Welcome to the workshop Journal
One place left.
27th and 28th of June in New York, at Doug’s Proper workshop, @guitarspecialistinc
A two-day workshop on Intentional Acoustic Design:
a system-level approach to the acoustic guitar design and build, beyond isolated adjustments and modal tuning.
How the instrument radiates sound.
How it responds under the hands.
How to define, control, verify — and make the work more legible.
📩 One place still available.
Mastering the Sound of the Acoustic Guitar, the book, is also available on @stewmac_guitar catalogue
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#lutherie #acousticguitar #guitarmaking #intentionalacousticdesign #acoustics
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What does a guitar actually do under your hands?
The Acoustic Guitar Tone Profiler connects measurable parameters to playing behaviour.
Now live on the website, the link is in bio.
And thanks as usual to my friends at @stewmac_guitar
for bringing the book in their catalogue.
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#acousticguitar #lutherie #guitarmaking #acoustics #guitardesign
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Lirica.
An instrument defined by intimacy, versatility, and controlled response.
World premiere at @artisanguitarshow .
In the hands of @dustinfurlow , exploring the instrument. 🙂
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#IuliusGuitars
#Lirica
#ArtisanGuitarShow
#AcousticGuitar
#FingerstyleGuitar
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What a blast, the 10th anniversary of the @artisanguitarshow .
Perfect organization, friends and colleagues, exceptional players, and passionate people from all over the world.
Thank you to John and the whole team for this beautiful celebration of guitar making.
And thank you to everyone who spent time with the new Lirica.
Follow this instrument’s path at @eddiesguitars .
More to come soon.
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#ArtisanGuitarShow #iuliusguitars #boutiqueguitars uitar #GuitarMaking #Lirica
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Opening this afternoon, @artisanguitarshow
The new Lirica premiere.
Designed for intimacy, composition, and expressive control.
Here in rare flamed French walnut, paired with high-Q French spruce from the Jura mountains.
Come experience it.
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#IuliusGuitars
#Lirica
#AcousticGuitar
#Luthier
#guitarMaking
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Lirica.
Designed around a controlled acoustic behaviour. Clarity at low energy, stability across the fretboard, and a balanced response in close playing conditions.
Conceived as a system, #intentionalacousticdesign
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World premiere this weekend @artisanguitarshow , then available at @eddiesguitars 😉
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#IuliusGuitars
#Lirica
#AcousticGuitar
#Fingerstyle
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Guitar Test at the @romaexpoguitars , @giovanni.baglioni.official plays L`insonne on a Iulius Orchestra. Enjoy. 🙂 ...
A new model, built for proximity.
An instrument that responds immediately, with clarity and control under the hands. A different kind of presence.
Lirica.
Presented at the @artisanguitarshow , next weekend.
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#IuliusGuitars
#Lirica
#AcousticGuitar
#Fingerstyle
#IntentionalAcousticDesign
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@zangrandoalessandro taking the Orchestra for a short tour at @romaexpoguitars — a moment quietly stolen from the show.
Thank you for stopping by, Alessandro. A real pleasure to meet you. 🙂
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#IuliusGuitars
#OrchestraModel
#RomeExpoGuitar
#AcousticGuitar
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Headstock detail, Gotoh 510 tuners installed with custom 3D-printed spacers, designed to fit the post holes under string tension, protect the finish, and ensure smoother, more stable action.
Details that matter.
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#IuliusGuitars
#Headstock
#Gotoh510
#GuitarHardware
#IntentionalAcousticDesign
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ETS cover back in place.
The unique External Tuning System allows final adjustment of the instrument once assembled — bringing the soundboard to its target condition after stringing and setup.
Final tuning, where the system settles into balance.
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#IuliusGuitars
#IntentionalAcousticDesign
#ExternalTuningSystem
#GuitarTuning
#Luthiery
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Soundcheck at @romaexpoguitars
@giovanni.baglioni.official playing the Orchestra in a quiet, suspended moment before the stage opens.
The instrument finds its voice, and the room holds it.
Tuning: CGDGGE
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#IuliusGuitars
#OrchestraModel
#fingerstyle
#boutiqueGuitars
#IntentionalAcousticDesign
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This is my framework.
Instruments, measurements, and tools brought together under one approach: Intentional Acoustic Design.
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@romaexpoguitars
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#IuliusGuitars
#IntentionalAcousticDesign
#SystemLevelLuthiery
#RomeExpoGuitar
#Luthiery
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Final stage of the build.
After polishing, and nut and saddle setup, the instrument reaches its calibrated playing condition — the most delicate phase of tuning.
At this stage, the parameters of the soundboard and back monopoles are measured. From these measurements, the External and Internal Tuning slots are set-up, together with small corrective interventions to ensure that the system sits exactly where it should.
