The Art Of Lutherie With Tom Bills

Tom Bills: Master Luthier, Author, And Guitar Making Instructor
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The Art Of Lutherie With Tom Bills

The Art of Lutherie Podcast is your guide to mastering the art of guitar building. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced luthier, I’m here to help you build better guitars and deepen your creative process. I’m Tom Bills, a master luthier with 26+ years of experience crafting custom acoustic and archtop guitars. In each episode, I share practical insights, breaking down not just the “how” but the “why” behind techniques, so you can confidently create guitars that are uniquely yours. Explore more resources at theartoflutherie.com. Thank you for listening!

  1. DEC 9 · VIDEO

    The Cure Time Principle: The Secret to a Better Guitar Finish and a Better Life

    Have you ever found yourself rushing through the guitar finishing process, eager to see the final result—only to end up facing frustration, soft finishes, or imperfections? In this podcast episode, I’m diving into the transformative power of "Cure Time"—not just as a technical approach to better guitar finishing, but as a principle that’s helped me create a more fulfilling journey in both the quality of my guitars and my life.   SUBSCRIBE: The Art Of Lutherie Free Newsletter: https://theartoflutherie.com/newsletter/ CHECK OUT THE COURSE: The Art of French Polishing Video Course: https://theartoflutherie.com/french-polishing/ LEARN MORE: The Luthier’s EDGE online guitar making school and mentorship program: https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-school/ BOOK MENTIONED: "Rest" By Alex Soojung-Kim Pang (Highly Recommended!) https://geni.us/O6X9V   In this episode, we’ll explore how embracing the Cure Time Principal, allowing your work to rest, and creating the right environment can lead to: - A more efficient and enjoyable guitar finishing process. - Mastering French polishing and other luthier techniques. - Greater mindfulness and personal growth, not only in craftsmanship but in every aspect of life. I'll share practical tips on how I integrate "Cure Time" in guitar finishing, why rushing can lead to setbacks, and how these lessons have extended beyond my workshop to improve many other parts of my life. Whether you’re an experienced luthier or someone looking to bring more mindfulness to your craft, I think you’ll find something valuable here.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Why rushing your guitar finishing process leads to common mistakes—and how to avoid them. - How "Cure Time" can transform not just your creative work, but also your approach to life. - Practical tips for mastering French polishing and making the guitar building process more enjoyable. If you haven’t subscribed yet, I’d love for you to join me for more on the art of lutherie, guitar making tips, and ways to bring mindfulness into the craft you love: https://theartoflutherie.com/newsletter/

    44 min

  2. JUL 22 · VIDEO

    How To Spot & Avoid Stress Concentration

    Stress and tension are vital parts of the guitar's design. After all, the tension of the strings is the engine that drives the whole system. But sometimes, if we aren't aware of it, we build or design stress and tension into places or components of the guitar that can harm its long-term stability and sound quality. In this video, I share my approach to improving your guitars and your workflow by spotting and managing tension and stress concentration:  In your guitar designsIn your guitar-building processAnd in other critical areas of your life The simple approach I explain in the video can help you craft a better guitar-building workflow, achieve better long-term stability, and produce a more beautiful voice from each instrument you create. 👉Learn more about the new Art Of Guitar Side Bending video course and join the waiting list here: https://theartoflutherie.com/guitar-side-bending/ 👉Free Ultimate Guide To Luthier Tools: https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-tools/ 👉JOIN  FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER (26K+ SUBSCRIBERS): https://theartoflutherie.com/newsletter/ 👉FREE ARTICLES AND GUIDEShttps://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-tools-training-tutorials/ 👉Learn more about the Luthier's EDGE online guitar building school here: https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-school/ ===  👉Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJP-s3hzL3Hb3SM-liHw6cw ✍️ The Art Of Lutherie Blog: https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-tools-training-tutorials/ — 🙏 Support The Art Of Lutherie by purchasing through our affiliate links.*By making a purchase through any of our affiliate links, we receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us on our mission to provide quality education to you. Thank you. — Connect With The Art Of Lutherie On Social 👉Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheArtOfLutherie 👉Twitter: http://twitter.com/artoflutherie 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheArtOfLutherie/ 👉TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflutherie

