Stewmac Dreadnought Guitar Kit Build (Part One)

How do you build a Stewmac Dreadnought guitar kit? This is how I am approaching it. If you're thinking, should I build a guitar from a kit? Then this video should help you answer at least some of that question.
Part 2 is here: • Stewmac Dreadnought Gu...
Everything I show in this video is my personal opinion.
Stewmac is NOT a sponsor of this video or affiliated in any way. I make no claims that my methods are absolute. This is simply the best way I know how. I did make some mistakes, as you'll see and hopefully you can learn from my errors. Many of you know better than I and if that's the case please feel free to leave a constructive comment and help us all learn.
Thanks for watching and don't forget to check out Jerry's channel, Rosa String Works: / @rosastringworks
Also as promised, here's a link to the kits I mentioned.
Stewmac:
www.stewmac.co...
Blues Creek Guitars:
www.bluescreekg...
Royalty Free Music Used With Permission of www.bensound.com/

[@BrianGossard]

Part two is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZq1lWl3fsx4rNE

[@dh404ladan]

Hi brian. I am a carpenter, but have yet to build my first guitar. Great video. You have inspired me. One tip though... I believe you are having so much trouble shaping the braces because you are using the chisel incorrectly. A chisel is designed to be used with the bevel facing down (in most cases). When you were shaping your braces, you were holding it upside down. Using the chisel incorrectly for shaping ( bevel up) makes it follow the grain of the wood, rather than where you actually want it to go. Try it on your next one!

[@BrianGossard]

Wow. Literally no one has taken the time to actually tell me that. They usually just tell me I’m doing it wrong and leave me to guess what they mean. Thanks!

[@briansimpson8116]

I think I've viewed every video of Rosa String Works. He IS a literal vault of knowledge.

[@poorfesor]

Yep me too and I neither build or play anything.

[@lenspin14]

Hats Off Brian!!! You totally undermined my “Attention Deficit Disorder” (lol) as I remained “glued” to this video start to finish.

[@stewmac]

nice job. Can't wait to see the rest.

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks! You guys have been great! Your customer service has really been top notch and that will certainly be something I talk about in the next one.

[@BrianGossard]

Part two is here finally: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZq1lWl3fsx4rNE Had a lot of good things to say about you guys. Your customer service has been top notch.

[@brownmonkeybananayellow]

oh my god the hinge is genius. You just saved me a tone of sanding and from hand cramping. Thank you!!!

[@BrianGossard]

You’re welcome. Wish I could say I’m the first one to think of it, but I got the idea from someone on a forum. StewMac, as much as I like them, does a pretty poor job of explaining exactly HOW one would go about making that wedge, don’t they?

[@michaellasee8017]

Good job. I just ordered a Stew Mac Dreadnought Kit and am watching all the videos I can find like yours. I am hoping it will head off misstakes. Thanks!

[@BrianGossard]

It’s a great kit. Definitely check back whenever you need and if you get stuck or need help, leave a comment.

[@bluesfool1]

I just ordered a kit from stewMac as well. I have built an electric guitar once, so this is new territory for me. Did you buy or make the cam clamps and the round ones for the edges?

[@garycox3205]

I will be watching this again as I start my first build, just trying figure I need jig for the body, Jerry channel is great to

[@docoluv9]

I'm a sub at rosa string works as well. I've spoken to him several times about starting becoming a luthier even for a hobby.nice nice nice guy.

[@jimdoner3443]

Great video Brian very well done. I like how your videos refrain from profanity and are family friendly, like Jerry's. I watch Randy Shartigers videos and really like them as well as Dave's world of fun stuff however I can't show them to kids due to language and sometimes content. I'm not down on them in any way just grateful for you and Jerry's. Some of it will be shown to kids in church after school programs. Keep up the good work thanx.

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks Jim. Yes, my channel will always be a family friendly place. I’m a Music teacher in my full time work and I make songs for kids as well as these kinds of videos. I’m glad you appreciate the style I work in.

[@LukeBernal]

So inspiring, love the honesty, efficiency, and quality of your work and video content. Keep. It. Up!

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks so much!

[@ducktape2425]

Hi, Brian. I’m a long time player but my wood shop skills ended in high school and my current skills fall more under “home improvement” with guitar playing and building being more of a hobby. That being said, I’m currently in the final stages of acoustic build #2 and at about this stage of build #3 and enjoy seeing how others think through the challenges in each step. If you don’t mind, I may borrow a few of your ideas for future builds. PS: I hope you do more acoustic builds in the future, particularly scratch builds with wood that isn’t pre-sanded, shaped or bent. These early stages are among the most fulfilling IMO.

