How Do I Build A Guitar From Scratch

Many guitarists harbor the desire to build their own guitars. After all, why not! A guitar that is beautiful to the eye and ear should be satisfying to build as well. The thought of learning how to build a guitar from scratch fills most of us with a sense of fear. However, all it requires is some elements required for building the instrument, along with precision and experience. There are two ways in which you can build your own guitar. The first method involves the use of a guitar kit; while in the second one, you have to make it from scratch. In case you are looking for tips to make your own guitar, read through the following lines.

How To Make Your Own Homemade Guitar

Things Required

3 sheets of Wood (36 x 24 inches)
2 pieces of Wood (5 inch wide)
2 small blocks of Hard Wood
Light Sandpaper
At least 12 Wood Braces
2 Clamps
Band Saw/ Jigsaw
Drill (with attachment)
Router
Wood Glue
Ready-made Neck and Bridge Set
Wood Stain
Guitar Strings

Instructions

Start with selecting the appropriate wood for your guitar. You can go for a lightweight wood such as cedar and spruce about ¼ inch thick.
Trace the shape of the desired guitar onto two sheets of wood, to form the front and back of the guitar.
Using the saw, cut out the two pieces, ensuring that they are equal in shape and size.
Cut a round sound hole into the centre of the front piece, with the help of a round drill.
Soak each piece of 5-inch wood in boiling water, for 15 seconds.
Remove the wood piece and shape into the body of a guitar. You will have to repeat this multiple times, to get the right shape.
Connect each guitar side with a block of wood and wood glue.
Attach the guitar bodies to the wood blocks and glue each on the top and bottom.
Clamp the sides to the wood blocks and set it aside to dry.
After the glue has dried out, locate the place of the braces to be placed on the front and inside of the guitar. The placement of the braces determines the quality of the guitar sound.
Attach the top and bottom of the guitar using wood glue. Leave it for drying.
Sand the surface of the guitar using sandpaper.
Coat the entire body of the guitar with a lacquer or stain, while following the instructions of the manufacturer.
Carve a small groove on the body of the guitar, using a router to place the bridge set.
Properly place the neck set over the guitar’s neck and attach it with wood glue. Hold the set with a clamp for a while, to let it dry.
Attach the bridge set one inch below the sound hole, using wood glue and screws.

Tips

Wear leather gloves during the making of the guitar, to avoid burns.
While cutting the two shapes, you can clamp both the sheets together and cut them simultaneously, to ensure equal shape and size.
To create more treble, cut a larger hole and to create more bass, cut a smaller hole on the front piece of the guitar.

How to Cite

Related Articles

See also

More in 'Home & Living'