    17 min

  3. MAY 23 · VIDEO

    Stewmac Guitar Side Bender & How To Use It Step-By-Step

    Explore the new StewMac guitar side bending machine, how it compares to the older Fox Bender, and learn how to use it step-by-step. 👉Check out the new Stewmac side bender here: https://stewmac.sjv.io/AWvM6N   👉Learn more about the new Art Of Guitar Side Bending video course and join the waiting list here: https://theartoflutherie.com/guitar-side-bending/   👉Free Ultimate Guide To Luthier Tools: https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-tools/   👉JOIN FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER (26K+ SUBSCRIBERS): https://theartoflutherie.com/newsletter/   👉FREE ARTICLES AND GUIDES • Hacklinger Caliper Article: https://theartoflutherie.com/hacklinger-magnetic-caliper/ • Best Block Plane For Guitar Making: https://theartoflutherie.com/block-plane/ • Dragon Rasp Review: https://theartoflutherie.com/wood-rasp/ • Luthier's Guide To Fret Saws: https://theartoflutherie.com/fret-saw/   👉Learn more about the Luthier's EDGE online guitar building school here: https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-school/   👉Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJP-s3hzL3Hb3SM-liHw6cw   ✍️ The Art Of Lutherie Blog: https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-tools-training-tutorials/   🙏 Support The Art Of Lutherie by purchasing through our affiliate links. *By making a purchase through any of our affiliate links, we receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us on our mission to provide quality education to you. Thank you.   Connect With The Art Of Lutherie On Social 👉Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheArtOfLutherie 👉Twitter: http://twitter.com/artoflutherie 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheArtOfLutherie/ 👉TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflutherie

    47 min

  4. 12/27/2023 · VIDEO

    My Top 10+ Luthier Tools (Right Now)

    Check out my current picks for the best luthier tools. These are the tools that help me get more done, do higher quality work, and have more fun in the process. I hope this video helps you find some new top tools of your own to help you do your best guitar-building work in 2024 and beyond. 👉Free Ultimate Guide To Luthier Tools: https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-tools/ 👉TOOLS FROM THE VIDEO: • Dog Leg Chisel Set: https://theartoflutherie.com/go/dog-leg-micro-chisels/ • Deluxe Fret Tang Nipper: https://theartoflutherie.com/go/deluxe-fret-tang-nipper • Fret End File: https://theartoflutherie.com/go/fret-end-dressing-file/ • Dragon Rasp: https://theartoflutherie.com/go/dragon-rasp/ • Rasp Handle: https://theartoflutherie.com/go/nicholson-rasp-handle/ • Fret Press System: https://theartoflutherie.com/go/fret-press-caul-with-inserts • Deadblow Fret Hammer: https://theartoflutherie.com/go/deadblow-fretting-hammer/ • String Spacing Ruler: https://theartoflutherie.com/go/string-spacing-rule/ • Lie Nielson Block Plane: https://www.lie-nielsen.com/products/small-block-planes • IBEX 10mm Violin Finger Plane: https://theartoflutherie.com/go/ibex-carving-planes/ • Hacklinger magnetic Thickness Caliper (1-7mm): https://www.internationalviolin.com/ProductDetail/t9606_magnetic-thickness-caliper-17mm • Dual Grit Diamond Fret Crowning File: https://theartoflutherie.com/go/dual-grit-diamond-fret-file/ • Diamond Cut Nut Slotting Files: https://theartoflutherie.com/go/diamondcut-nut-slotting-files/ • Fret Leveling Beam: https://theartoflutherie.com/go/sanding-beam-fret-levelers/ • Japanese Fret Saw: https://theartoflutherie.com/go/japanese-fret-saw/ • Festool Sander: https://theartoflutherie.com/go/festool-576070-random-orbital-sander-ets-125/ • Festool Dust Extractor CT SYS: https://theartoflutherie.com/go/festool-ct-sys-hepa-dust-extractor/   👉JOIN OUR FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: https://theartoflutherie.com/newsletter/   👉FREE ARTICLES AND GUIDES • Hacklinger Caliper Article: https://theartoflutherie.com/hacklinger-magnetic-caliper/ • Best Block Plane For Guitar Making: https://theartoflutherie.com/block-plane/ • Dragon Rasp Review: https://theartoflutherie.com/wood-rasp/ • Luthier's Guide To Fret Saws: https://theartoflutherie.com/fret-saw/   👉Learn more about the Luthier's EDGE online guitar making school here: https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-school/   👉Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJP-s3hzL3Hb3SM-liHw6cw ✍️ The Art Of Lutherie Blog: https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-tools-training-tutorials/   Connect With The Art Of Lutherie On Social 👉Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheArtOfLutherie 👉Twitter: http://twitter.com/artoflutherie 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheArtOfLutherie/ 👉TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflutherie

