Building om kit

[Dan Krhla]

I was looking around at different builders and came across this site -

http://www.harpkit.com/Merchan....Count=1 (http://www.harpkit.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=bouzkit&Category_Code=bouzouki&Product_Count=1)

makes sense what they say about bigger instruments being easier to build. I almost bit. I will think about it (more about where I can find a relatively clean room in the house to work on this).

Just curious to see of anyone else has any experience with these. The bass kit looks sweet too...

[Tavy]

Interesting... but looks a tad expensive for a kit using laminated woods? Might be easier and cheaper to buy a second hand "generic" Korean import and replace the cheap bridge and tailpieces with quality items? On the other hand if you want an introduction to instrument building then it might be a good start I guess... but I've never built a kit so pay no attention http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

John.

[JEStanek]

That does seem pricey for those materials. Don Kawalek (http://www.donkawalek.com/contact.htm) had made kits and IIRC, may have a new version coming soon. His were all solid woods and have enjoyed a good reputation on the Café. my experience with building is enough to know to leave it to the guys with the woodworking skills. I'm too lazy and busy with other stuff. Try contacting Don as well and see where he's at with the OM kits. I would if I were looking to build a OM from a kit.

Jamie

[John Flynn]

The thing that would give me a caution about the Musicmaker's kit is that the wood is laminated. First, that makes for lesser tone from the finished instrument. Second, I think laminate is harder for a beginning builder to work with. I have only built one instrument, a lap dulcimer kit from McSpadden, which is a big brand name in dulcimers. One of my biggest headaches putting it together was that it was all laminate and it was really easy to sand through outer layer, exposing the layer below, which looks like cr-p. That kit turned out OK, but I swore I that if I ever do a kit again, it would be all solid wood.

[Dan Krhla]

Jamie, thanks for the advice, I may check it out if I ever decide to build.

Johnny, I will avoid the laminate kits for sure if I can!!!

[Steve L]

There used to be a member here whose name escapes me (his screen name may have been "Luthier") and I think he offered solid body OM kits. Otterly 2K (who we haven't heard from in a while either) built one and seemed to have really liked the whole process and the end result.

[Bob Wiegers]

yeah that was/is Don Kawalek. he's a great guy and makes a good kit for a good price. I bought his mando kit a while back and then chickened-out and sold it before I got started, but he was very helpful even then, as he agreed to support the guy who bought it from me. check out his website linked above.

[otterly2k]

she lives!!

Sorry I haven't been around in a while... going through a lot in my personal life as well as swamped in a new job and add crashed computer to the mix and ....

Anyway... I made an OM in a workshop with Don Kawalek (Luthier) using his prepared kit. Quality materials, good design (although he's changed it since... and improved it, imho, sounds good, great playability and learning experience. Super helpful guy. i don't hesitate to recommend his stuff.

[Dan Krhla]

Thanks for weighing in otter!!!

Welcome back and hopefully things get better!

[otterly2k]

Thanks for the good wishes, devilstone...
I need all the help I can get!
o2k