This system-level approach defines my work and the responsibility I take for every instrument.
Intentional Acoustic Design. 😉
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#IuliusGuitars
#IntentionalAcousticDesign
#SystemLevelLuthiery
#AcousticMeasurement
#MonopoleResonance
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Independent guitar making is today highly visible.
Instruments circulate globally through images, shows, recordings, and social media. Yet many of the tools traditionally used to understand the work — shared reference points, descriptive language, and professional frameworks — remain fragile or incomplete.
The essay "Independent Guitar Making — structure, value, and the need for a shared language" reflects on several structural tensions shaping the profession today: the economic realities of thin markets, the changing role of shows, and the difficulty of making responsibility and value legible beyond individual narratives.
The slides above present four short excerpts from the text. Which of these observations resonates most with your experience of the profession?
The book is available in English, French, and Italian, link in bio. 😉
Soon available also on @stewmac_guitar
Catalogue !
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#acousticguitar
#guitarmaking
#luthiery
#independentluthier
#handmadeguitar
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The Tone Profiler maps the acoustic design space of the guitar’s main monopole.
It translates monopole physics into tone behavior and playing styles, helping builders connect structural choices to how the instrument will actually respond under the player’s hands.
A small step toward a shared language for describing acoustic guitars.
Try it on the website, available for free, on Luther`s tools page. 😉
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#luthier
#acousticguitar
#guitardesign
#guitaracoustics
#intentionaldesign
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Independent Guitar Making — Structure, value, and the need for a shared language
A new book about the profession itself: how we speak about value, responsibility, and long-term stability in independent guitar making. Not a manual, not a method. An attempt to clarify the conversations that shape our field.
Available now — link in bio.
Soon available through @stewmac_guitar catalogue
Et disponible aussi en français, e - ci mancherebbe altro - in italiano.
Daje forte. 😉
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#lutherie #guitarmaking #acousticguitar #luthier #independentguitarmaking
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Built in 2024, this Orchestra model has accompanied the workshop through recordings, demonstrations, and sessions with @michael.watts.guitar , @benjaminguilletguitarist , Stephen Bennet, and others.
Now, for the first time, it is available for sale as a REG Limited Edition. See you soon, in Rome. 🙂
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#IuliusGuitars
#OrchestraModel
#REGLimitedEdition
#BoutiqueGuitars
#Luthiery
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Bridge just glued.
This is always a special moment, a needle point in the build. With the bridge in place, the soundboard moves very close to its final equivalent mass and stiffness, and the top–back coupling approaches its working condition.
For the first time, the instrument truly starts behaving as one system, and the tuning becomes a dialogue.
This guitar will soon travel to the wise hands of @eddiesguitars — and it will be the first Lirica model available in North America.
Looking forward to seeing it out in the world. 😉
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#IuliusGuitars
#IntentionalAcousticDesign
#BridgeInstallation
#SystemLevelLuthiery
#frenchflamedwalnut
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Final polish, and the surface becomes a mirror.
The visual result is not secondary. It is part of the responsibility of the builder — care for the object, for the material, care for the person who will live with it.
Beauty is not added at the end. It is carried through the entire process.
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#IuliusGuitars
#IntentionalAcousticDesign
#Luthiery
#GuitarMaking
#BoutiqueGuitars
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Starting a new build.
Tonewood is selected using the TPC System, measuring resonance frequency, density, Young’s modulus, and Q factor.
Selection begins with behaviour.
The TPC System is available to professional builders.
Write INFO in the comments to learn more.
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#IntentionalAcousticDesign
#TPCSystem
#TonewoodSelection
#AcousticMeasurement
#QFactor
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From spray booth to measurement bench.
Lacquer modifies mass and damping, and the only way to understand its impact is to measure before and after the frequency response and monopole behaviour. My target tolerance: ≤ 1 Hz shift.
Control is part of the design.
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#IntentionalAcousticDesign
#SystemLevelLuthiery
#AcousticMeasurement
#FrequencyResponse
#MonopoleResonance
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Coming out of the spray booth, on the way to the @stringbreak_uk gathering.
The new Lirica in French flamed walnut and spruce, sourced from @le_bois_de_lutherie
Building with local wood that grows close to home is a particular pleasure—and a responsibility.
This walnut offers not only a striking visual character, but first-class acoustic qualities that fully belong in a reference-level instrument.
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#IuliusGuitars
#Lirica
#IntentionalAcousticDesign
#SystemLevelLuthiery
#FrenchWalnut
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Precision in fretwork is not accidental.
When the target is accuracy and repeatability, tools like the Fractal Fret Press help support a controlled process. Available from the @stewmac_guitar catalogue.
Grateful for the guidance of my mentor, @greenfieldguitars , whose perspective continues to sharpen my work.
