An essential item for the instrument builder, The Luthier's Handbook explores the secrets and science behind making good?sounding acoustic stringed instruments. Renowned author Roger H. Siminoff brings to the table more than four decades of luthiery experience and shares the time?tested philosophies, tips and technology of the craft. As the ideal complement to other books on building instruments, this text describes the structural and acoustical attributes of air chambers; what to listen for when tap?tuning; selecting a good piece of wood; placement of the braces and tone bars and how to tune them; how to select the right strings; what to consider in bridge design concepts; and much more. Includes a free String Gauge Calculator for determining the right set of strings. / This concise monograph (96 pages) by Roger H.Siminoff provides a technically grounded yet accessible overview of acoustic?instrument construction. It systematically covers wood selection, structural design, soundboard and air-chamber acoustics, brace and tone-bar placement, bridge configuration, string choice, tap-tuning methods, finishes, and final assembly tuning. The inclusion of a string-gauge calculator underscores the scientific approach. The book's orientation bridges hands-on craft and acoustic engineering, making it both a practical manual and an academic primer for builders seeking consistent tonal quality. / Roger H. Siminoff is an American luthier with over forty years of experience in designing and building acoustic stringed instruments. He is recognized for combining traditional woodworking craftsmanship with scientific insights into acoustics and tonal physics. Siminoff has contributed widely via articles and workshops in the luthiery community. The Luthier's Handbook synthesises his practical wisdom and acoustic philosophy into a compact, systematic guide.