Build your own...

[Tequila Sunrise]

I've been talking with one of my mates and we've both been reading about building our own guitars someday, I was just wandering if anyone here has ever done this  8)

Craig  8)

[Hagar]

I've never done it myself but I know people who have. The most difficult part would be getting the various measurements right & making the fretboard accurately. I remember reading about kits some time ago so had a search round. This would definitely make it so much easier. You might like to check this out. I'm sure there's plenty more like it. http://www.cheapstrings.co.uk/showproducts.asp?pid=7

I was listening to a radio interview with Eric Clapton earlier. Apparently he bought 3 Strats in Nashville & made one out of the lot. The result was "Blackie", his favourite which he played for many years. I could be wrong but I think he said he recently auctioned it for charity.

PS. I just found this. http://www.telecaster.demon.co.uk/docs/blackie.htm

[Woodlouse2002]

I know people who have. Also, didn't Brain May and his dad build his first guitar?

[Hagar]

I know people who have. Also, didn't Brain May and his dad build his first guitar?

I think his dad built it for him & that's the one he still plays now. Some parts are made from bits of a bicycle I believe. I was reading that it means so much to him that he won't let it out of his sight when on tour. Whenever he flies he books a seat for the guitar.

[Politically Incorrect]

I have built a few and they are a great reward when things go right

The biggest problem you'll encounter is what Hagar already mentioned and that is the fretboard.
It will most probably start with a bad choice for the neck, make certain you have the best, straightest and most stable peice of wood for the neck!
My recommendation is to buy a neck already made, I have on numerous occasions attempted to make a neck by hand and after many hours end up with nothing more than a stick, it is the hardest thing to accomplish although it can be done, I find it easier and a more pleasent out come to buy the neck and make the rest.

The next thing is the choice of wood for the body, all woods have different properties and thus produce a different sound (tone), You can use basically any type wood as it will be your preferance but some reading into it will help you achive the sound your looking for.

If you want a soild body this is the easiest, get a good sturdy and stable block of wood and go to it, and never expect your first, second or even third to be "right" after all Luthier (?) has many years practice

If you want to attempt a hollow body my blessings are with you I have tried once but the amount of time and the need for some various tools evaded me.

There are some places you can find by searching the web that you can buy a kit that contains all the various bits and pieces you need to start your own guitar. Might like to look into them a great way to start and learn the process with satisfactory outcome

[Tequila Sunrise]

sounds good, I kinda figured a hollow body would be harder, but I want a Les Paul anyway  8)

thanks guys

Craig  8)

[Hagar]

The company I posted a link to in my previous reply does a Les Paul style kit. http://www.cheapstrings.co.uk/showproducts.asp?pid=7&ssid=75

PS. You might also like to check this out. Baileys build your own CUSTOM GUITARS

[Politically Incorrect]

Good links Hagar.

Whatever you do have fun with it! Take your time and have paitence and the outcome will be rewarding.

don't forget to get some minor electronics skill also afterall once you get the guitar built you'll have to wire the puppy
Not that hard.
You'll find the finishing part will be the most time consuming and the area where you'll likely have problems, it isn't easy getting the perfect finish, unless you plan on just slapping on some paint make sure to get some scrap wood (the same as you build the guitar out of) to practice on.
I would recommend a epoxy for it will hold up to a lot of abuse, but a simple polyuruthane will work as well (the more coats the better).

I think I might get ready to build another after my X-mas projects are finished

Good luck and post photos when finished!

[Fozzer]

Amongst all my various instruments I have a medieval
Renaissance 13 course Lute made for me by a professional Lutherist.

Not exactly a home-made guitar, but this is something I knocked up earlier....>>>



My neighbours are suitably impressed... ...!

LOL...!

Cheers all... ...!

Paul.

P.S. It  may be reasonable easy to build an solid electric guitar*, (Fender Strat, etc), but a classical guitar is definately a different matter altogether, (I have a beautiful example of one which I play regularly)...

P.P.S. *..no it's not! Been there, done it, doesn't work! Go out and buy a Squier, (Fender copy), at your local music dealer...trust me...!

[Jared]

The more appropriate question is..

"Who here HASN'T wanted to build their own guitar.. ;-) lol..

I currently have six of them sitting in my bedroom, don't play more than one at a time, and don't even do that as much as I really should....

Nonetheless I've been wanting to build two different ones which are basically along the same lines just a little minor body styling as well as paint jobs...

1. Custom les paul, 2 standard humbuckers, and a green sunburst paintjob...I know the paints gonna be the hardest, but someday I'll get er done! lol...

2. Basically same basic concept as above, excepts the body will be shaped in a rectangular, sharp corners with just a little rounding over on thhe edges, with a colorful paint scheme such as one you would see on a laundry soap box.  I'm thinking I'll take the basic laundry soap content on a box and turn it into a religious guitar as every place I have played so far is at a church or religious event.. :-)

[Politically Incorrect]

The more appropriate question is..



1. Custom les paul, 2 standard humbuckers, and a green sunburst paintjob...I know the paints gonna be the hardest, but someday I'll get er done! lol...

aniline dye or Bartleys gel stain.

2. Basically same basic concept as above, excepts the body will be shaped in a rectangular, sharp corners with just a little rounding over on thhe edges, with a colorful paint scheme such as one you would see on a laundry soap box.  I'm thinking I'll take the basic laundry soap content on a box and turn it into a religious guitar as every place I have played so far is at a church or religious event.. :-)

Ah going for the spiritual cleansing, great idea!! Love it!

Fozzer your woodworking skills far out do anything I have ever attempted, I am so full of envy !
That is one amazing piece of work!!!!!! I would love to hear the sound of it!!