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#IntentionalAcousticDesign
#Fretwork
#PrecisionCraft
#AcousticGuitar
#GuitarMaking
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“The best sounding guitar I’ve ever played in my whole life.”
The full test of the Orchestra model by @benjaminguilletguitarist is out, and this reel is a musical cameo from the video, check out the link in my bio.
Thank you so much, Benjamin, for your kind words and your playing — you really made her sing... 😉
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#luthier
#guitarbuilder
#acousticguitar
#guitardemo
#boutiqueguitar
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Santa arrived late this year… 😋
A thoughtful gift from StewMac — chisels, a handmade pouch, and a handwritten note.
Small gestures, big smiles.
Lucky to be part of such a great community — definitely one of the best parts of this job.
Thank you Brock, Ally, and the whole StewMac team! ❤️
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#luthier
#guitarbuilder
#stewmac
#luthierlife
#acousticguitar
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Finish quality is decided long before the final coat.
Preparation is the finish.
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#IuliusGuitars
#IntentionalDesign
#GuitarMaking
#InstrumentDesign
#preparationisthefinish
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Neck shaping is slow work.
Precision matters more than speed.
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#intentionaldesign
#iuliusguitars
#luthier
#acousticguitar
#customguitars
handbuilt
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Some parts of a guitar don’t need to explain themselves.
The Cantilevered Neck, ETS pocket, and back-of-headstock covers are my quiet canvases — built to carry texture, character, and emotion beyond function.
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#IuliusGuitars
#IntentionalDesign
#AcousticGuitar
#FineLuthiery
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Launching 2026 with a TPC measurement session on bridge blanks. ☺️
The bridge is very likely the single most important component of an acoustic guitar, yet it is often neglected in its function and treated merely as a decorative element of the soundboard.
The bridge contributes roughly half of the equivalent mass and stiffness of the soundboard monopole. Its geometry determines how string tension applies torque to the soundboard, and how efficiently vibrational energy is transferred to produce sound.
The TPC system makes it possible to select bridge blanks and match each specific piece of wood to the intended sonic character of the instrument. This goes beyond stiffness and density measurements, and includes the Q factor (the sustain of the resonance), an essential parameter that varies significantly not only between species, but also between individual samples of the same species.
This is not a detail - especially in a guitar that aims to be superior to an industrial instrument.
If you`re interested in the TPC system just write "info" in the comment section. 😉
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#intentionaldesign #tonewood #innovativeguitars #handcraftedguitars #acousticguitars
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Wishing you, your friends, and loved ones a happy 2026. Stay human. ❤️
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#intentionaldesign #acousticguitarworkshop #innovativeguitars #handcraftedguitars #acousticguitars classicalguitars madeinfrance guitarporn handmadewithlove scientificmethod howdoesitwork acoustics sounddesign boutiqueguitars
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The cover of the cantilevered neck pocket, as well as the cover of the ETS pocket and the rear headstock veneer, can be personalized with a wide choice of materials and finishes. I love taking the time to refine these details as much as possible—a calm, relaxing, and very enjoyable part of the build that contributes to the subtle beauty of my guitars. ☺️
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#intentionaldesign #acousticguitarworkshop #innovativeguitars #handcraftedguitars #acousticguitars classicalguitars madeinfrance guitarporn handmadewithlove scientificmethod howdoesitwork acoustics sounddesign boutiqueguitars customshop handmade luthiery whatsonyourbench
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Merry Christmas to all of you 🎄
Thank you for following, supporting, and sharing this journey.
Wishing you peace, music, and beautiful sounds.
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#intentionaldesign #acousticguitarworkshop #innovativeguitars #handcraftedguitars #acousticguitars classicalguitars madeinfrance
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Trained exclusively on the material from my book Mastering the Sound of the Acoustic Guitar, my courses, and the analytical tools published on the Iulius Guitars website, Acustica is an AI assistant designed to support guitar builders at every stage of design, tuning, optimisation, and problem-solving.
It blends scientific acoustics with the empirical art of luthiery, helping makers move beyond unfounded myths and approach sound through measurable physical principles.
Acustica reflects more than 25 years of work in acoustics and audio engineering, combined with hands-on experience in building guitars and understanding how tone is created, shaped, and refined.
Ask clear, specific questions — about geometry, materials, frequencies, modes, or forces — in any language, and treat the answers as guidance, not prescriptions.
If you have doubts or questions, feel free to send conversations using “Send log” to help improve the system.
Of course. Acustica does not replace professional judgment or experimental responsibility.
Explore Acustica now — link in bio.
