cartersymes Posted September 8, 2003 Report Share Posted September 8, 2003 Im going to make a guitar from scratch, what the heck i do? i dont want to buy any useless tools that im gonna use once. but i can get some limited cutting tools. Shall i buy a book or what? should i start by making the body shape? what cheap wood shall i use? by the way everything on this project is going to be cheap. ( any deals plz tell me ) help Nathan P.S I will buy a ready built neck so i dont need to make one P.P.S im from the uk thank you anyone that helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canuckguitarist Posted September 8, 2003 Report Share Posted September 8, 2003 The book "How to make your own electric guitar" By Melvyn Hiscock is a good start. Hm....cheap wood....poplar or basswood are the first things that come to mind, Alder is pretty cheap, although around my parts at least its pretty hard to come by. Hope this helps... Aaron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jehle Posted September 8, 2003 Report Share Posted September 8, 2003 Yep. Get Melvyn Hiscocks book. I think we all start there. It's the best all around way to get started. He makes great suggestions about tools. As for cheap wood, I would guess basswood, poplar, and alder. I got my 2 piece body blank from LMI (www.lmii.com) for about 50 bucks. But, I'm only guessing. If you really just want to mess around without cutting up a nice bit of wood, start with plywood ($6 a sheet)! Oh, and welcome aboard. I've moved from newbie to novice pretty quick from all the help here. This place rocks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Rosenberger Posted September 9, 2003 Report Share Posted September 9, 2003 definately buy the book first, the read it, when you're done read it again Basswood is really easy to work with readily available tools, alder tends to have small pin knots hidden in it that surface in the worst places. poplar is pretty easy to work as well but I'm not crazy about the tone poplar produces. IF you're using basic hand tools and small power tools, I'd suggest staying away from really hard body woods like Northern Ash and exotics like Cocobolo, ironwood etc. The best advice I can offer is, if you get stuck, 1. STOP!!!!!!!! (it takes longer to do something twice that to slow down and do it right the first time) 2. Consult the book (you did read it twice didnt you) 3. Come here and ask for help. That's why we're here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guitarfrenzy Posted September 9, 2003 Report Share Posted September 9, 2003 Great suggestions guys.. and just know that that although that book is great in some aspects.. he doesn't show you everything he does.. he kinda skips parts.. hope the next version he'll clear up alot of the left out parts.. but just like Scott said.. if you get in a bind.. come here and ask for help.. I"m sure someone has already run into the same exact problem and would be more than willing to help you out. There are alot of great people who know alot on this forum.. just don't take what I say as truth though.. since I'm still learning myself.. lol.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted September 9, 2003 Report Share Posted September 9, 2003 That's it I'm gonna write my own Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveq Posted September 9, 2003 Report Share Posted September 9, 2003 I have Melvin's book and a book by Martin Koch. Having both of them has helped me out of a few jams since they cover things a little differently. There are also some videos available but I don't know if they are worth the money. The Martin Koch book is available through amazon and stewmac. I don't know if those places are any good for someone in the U.K.? The people here at ProjectGuitar have given the most valuable advice of any of the resources I have. There are other guitar build sites but this one is far superior in my opinion. One thing that always kills me when building - don't rush! Pretty much avery time I try to hurry through something, I screw it up and have to start over. Good luck with your project, I'm sure you will love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westhemann Posted September 9, 2003 Report Share Posted September 9, 2003 yeah i have to fight impatience every day.if you take your time it will pay off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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