Roger Siminoff has dedicated his life to the fretted string instruments we use to play bluegrass music. His work as a luthier – and as an instructor to other builders and repairmen – has been a valuable service to our acoustic music community.

Roger’s latest effort is a book of descriptive definitions, illustrations and photos for builders, entitled Siminoff’s Luthiers Glossary. In this 206 page softcover book, Roger defines well over 800 design terms commonly used by artisans working in the design, construction, and production of acoustic stringed instruments.

The glossary provides definitions for parts, techniques, tools, adhesives, finishes, machinery, woods, stains, plus acoustics and legal terms. Roger also includes color photos of common tone woods to help in their identification, both finished and unfinished.

Siminoff’s Luthiers Glossary is published by Hal Leonard and can be found in music retailers specializing in acoustic instruments, and from Roger’s web site – which is itself a treasure trove of information and parts for luthiers at any level of experience.