David S. Wallens wrote: My instructor wants me to build my own guitar. I think I'm starting to zero in on what exactly I'd build.
David, you absolutely need to build one.
I had the pleasure about 20-years ago of working with a good friend/luthier to build a lefty 5-string bass for myself. Basically, he did all the precision work and I did all the grunt work - which included all the sanding/conturing of the neck and body, so it's as close to a perfect fit as possible. The other advantage: Originally, I thought I wanted fretless…know what? I suck at fretless. No problem, add some frets. I also didn't like the top horn on the body(it kept poking me in the middle of my chest). No problem there either, saw it off and make a longer one.
The first two pics on this page are of it shortly after completion here. It's a bit more broken in now. 
