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Thinking about building first guitar
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Author:  TonyM [ Mon Oct 15, 2012 9:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Thinking about building first guitar
I have been wanting to build a guitar for years. I know what I want basically and have access to a very nice woodworking shop with all major woodworking tools I need except for luthier specific tools. I have owned many guitars over the years and know what I like basically. This is what I kind of have in mind.

22 fret five piece walnut-maple neckthrough 24.75 scale length
I have always liked the BM Red Special body shape maybe profiled thinning to the edges Ibanez Saber style
Figured top not sure wood type thinking walnut on walnut or maple top with binding.
Basic LP HUMxHUM wiring scheme with three way toggle, maybe minus one of the tone controls
Bridge definately non trem maybe the combo type wrap around Bridge/Tailpiece

Fairly simple guitar but I don't know much about drawing up plans or being able to figure proper guitar geometry as it relates making it playable. Any suggestions or pointing me to proper reading would be appreciated.
Author:  nyazzip [ Mon Oct 15, 2012 11:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about building first guitar
don't think about it, do it!
[:Y:]
Author:  TonyM [ Tue Oct 16, 2012 10:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about building first guitar
I have a bunch of Malyasian 2"x2"x8' reddish brown poles used in shipping. Straight for there length and super hard and dense. I have not been able to figure out species. Thought I might use tem to practice on. Or should I say screw up on first.
Author:  nyazzip [ Wed Oct 17, 2012 3:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about building first guitar
not sure if you play guitar or not. if you don't, then i can see why it might be daunting. if you do, then....post some pics of the wood?
best thing i can think of is, buy a cheap guitar and copy it as best you can.
solid body electric guitars are not rocket science: it is a rail, frets, tuners, 2 termination points(bridge and nut), and a pickup. thats about it.
Author:  TonyM [ Wed Oct 17, 2012 3:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about building first guitar
I am a casual player for about 30 years. I have owned Strats, Teles, Gibson and Epi Les Pauls, Parker Fly Deluxe, Ibanez Prestige. Yet I have never adjusted a truss rod or messed with intonation. Just took to the guitar shop for any adjustment. All I do is change strings. I did put together and finish a Warmoth Tele. The guitar shop cut the nut slots and set it up. I currently have one of the older late 90's Epiphone double F-hole LP's I bought new that has been is torn apart for awhile. I wanted to change out all pots pickups and wiring and have not gotten around to it. The Warmoth thinline swamp ash Tele which has a tone pot problem going on and I never played it that much. The main guitar I play is 2007 Ibanez Prestige 2170FB. It's ok but am not much of a tremelo guy. I have only owned one 24 fret guitar the Parker. I loved the way it played but it was a tad bright I thought. I sold it because of an injury that forced me to go back to school. I think Parkers are about the coolest guitar ever made. They just dont have the mojo of the LP, Strat, or Tele.

I like the no heel of a Parker and the sound of humbuckers over single coils for the most part. and simple electronics, although coil taps are not out of the question. I hate a humbucker guitar where you cant kill the neck pickup for on/off stutter tricks.

I am on a fairly low budget and can't afford mistakes or crazy fancy wood. Still definately in the planning stages. I have used many power and hand wookworking tools. I have made many Osage Orange selfbows that I hunt with. These bows are hand carved with drawknives, spokeshaves, small hand planes, and cabnit scrapers.
Author:  dzsmith [ Wed Oct 17, 2012 8:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Thinking about building first guitar
Hey Tony,
You may want to consider a kit.
You can gain experience without too much planning.
DZ
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