You might often have looked at a guitar and wondered how they really make it. You don’t have to wonder anymore because we will teach you how. By learning how to build a guitar, you’ll be able to save a lot of money. By simply following these directions, you will have your own instrument ready in no time. This is quite a technical build so don’t be concerned if it’s beyond your skill level. Without any further ado, here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to build a guitar:
Required Tools and Materials
- Wood
- Drill
- Screws
- Strings
- Wood glue
- Router
- Saw
- Braces
- Sandpaper
Create the Top Part
Cut the wood to the desired shape. Use the adhesive to assemble the two halves. Drill the openings necessary for the registration holes and the sound hole cutter. As you shape this section, be sure to cut the rosette with the drill. Use sandpaper to mold the structure into shape.
Add the soundhole and use the router to smoothen the edges. To build a guitar, make an incision at the X brace. The angle here needs to be cut properly.
This can determine the sound of the instrument. Mark the spots where the braces are to be set. Now add them. The X carve is usually a tall and slim shape.
Modify the X Brace
Start by modifying the bridge plate. Sandwich it between the X brace. Take the upper braces and apply some sand. Create the soundhole braces and fasten them properly.
Remove some of the edges. Sand the inner parts and smoothen them.
Create the Back Part
Shape it like you did the upper halves. Join it. Make an incision for the middle strip. Set the strip in place. Use a router or file to shape the sides. Utilize this tool to make it as thick as desired.
Affix the grain strip and set it in the middle. Make some holes and apply the router to it. To build a guitar properly, attach the braces.
Create the Sides
Cut the wood (0.099 up to 0.095 in) and immerse it in some water to make it bendable. Cut the rib end section and fasten it in the shape.
Attach the neck block and apply some sandpaper. Add depression and dovetail for connecting the neck.
Joining the Body
Make the purling ledge and binding ledge. Bend it and add some joints. Fasten the side purling at the corner wedge. Use masking tape to attach it to the back.
Drill a small opening and add the hook. Add the dovetail handle and the soundhole cup.
Create the Neck and the Strings
The final step to build a guitar is the neck. Cut it to the desired shape. Create the truss rod and add pegs. Use a level if needed. Add some drill. For the truss rod, saw an anchor pocket. Use the adhesive to place the truss rod. For the fingerboard use the drill to make jig openings.
Create a shape about 14 inches in radius. Create the fret slots and adjust the width as necessary. Use markers to identify the holes if needed. Make sure they are aligned properly. Add the nut and inlay. Put the strings in last. Stretch and fasten them tight.
Learning to build a guitar takes some time, but it can be done. Once it’s finished, you can start learning to play.
Title Image Source: Flickr/Alan Levine