[@alandust2188]

Good Stuff! Looking forward to Part Two. One thing, and understand that I am old so that could be part of the problem too, the music in the background is somewhat distracting when trying to listen to good narrative information. Thanks for the video and keeping it G-rated!

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks for watching. I’m curious who else feels that the music is distracting. I liked how it kind of tied it all together, but perhaps it was a little loud in this video.

[@BrianGossard]

Part two: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZq1lWl3fsx4rNE

[@keninnis1]

Stu Mac has great starter kits...I enjoy building they`re kits.Have fun my friend..The more you do,the more you will want to do..Thanks to Jerry for leading me to your site.

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad to have you! Yeah, tell me about it. I just keep building guitars. I really like this StewMac Kit. I’m pretty confident it will sound as good as the Martin D28 if done right.

[@terrydossett1337]

Hi, Brian, I, too, am "carpenter", ( actually ex art teacher and insurance agent because l needed to make money!) but l'm sure building a dreadnaught kit is far afield from framing a house! I am convinced the StewMac kits are THE way to go for quality of the woods, detailed instructions, etc., but l have a bracing question. I have a 54 year old Martin D28, which is loved like one of my children! The Martin bracing is much preferred by "real" guitar afficionados, but have you heard of anyone using the Taylor bracing, which is TOTALLY different than the Martin X- bracing. I'm convinced the Taylor bracing gives their guitars that "brightness" Taylor enthusiasts so emphatically brag about. I'm ultra curious if my "woodbutcher" techniques

[@terrydossett1337]

I screwed upmy original comment. I hope everything hoes through!

[@Gunslinger320]

Jerry is amazing and sent me here. Loving it all!

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks man! I appreciate the feedback.

[@danbreyfogle8486]

This looks like a fun project. The only instrument I have built is a mountain dulcimer from a kit, somehow I thought if I built it then I would learn to play it. So far that has not worked out. Woodworking is still my passion...

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks. Here’s a funny story, my neighbor who gave me the Gibson to repair has built two harpsichords. No joke, I have actually seen them. Here’s the kicker, he doesn’t play at all. So don’t feel too bad about not learning the Dulcimer. I actually made a Dulcimer (kind of). There’s a video of it on my channel if you look back a ways. I’m sure your dulcimer was nicer than mine. It was one of my earliest projects.

[@jimjudge5965]

Thanks Brian, very nice & helpful video! Make sure to add a showing of the final product.

[@BrianGossard]

It’s there. Don’t know if you missed it.

[@franckroxanne_9560]

Just subscribed to your channel and have my notifications set so I won’t miss the rest of the series! Can’t wait! 😁

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks! Sequel will be up in not too long I hope. I just finally had a chance to get back to work on this guitar.

[@BrianGossard]

Part two: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZq1lWl3fsx4rNE

[@muskymike1885]

Jerry sent me to this Chanel and so far Its very good

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I’ll be uploading more luthier videos, so keep your eye out for those. Thanks for stopping by.

[@kevinricesr.9903]

@@BrianGossard Jerry recommended you like the straight forward approach I'm learning the trade at 60 years young I love it !

[@bgrizz7253]

Great video, every mistake you made I would have made myself. In theory, I won’t end up making those mistakes now, hopefully.

[@BrianGossard]

Let me know the new mistakes you make that I missed. We’ll add them to the list. Seriously, you will always make mistakes.

[@patrickpalmer3374]

I'm really interested in watching you as I want to do a StewMack myself I've been following him for years.

[@dennisyounkin644]

Just found this Video and im a huge Jerry Rosa Fan, only wish i had the wanting to build my own Guitar... Thanks for sharing!!

[@thecubemaster]

Great video. Im glad you made a couple mistakes, because I know i will on my first build 😀

[@MrRsg99]

Thanks for sharing. Jerry told me about your channel. Looking forward to watching the build!

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks! I will have the next part up eventually but it may take a little while. If you’re subscribed though you should see it in your feed eventually. Thanks again for coming by and checking it out!

[@terryjohinke8065]

I built a stewmac dreadnought in 2004 and it turned out great. Stewmac even sent me Mahogany B&S as well as end blocks when things went awry. I like their products am looking to build another acoustic ( I have made/repaired too many electric guitars I've lost interest friends only now). Is that Rosewood Looks like it.

[@jeffzaner4294]

Good job. Titebond will work just fine, and may even be better than hide or fish glue. If Jerry recommends you, your doing it right.

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks! I always do my best. That I can say for sure.

