Bryan’s Tool List: Essential Woodworking Tools

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By Bryan Galloup

When it comes to tools, I–like most woodworkers and craftsmen–am an absolute tool junkie. Some people collect art, others hoard knickknacks, but for those of us who work with our hands, tools are an obsession. It’s not just about having them, it’s about knowing how to use them, modifying them, and sometimes even making them ourselves.

Over the years, as both a luthier and a woodworker in a broader sense, I’ve amassed a serious collection. Some of the most valuable tools I own didn’t come from fancy catalogs or high-end retailers, they were hidden gems, found at garage sales and secondhand stores. These places are absolute gold mines for quality, old tools that have stood the test of time. But as I progressed in my craft, I realized that there were tools I simply couldn’t buy, I had to either make or modify them to meet the specific needs of working on fine instruments.

Take chisels and knives, for example. When it comes to tools that need to be razor-sharp, there’s no substitute for quality. Precision woodworking chisels hardened to the correct Rockwell level are essential. But when you step into the world of luthierie, especially acoustic guitar instruments, you quickly discover that it’s not just about having sharp tools; it’s about having the right tools.

Not too long ago, the tools available for repairing acoustic guitars were a haphazard mix of whatever a luthier could find and adapt. You made do with what you had, modifying and repurposing anything that would get the job done. One of my favorite lessons for students in my shop is a simple demonstration: I lay out about eight to ten essential tools and say, “I can take apart and put together any acoustic guitar using only these.” It’s a lesson in efficiency, but also in understanding what’s truly necessary versus what’s just nice to have.

That being said, when it comes to the broader scope of working on musical instruments, whether it’s building acoustic and electric guitars or handling intricate repairs, there are tools I wouldn’t hesitate to replace if my entire shop burned down tomorrow.

Of course, this list doesn’t include major shop infrastructure: things like toolboxes, machinery, air compressors, or dust collection systems. That’s a whole separate discussion, as shop setup is just as critical as the tools themselves.

Every luthier’s journey is different, but one thing remains the same: the tools you choose, the way you use them, and the knowledge you gain along the way define the kind of work you can produce. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your craft at the highest level, having the right tools is what sets apart a good guitar tech from a world-class luthier.

StewMac

Music Nomad

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