• From: NH
  • Registered: 2008-05-28
  • Posts: 66

Topic: Building an Electric

I've thinking of building an electric guitar lately. I would rather not go from a kit, seeing as I have the wood available for the body. The problem is I have only held two electric guitars in my life...and one was a hollow body so it's not good example for me.

Any recomended resources...perferably free ones... that would help?
My biggest worry is the neck, how hard is it to make? I feel I might be better off buying that piece.


I have a pretty good wood working shop above my garage and I have done a few acoustic instrument projects (various flutes and a lyre).


Thanks,
AW

Mandolin>guitar
  • Registered: 2007-11-27
  • Posts: 39

Re: Building an Electric

Hey Lone,

I found this site, I hope this helps. Best of luck on your quest!!!!!

Bob



http://www.ehow.com/how_2342905_make-el … n=yssp_art

  • From: Madeira Beach, Florida
  • Registered: 2007-12-05
  • Posts: 3,311

Re: Building an Electric

Here's some reference books that might be of interest to you AW. Let us know how it turns out!

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Books,_plan … ctric.html

Rule No. 1 - If it sounds good - it is good!

4 Reply by lone-woodwose (edited by lone-woodwose 2009-03-13 23:16:30)

  • From: NH
  • Registered: 2008-05-28
  • Posts: 66

Re: Building an Electric

Thanks, this should be a fun project.

I have been looking at this site.

http://projectguitar.ibforums.com/

It does not seem too bad.



I don't know the names of all the electronic gizmos or the difference between any of them, it looks like little pieces of plastic to me. Anyone feel like explaining?

Mandolin>guitar

5 Reply by uassainbolt (edited by uassainbolt 2009-03-17 08:38:21)

  • Registered: 2009-03-17
  • Posts: 2

Re: Building an Electric

The best resource for new guitar players is how-to-guitar.com. This site has a wonderful buyers guide and really covers all aspects of buying, playing, and building an electric guitar. I highly recommend that site for any “newbie’s  to the electric guitar.

For more info: http://www.totallyguitars.com

  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 2,662

Re: Building an Electric

lone-woodwose wrote:

I don't know the names of all the electronic gizmos or the difference between any of them, it looks like little pieces of plastic to me. Anyone feel like explaining?

This will be helpful in aswering your questions;Read on..


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar

Give everything but up.
  • From: NH
  • Registered: 2008-05-28
  • Posts: 66

Re: Building an Electric

Thanks. I found a few website that talked about different pickups and other electronic things. I Like to know how things work before I get into them.I do them

Mandolin>guitar
  • Registered: 2007-01-29
  • Posts: 533

Re: Building an Electric

Here's some sources for parts and info...
www.allparts.com     
www.stewmac.com   as mentioned by Topdown...
www.warmoth.com       www.seymourduncan.com        www. dimarzio.com

These websites are not only a good source of parts and supplies, but also information, sound bites, forums, etc..
Your project should be fun and rewarding! Have you thought about what type of guitar you're going to build? Have you thought about picking up a used guitar, maybe even a junker, and rebuilding? I eventually want to build one but the the costs of using quality parts and building a complete guitar will come awful close to the purchase price of a new one...  I do have a Fender Strat, Mexican model, that I've modified and rewired several times...but that's starting with a quality neck, body, and hardware...Changing out paint/cosmetics, pickups, switching options, rewiring, pickguard, etc. give a different guitar each time...

Middleaged Redneck sorta guy who refuses to grow up...passion for music, especially Southern Rock but like bout everything cept Gangsta/Hip Hop. Collect guitars, mandolins, and love to ride Harleys.
  • From: NH
  • Registered: 2008-05-28
  • Posts: 66

Re: Building an Electric

I have a lot of maple and ash available, some mahogany and a little ipe left too. I'll probably stick with just maple or ash though. It will have a solid, contoured body like these http://www.flatearthguitars.com/Flat_Ea … Line.html.

Would it be worth it to do a shorter neck, I don't remember the model or the name but Ibanez had/has a more compact hollow-body electric out. My biggest complaint with most guitars I play is that the neck is to long for me.

Any body do necks that go through the body like this mando has? http://www.manndolins.com/DSC00298.JPG
It's a hollow body I think so I'm not sure it would even serve a purpose for my solid...it looks neat though.

Mandolin>guitar
  • From: Pico Rivera, Calif. U.S.A.
  • Registered: 2006-10-26
  • Posts: 785

Re: Building an Electric

lone-woodwose wrote:

I have a lot of maple and ash available, some mahogany and a little ipe left too. I'll probably stick with just maple or ash though. It will have a solid, contoured body like these http://www.flatearthguitars.com/Flat_Ea … Line.html.

Would it be worth it to do a shorter neck, I don't remember the model or the name but Ibanez had/has a more compact hollow-body electric out. My biggest complaint with most guitars I play is that the neck is to long for me.

Any body do necks that go through the body like this mando has? http://www.manndolins.com/DSC00298.JPG
It's a hollow body I think so I'm not sure it would even serve a purpose for my solid...it looks neat though.

The site you mentioned project guitar is a great site and you can pick up a lot of good information there. As far as building from scratch buy melvin hiscocks book make yuour own electric guitar it is considered the guitar makers bible. Read it and then read it again. You also may consider a kit guitar it will give you a basic understand of the parts, wiring and what it takes as far as assembling, and seting up a guitar.  When you consider the money you'll spend on tools alone not counting the materials you'll find it is an expensive hobby.

Good luck,

Bootlegger.
Bootlegger guitars.

  • From: NH
  • Registered: 2008-05-28
  • Posts: 66

Re: Building an Electric

The book store just ordered that book for me, it should be in...eventually.

What are these special tools I will need? I would like to know so I could start looking for or making them.

Mandolin>guitar