[@1980bwc]

Found you through Mr. Jerry. I'm looking forward to seeing your future content.

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks. I don’t know if you’re subscribed but that’s the best way to make sure you see my next video. It takes a lot of time to do the videos the way I do them, so I don’t post as often as some but more will be coming so stick around! Thanks again!

[@1980bwc]

@@BrianGossard I'm subscribed Buddy.

[@rodparker4514]

You can apply hide glue today and fit the parts together tomorrow; try that with title bond .

[@richardherrington6922]

Been watching your videos!!! And yes as you do more the more efficient you'll become !!! Jerry Rosa is an Awesome teacher in his videos !!! I have been a viewer of his for several years !! Keep up the fine work !! You must be doing something right for Jerry to recommend you as a Luther !!! God Bless !!!

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks for the encouragement! Have a blessed day yourself.

[@brucechumley9195]

Really good. I'm not that often impressed but both your videography and work techniques are exceptional. Eagerly looking forward to Pt II. Sub'd.

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks! It’s taking me quite some time because I have a lot irons in the fire right now, but I promise part two is coming!

[@HBSuccess]

Brian - I’m yet another Rosa transplant. Regular red bottle Titebond is fine. Never use TBII or III -they are waterproof and will not steam apart. I also use TB for almost everything these days except binding and inlays. CA glues for those.

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks for coming by and leaving a comment. Yeah, I figured as much. I only ever use titebond I. I always keep a gallon jug on hand. I learned an important lesson last year though, freezing temperatures ruin wood glue so take it inside for the winter. Have you used StewMac’s binding glue? I really like it personally.

[@michaelbolduc4079]

When are you going to air part 2 of this build? I have subscribed to your channel and I am very much looking forward to building one myself.

[@BrianGossard]

Hey, thanks for subscribing. I promise part ii is coming, but it’s going to take a little while. I have to finish a repair on a classical guitar first (see my most recent upload). Once that’s fine I can get back on track. I appreciate your asking though. I’m glad to know people are interested. Don’t worry, it’s coming.

[@BrianGossard]

Part two is done! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZq1lWl3fsx4rNE

[@thomastommy1192]

Brian, You are doing an awesome great job here.Hard to believe you have never build a guitar before. Jerry is awesome guy. If he can't buy a tool he will build it, lol. I have told Jerry he is a man of many trades and the master of none, lol. No disrespect intended toward Jerry in any way. I will look forward to your next video. Check out Randys channel also. He is good at what he does also. I hope you have a blessed week.

[@BrianGossard]

Thank you Thomas. And here I thought I was the true master of none. This is not entirely my first Rodeo in terms of guitar building. I have lots of experience building electrics and various other things, but this is the first from scratch acoustic.

[@glennh6219]

Wow! Great video. You have inspired me to do this build. Thank you 🤗🤗

[@BrianGossard]

You’re welcome dude. Thanks for leaving a comment. I love to hear from people who watch my videos. If you didn’t already, please do subscribe.

[@ivanperez4904]

So satisfying ❤️

[@BrianGossard]

Did you watch parts two and three?

[@ivanperez4904]

Yeahh. And i like the sound of your guitar

[@bodysuit1134]

I really want to try this, but not until I already have a (good) built guitar. Right now, my guitar has a lot of laminate and doesn't sound really good, so I wouldn't have the patience to do this. With a good guitar already, I would really enjoy becoming an amateur luthier

[@MOHANMSHARMA]

I am also building this kit and preparing for top bracing , but you have not drilled holes in shoulder brace for truss rod access, how we will access truss rod?

[@harleysmusic3242]

I’m a guitarist and have wanted to get into building one forever. Recently, I won a stewmac giveaway and will be receiving a kit soon. Got any other pointers? I have never done this before and I am really scared. I don’t want to mess it up. I have unfortunately quite the perfectionist mindset.

[@fortjd]

Great video! And yes, I'm one of Jerry's kids too.

[@BrianGossard]

Awesome! Thank you so much! If you enjoyed it, please feel free to share with someone else.

[@rida6326]

Now instead of showing us your guitars in school now u can show us how u make them 😂 And all your videos are great!

[@jim4588]

5:26 Rest assured, it's never just you.

[@GabrielBradfordMorris]

Thanks man, your good. You did a great job, this was really helpful

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks! I just finished another repair that was keeping me from working on this project, so hopefully part two is coming. It may be a little while though.

[@GabrielBradfordMorris]

@@BrianGossard yeah I look forward to it man

[@johnmahoney516]

Great instruction.

