Design For Next Build

[the telecaster kid]

I'm starting to get to the end of my first project, and I'm already getting antsy about making another one. This time I'm thinking of an 8 string, as their starting to become poplular, and i like the idea of it. I've got this wierd cutaway violin shape that I drew out full size.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/spie...X/guitar001.jpg

I'm thinking of having a rosewood through the body neck, and a chambered mahogany body with f holes, an arched sitka spruce top, and flame a maple arched back and sides. That and an ebony fretboard with 24 frets, 25 inc scale, and two humbuckers. I know this sounds really ambitious but what the heck, I might as well shoot for a nice guitar.

Has anyone done this yet? Any input is great.

Edited April 27, 2007 by the telecaster kid

[Ben]

I say modify the cutaway a little, it looks a bit off somehow...

Also it would look better if the neck followed the centerline. But its a good start.

And yeah, I have seen similar designs before. George Harrison's (i think it was his) violin bass for example.

(Edit: on 2nd thought it was probably pauls)

Edited April 27, 2007 by Ben

[Jon]

Draw it to scale first. Get the scale, string spacing, pickup location, neck location etc. figured out before you go any further. Building an 8-string guitar will not be cheap.

[the telecaster kid]

Draw it to scale first. Get the scale, string spacing, pickup location, neck location etc. figured out before you go any further. Building an 8-string guitar will not be cheap.

Yah, I did a little research and found out that 8 string pickups and bridges are almost impossible to come by, so I think I'll go 7, with the extra high string. I don't really want the low string anyway.

[erikbojerik]

FWIW if you dig the semi-acoustic piezo sound, Ghost now offers a 7-string preamp.

[Geo]

Personally, I would make the waist narrower, and have each bout curve farther in towards the center of the body (if that makes sense...)

I think it's no secret (or coincidence ) that good-looking solidbodies resemble a female outline. (Think Tele, Strat). So, for me, this body doesn't have that... but it's a matter of taste, so if you like it, go with it. Note that real violins, violas, etc. DO have this "feminine" figure.

I suggest that you draw the centerline and scale length first... then see how your shape relates to it.

[PTU 7's.]

I thought last year on a violing shape 8 string guitar, but then i decided for an RG shape.

Good luck with the project dude!