    32 min

  5. 06/29/2023 · VIDEO

    French Polishing Techniques - French Polishing Fundamentals Part 7

    French Polishing Techniques: How to make and load the French Polishing pad and key techniques for applying a glossy and durable French Polish finish. It's the same system I use for my guitars (tbguitars.com) and that I teach in my online course: The Art Of French Polishing ⁠https://theartoflutherie.com/french-polishing/⁠Links from the video: 👉Download the Free Shellac Handbook Here: ⁠https://theartoflutherie.com/shellac-handbook-for-french-polishing/⁠👉Introduction to French Polishing (Article): ⁠https://theartoflutherie.com/french-polish-shellac/⁠👉Why I switched To French Polishing (Article): ⁠https://theartoflutherie.com/why-i-switched-to-french-polishing/⁠👉Learn more about the Luthier's EDGE online guitar-making school here: ⁠https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-school/⁠👉My Most Recommended Luthier Tools: ⁠https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-tools/⁠ French Polishing Fundamentals Video Series:👉Part 1 Introduction and Why I switched To Shellac👉Part 2 Wood Preparation👉Part 3 Best Alcohol For Making Shellac👉Part 4 Types Of Shellac For French Polishing👉Part 5 Best Oils For French Polishing👉Part 6 How to Mix Shellac   Connect With Me On Social👉Facebook: ⁠http://www.facebook.com/TheArtOfLutherie⁠👉Twitter: ⁠http://twitter.com/artoflutherie⁠👉Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/TheArtOfLutherie/⁠ Check out my handmade guitars here: https://tbguitars.com/

    25 min

  6. 06/13/2023 · VIDEO

    How To Make Shellac - Part 6 French Polishing Fundamentals

    Learn my simple system and easy-to-remember formulas for making the perfect shellac for French Polishing. It's the same system I use for my guitars (tbguitars.com) and that I teach in my online course: The Art Of French Polishing https://theartoflutherie.com/french-polishing/   Links from the video: 👉Download the Free Shellac Handbook Here: https://theartoflutherie.com/shellac-handbook-for-french-polishing/ 👉Introduction to French Polishing (Article): https://theartoflutherie.com/french-polish-shellac/ 👉Why I switched To French Polishing (Article): https://theartoflutherie.com/why-i-switched-to-french-polishing/ 👉Learn more about the Luthier's EDGE online guitar-making school here: https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-school/ 👉My Most Recommended Luthier Tools: https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-tools/   French Polishing Fundamentals Video Series: 👉Part 1 Introduction and Why I switched To Shellac: https://youtu.be/eUqCX_VeuXI 👉Part 2 Wood Preparation: https://youtu.be/4dY8r0pJehA 👉Part 3 Best Alcohol For Making Shellac: https://youtu.be/bg8oEeKiZTE 👉Part 4 Types Of Shellac For French Polishing: https://youtu.be/hUbHmoy7PY8 👉Part 5 Best Oils For French Polishing: https://youtu.be/tyzZvTpTyhw Connect With Me On Social 👉Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheArtOfLutherie 👉Twitter: http://twitter.com/artoflutherie 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheArtOfLutherie/ 👉TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflutherie   Check out my handmade guitars here: https://tbguitars.com/ --- *By making a purchase through any of our affiliate links, we receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us on our mission to provide quality guitar-building and woodworking education to you. Thank you.