[@juana1483]

Wow bro. Although I respect you immensely, I once thought I'd buy a Martin kit, but I just don't think I can do it. And I'd need to spend a bundle on tools and products!!! For $2100, I'm buying a rosewood J-45.

[@BrianGossard]

Yeah I don’t disagree with you at all. The StewMac kit is not really a way to save money if you’re going to build me guitar. It made sense for me because I already had a lot of tools. I still ended up buying many more, but I’m going to continue doing this so I feel I’m coming out ahead in the end. If you want a Martin, definitely buy a Martin. I wanted a Gossard.

[@joelpainchaud4887]

A good way to start is checking your area for a maker space. They are in most cities and a lot of them have communal tools. It drastically reduces the number of tools you need to purchase. In my case I only needed to buy guitar making specific tools. A few sound hole clamps for the bridge, crown file, etc.

[@scottluck2516]

For $2,100 more like a D18. You're not touching a 45 for that.

[@williammead9966]

Looks good so far

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks! I’m really pleased with the materials in the kit. Very good Woods.

[@patrickpalmer3374]

Thank you...i want to build a StewMack but still AFRADE I'll mess it up. Are the sides solid or laminated?

[@BrianGossard]

Don’t be scared. If you don’t feel frontally ready to do an acoustic, start with an electric build. You could also do a ukulele kit from StewMac. It’s much easier and a good way to learn some of the skills you’ll need for the guitar. The sides on the StewMac kits should all be solid wood. I wouldn’t put in the time and effort to not end up with an all solid wood guitar.

[@StefanoValerilove-coffee]

Very helpful

[@javierdiazsantana]

5:26 hehe. Erasing with sandpaper

[@BrianGossard]

Yep! That’s how we do it.

[@christophernorman2781]

Instructions say neck block is curved to the body like the tail block. However mine isn’t machined this way. Did your neck block have a slight curve to it? Mine is straight, straight out of the kit.

[@ducktape2425]

Hi, I’m in the process of building from serviced parts from Martin and their neck blocks are pretty much flat and perpendicular to the center line of the body. This is so the mortise is aligned with the centerline, but don’t worry. In a later step you will basically file away or shim the mortise to align it after the box is closed.

[@javierdiazsantana]

Hello there, Mr. Gossard. I would like to know, do you sell the guitars you build and repair? I would be very happy to try out a guitar of yours. Greetings

[@BrianGossard]

I don’t do it very often, but I have an SG I made that I was actually just thinking of selling.

[@BrianGossard]

Would you be interested?

[@javierdiazsantana]

@@BrianGossard Unfortunately not, i was thinking on an acoustic guitar. Still thanks a lot, Mr. Gossard. Greetings from Mexico

[@dickranmarsupial4911]

Got here via Jerry Rosa too. Enjoying your videos!

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks David! Please stick around. I’ll have more up in the future. I’ve got two other projects in the shop right now so stay tuned.

[@russellamy7366]

It’s been a while since this video when is the next part being released?

[@BrianGossard]

I’m working on it today as a matter of fact. I’m trying to get the neck finished up and then I’ll be posting the next part. I do apologize that it’s taking so long. Unfortunately I’ve just been very busy. Work is continuing though and part two is coming so stay tuned.

[@BrianGossard]

Part two is here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZq1lWl3fsx4rNE

[@MOHANMSHARMA]

How to know, that which side has to be in front and which side on back, specially for Rose wood back, becoz both look like same ?

[@BrianGossard]

On the top, the channel for the inlay to go in has to be on the top, but on the bottom: it doesn’t matter which side is facing out. I would personally choose the better looking side to face out, if there is one.

[@aviirandhawa]

Sir how can I buy the bend guitar sides

[@LiveatCityViewSound]

Question for you, those wooden clamps you’re using.. where can I get me some of them? I like how long they can reach can get into the body.

[@BrianGossard]

I got mine on amazon. Their made in Europe. Nice clamps. Take a look on amazon. Not sure how far they reach but you can read on the website.

[@terryjohinke8065]

I've built one in 2004 and feel you could've shown more. Mine ( customer's actually) was a resounding success. Too short a video.

[@Ahmed-cn6uf]

Cool

[@patrickpalmer3374]

Isn't Hyde glue the best

[@BrianGossard]

Hyde glue is good for its ability to be taken apart with heat, but titebond is stronger. On certain things, I still use Hyde glue but for the most part titebond is best. Jerry over at Rosa String Works clued me into that.

[@patrickpalmer3374]

Thanks ,,build a 000

[@kalvino67]

Too bad these guitar kits don’t come as left handed!

[@BrianGossard]

Haha good one.