I've played guitar most of my life, starting out like every kid in the 60s emulating various guitar heroes' before there was such a thing.  Since I cant play with a pick, classical, flamenco and some folk is what I've gravitated to for many years. My first was a Martin classical, Mom paid $125 for it, somehow she knew steel string wasnt for me. I thought different after a few years and switched to a 1972 Guild Starfire V which I still have but never play. I did learn fingerpicking on it and if theres one technique I could pass on to a beginner that is to lazy to take lessons (me!!), learn some songs then turn out the lights and learn them all over again in the dark. Great for training your ear as well as your fingers.

In 1993, I needed a new one (every guitar player knows that feeling) and good classical's are way up in $$$$'s. I picked up "Guitarmaking, Tradition and Technology" by Cumpiano & Natelson. Following along, I was surprised how 'easy' it was to complete a well playing instrument. All solid woods from rough stock, though now there are many kits available to just assemble from pre cut and bent woods.  Anyone can be taught to use an electric router, sander, planer and saw to avoid impatience, and since the journey is far more satisfying then the destination, I set out determined that it would be built as the 'Old Masters' had done, completely by hand and from felled trees. Since I was short a felled tree that wasnt pine or palm (lived in Florida at the time), I ordered unserviced blanks from LMI and set off, first building the tools and fixtures, which almost took as much time as the guitar did.

Below are the results, mixed in with an old 60s steel string I'm putting a new top on.