kind.
Later, and thanks Dave..
Ray :)

Thank you Ray --- with your courage and your support group I know you are going to be fine.

Please do not worry about over posting or asking too many question -- this is the place to clear the fog --so do what it takes. Participation is what makes for a good forum.

First, I don't think that was a dumb question. The only way I knew what you were talking about was because of my "searching" for answers, processes. etc. and second. you got a long way to go to catch up to me and my dumb questions:)

Thanks Guy's!

Cheers!
Ray :)

RayRay wrote: There aren't many out there in this field that wish to share knowledge, it's been a locked field for many many years and I for one appreciate Ken's willingness to share a lifetime of information so others may enjoy doing this who don't have a fortune to attend a Luther's school or have time to "Pay their dues" and learn from the school of hard knocks....because some won't live that long.
So...thanks to all for your patience and knowledge and know that I mean well, even if I really don't have a lot to offer.
Ray:)

Likewise RayRay. I borrowed a book at the local library about C.F. Martin and apparently the impetus for him migrating to the US was some kind of feud between the cabinet makers guild and the instruments makers and who had "rights" to produce guitars. Locked field indeed. I'm thankful for the generosity of many who share what they know and I try to follow that lead.

Sending good thoughts your way. We'll be thinking of you and your family.

-rick