New member with first build questions to the membership

[Mark McGuire]

Greetings to all and Happy Thanksgiving!
I have recently joined the forum and dream of building my first guitar: I wondered if the collective membership might be willing to offer some advice for a KennethMichaelGuitar kit. I try to play a variety of styles, from folk music to Beatles, but am drawn in recent years to finger-style. I am considering the OO, OOO, and OOOO(M-style). Any advice on tone woods is also welcome. I have a 1975 Martin D18 that has a nice, dry, woody sound; I do not play it anymore because it is not as comfortable as a stock OM that I purchased recently. The nut width on my D18 is more comfortable to my hand for wrapping the thumb over the bass string than my OM, but it is not that significant. I mostly just play for relaxation-no need for playing in a group situation. In all, I am looking for both comfort as well as a nice sound for finger-style.
I appreciate any and all comments.
Thanks, Mark

[John Parchem]

Given that you have a D and an OM, I would consider a 00 size guitar. I think they make nice finger style guitars, they are a comfortable size and they sound good. I think going with one of Ken's kits and following his procedure you should be able to produce a great guitar.

[Daniel P]

Mark - welcome to the forum.

I'll second john's recommendation. I am very biased, having just completed one, but a 00 12fret would make a great addition to the D and OM. It would deliver comfort and tone for finger style, and would give you a subtly and sweetness that are not often found in OMs and Ds.

Rosewood would be more traditional, but Walnut and Sitka are a great pair. I went with walnut, and have had rave reviews from everyone who's played it.


Kens kits are incredible - follow his directions closely and you'll be rewarded with a great playing and great looking custom guitar.

[Mark McGuire]

Thank you so much for your responses. Life has been busy, but I appreciate your input and I will make it my goal to begin the project in the coming year. Merry Christmas to all!

[Daniel P]

Mark, Ken has been posting about some beautiful Walnut he's been supplying in the kits lately, could make a wonderful Christmas present to yourself if you can manage to decide what size to build...

[Bob Dill]

You might also think about Sinker Redwood paired with Walnut, I've built a half dozen with this combo and they all turned out really nice. Several are 13 fret, 25.5" scale that have a pretty big voice, something else to consider.