Making Stringed Instruments: A Workshop Guide

Book by Buchanan, George

There is a dichotomy in this book. Only an experienced cabinetmaker would be able to fill in the book's gaps and come up with a good-looking though not necessarily playable instrument; yet, the book is apparently written for the enthusiastic putterer who needs different saws and their uses identified. The section on choosing woods, for instance, gives no more than general guidelines; the brief section on varnishes is more concerned with looks than sound. Scale drawings are negated by being caught in the binding. This is truly a do-it-yourself book. There is no mention of where a person could go for further advice and no bibliography. Despite copious and clear line drawings and a few photos, this is not recommended.
- Philippa Kiraly, Cleveland
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.