    9 min

  7. 05/23/2023 · VIDEO

    Best Oils For French Polishing - Part 5 French Polishing Fundamentals

    Learn about the different types of oil for French Polishing and how they can be used to produce a more durable and glossy shellac finish for your next guitar. French Polishing Fundamentals Part 5 - Oils For French Polishing. Links from the video: 👉The Art Of French Polishing Video Course: https://theartoflutherie.com/french-polishing/ 👉Download the Free Shellac Handbook Here: https://theartoflutherie.com/shellac-handbook-for-french-polishing/ 👉Introduction to French Polishing (Article): https://theartoflutherie.com/french-polish-shellac/ 👉Why I switched To French Polishing (Article): https://theartoflutherie.com/why-i-switched-to-french-polishing/ 👉Learn more about the Luthier's EDGE online guitar-making school here: https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-school/ 👉My Most Recommended Luthier Tools: https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-tools/ French Polishing Fundamentals Video Series: 👉Part 1 Introduction and Why I switched To Shellac: https://youtu.be/eUqCX_VeuXI 👉Part 2 Wood Preparation: https://youtu.be/4dY8r0pJehA 👉Part 3 Best Alcohol For Making Shellac: https://youtu.be/bg8oEeKiZTE 👉Part 4 Types Of Shellac For French Polishing: https://youtu.be/hUbHmoy7PY8 Connect With Me On Social 👉Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheArtOfLutherie 👉Twitter: http://twitter.com/artoflutherie 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheArtOfLutherie/ 👉TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflutherie Check out my handmade guitars here: https://tbguitars.com/ --- *By making a purchase through any of our affiliate links, we receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us on our mission to provide quality guitar-building and woodworking education to you. Thank you.

    10 min

  8. 05/12/2023 · VIDEO

    French Polishing Fundamentals Part 4 - Shellac For French Polishing

    Types of shellac for French Polishing. A deep dive into the different types of shellac for French polishing, colors of shellac, and recommendations for beginners. French Polishing Fundamentals Part 4 - Shellac. Links from the video: 👉The Art Of French Polishing Video Course: https://theartoflutherie.com/french-polishing/ 👉Download the Free Shellac Handbook Here: https://theartoflutherie.com/shellac-handbook-for-french-polishing/ 👉Introduction to French Polishing (Article): https://theartoflutherie.com/french-polish-shellac/ 👉Why I switched To French Polishing (Article): https://theartoflutherie.com/why-i-switched-to-french-polishing/ 👉Learn more about the Luthier's EDGE online guitar-making school here: https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-school/ 👉My Most Recommended Luthier Tools: https://theartoflutherie.com/luthier-tools/   French Polishing Fundamentals Video Series: 👉Part 1 Introduction and Why I switched To Shellac: https://youtu.be/eUqCX_VeuXI 👉Part 2 Wood Preparation: https://youtu.be/4dY8r0pJehA 👉Part 3 Best Alcohol For Making Shellac: https://youtu.be/bg8oEeKiZTE   Connect With Me On Social 👉Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheArtOfLutherie 👉Twitter: http://twitter.com/artoflutherie 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheArtOfLutherie/ 👉TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartoflutherie   Check out my handmade guitars here: https://tbguitars.com/ --- *By making a purchase through any of our affiliate links, we receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us on our mission to provide quality guitar-building and woodworking education to you. Thank you.

    13 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The Art of Lutherie Podcast is your guide to mastering the art of guitar building. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced luthier, I’m here to help you build better guitars and deepen your creative process. I’m Tom Bills, a master luthier with 26+ years of experience crafting custom acoustic and archtop guitars. In each episode, I share practical insights, breaking down not just the “how” but the “why” behind techniques, so you can confidently create guitars that are uniquely yours. Explore more resources at theartoflutherie.com. Thank you for listening!

Information

  • Creator
    Tom Bills: Master Luthier, Author, And Guitar Making Instructor
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2024
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright The Art Of Lutherie 2024
  • Show Website
    The Art Of Lutherie With Tom Bills

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