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#intentionaldesign #acousticguitarworkshop #innovativeguitars #handcraftedguitars #acousticguitars
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The moment the neck meets the body is always a nice milestone. The Cantilevered neck is inserted into the upper bent soundboard, up to now, the pocket is carved by hand (like most of my process, by the way). It is a clean assembly, though quite time-consuming, here on mastergrade flamed french walnut and a silky and resonant Jura`s top, both from my friends @le_bois_de_lutherie . I am working to increase my efficiency in the workshop, but at the moment I am still taking my time. Sometimes, as with today`s job, that pace is a pleasure.
The Cantilevered neck is not only reliable structurally and a joy to play, but also a thing of beauty and balance. This guitar will be on display at the @artisanguitarshow , and then in the magic hands of @matthewchulka at the one and only @obrien_guitars.
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#intentionaldesign #acousticguitarworkshop #innovativeguitars #handcraftedguitars #acousticguitars #classicalguitars #madeinfrance #guitarporn #handmadewithlove #scientificmethod #howdoesitwork #acoustics #sounddesign #boutiqueguitars #customshop #handmade #luthiery #whatsonyourbench
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Acustica. AI Driven, Luthier Born.
Coming 20 December 2025.
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#Acustica #IuliusGuitars #LuthierBorn #AIDriven #GuitarAcoustics
#LuthierLife #GuitarDesign #SoundScience #AIForLuthiers #ComingSoon
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A micro scraper for a micro bevel.
I love shaping the subtle bevel that wraps around my guitars’ bodies — and this tiny scraper (don’t be fooled by its size!) is perfect for the job. A relaxing and rewarding moment in the build that I’m happy to share with you. 😊
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#intentionaldesign #acousticguitarworkshop #innovativeguitars #handcraftedguitars #acousticguitars #classicalguitars #madeinfrance #guitarporn #handmadewithlove #scientificmethod #howdoesitwork #acoustics #sounddesign #boutiqueguitars #customshop #handmade #luthiery
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Measuring the deflection of the soundboard monopole before gluing the bridge gives a clear insight about how these two elements interact to define the final parameters of the most important resonance of the acoustic guitar: the soundboard monopole.
Here is a Lirica body waiting for sound hole binding, in European Spruce and Exotic ebony. ❤️
In this phase the Cantilevered Neck bolt-on neck pocket is not completed yet, but its geometry is very clear in this picture, together with the upper bout soundboard bent, that gives strength to the whole structure.
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#intentionaldesign #acousticguitarworkshop #innovativeguitars #handcraftedguitars #acousticguitars #classicalguitars #madeinfrance #guitarporn #handmadewithlove #scientificmethod #howdoesitwork #acoustics #sounddesign #boutiqueguitars #customshop
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Explore Acoustic Guitar Physics on Iulius Guitars website. From resonators interaction to string harmonics, mechanical impedance, and standing waves. These are some of the tools I use during my acoustic courses, to help visualise abstract concepts and better understand the basics of sound production; available for free on my website, link in bio. 😎
For more in-depth about the guitar`s acoustic theory, grab a copy of my book "Mastering the sound of the acoustic guitar" on @stewmac_guitar catalog, and if you`re interested in a workshop on acoustics and "Intentional Design" check out the workshop calendar on my website; links are in bio.
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#AcousticGuitar #GuitarSimulator #Luthier #GuitarBuilding #GuitarDesign #Acoustics #Physics #Simulation #InstrumentDesign #IuliusGuitars #innovativeguitars #handcraftedguitars #acousticguitars #classicalguitars #madeinfrance #guitarporn #handmadewithlove #scientificmethod #howdoesitwork #acoustics #sounddesign #boutiqueguitars
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Please welcome the Iulius Guitars Flexural Rigidity Calculator, a free engineering tool that quantifies the stiffness of a braced soundboard. Instead of guessing, it allows you to input your specific material properties and dimensions to calculate the exact Flexural Rigidity (EI) of your design.
The app models the plate and bracing as a unified structural section, visualizing the neutral axis and calculating the active mass of the soundboard monopole. It helps luthiers understand the trade-off between geometry and weight, allowing you to optimize for the highest stiffness with the lowest possible mass. 😉
Dive in and explore this and other essential tools on the Luthier Tools page on my website (Link in bio). For more in-depth knowledge on the guitar`s acoustic theory, grab a copy of my book "Mastering the sound of the acoustic guitar" on @stewmac_guitar or check out my workshop calendar for sessions on acoustics and `Intentional Design` (Links are always in bio).
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#intentionaldesign #acousticguitarworkshop #innovativeguitars #handcraftedguitars #acousticguitars #classicalguitars #madeinfrance #guitarporn #handmadewithlove #scientificmethod #howdoesitwork #acoustics #sounddesign #boutiqueguitars #customshop #handmade #luthiery #whatsonyourbench #artistsofinstagram #guitarsofinstagram #woodworkersofinstagram #customguitars #customwoodworking
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