The Phoenix Guitar Company’s Guide to Guitarmaking for the Small Shop: A Step-by-Step Approach

Building a guitar by hand can feel like a conversation between wood, geometry, and patience. George S. Leach, drawing on his work and teaching at the Phoenix Guitar Company, turns that complex process into a structured, repeatable sequence. This guide focuses on small-shop production, where thoughtful planning and shared techniques allow one builder to produce steel string, archtop, and classical guitars without drowning in specialized jigs and separate procedures.

A Practical Framework for Three Guitar Styles

The book is organized around the three instruments Leach builds in his shop. Part one covers the steel string guitar, including top preparation, bracing, body assembly, neck carving, and final setup. Part two moves to the archtop, with its carved plates, f-holes, and tailpiece. Part three addresses the classical guitar, from body and braces to neck profile and final assembly. Throughout, the emphasis is on common approaches that keep a small workshop efficient.

From Bench Setup to Finished Instrument 🎸

Readers begin with equipment and how to read the drawings, then follow step-by-step instructions supported by detailed line drawings. The guide walks through top and back gluing, side bending, dovetail fitting, fretwork, finish preparation, and the final setup. Each stage builds on the previous one, helping a builder avoid the costly mistakes that come from working out of order.

Who This Guide Is For 🛠️

This is a working handbook for guitarmaking students, hobbyist woodworkers, and small-shop luthiers who want a clear reference for the processes used at the Phoenix Guitar Company. The language is practical rather than theoretical, and the drawings are intended to be used at the bench, not just admired on a shelf.

Whether you are building your first instrument or expanding into a new style, this guide offers a tested path from raw wood to a playable guitar.