Help? Carve Or No Carve?

[s2p2e]

Okay... I really can't decide here.. I want to do a carve and I built the Sawdust Generator jig to help me do so; I'm just afraid I'm going to screw it up. And I know screwups happen to everyone, and certainly on their first guitar, it's just that the carve is something unnecessary that would look cool if done right, but can ruin the whole guitar if done wrong. This is about what I'd be aiming for:

And this is my guitar so far:

With neck, et c.:

Any advice? Yay or nay?

Thanks a lot!

Spencer.

[Untitled_Project]

I was thinking that you should definitely go for the carve, but then the pics loaded. Maybe just giving it a 1/4 radius and some tung oil would be good, or even a binding. The guitar looks great but I would only carve it if their was a nice figured cap. There is plenty more that will do this guitar justice.

[WAK Guitars]

Being your first build, a carve might not be a bad thing to give a try. However, somehow I can't really picture that kind of carve that you pictured on your guitar. It's mostly the little extra part you have on the lower cutaway that I can't really picture. I agree with Untitled Project, I think it'd look pretty good with just a roundover and some oil. just my two cents

[s2p2e]

Yeah, I was kinda thinking that a carve would look a little odd when the wood was just plain mahogany. That might work; I already did a roundover on the back and was thinking of that as an option for the front, as well. Wouldn't the roundover be kinda odd on the horns, though? Mmhm, a tru-oil finish is planned.

Thanks for the responses!

Spencer.

Edited August 9, 2010 by s2p2e

[guitarnut]

An LP type carve could be interesting and wouldn't involve the horns though I'm not sure how it would work without a neck angle...the bridge you're showing wouldn't require one. A switch to a stop bar/TOM or wrap-around would look great but would require a neck angle unless you recess it into the top.

My 2 cents.

[s2p2e]

That would be interesting on it. But I agree about the neck angle; it'd be hard to work the carve out into the wood towards the horns without one. And I really don't have the funds to buy a new bridge right now, since my router broke and I'm still paying off the new one. Otherwise, I would definitely consider it.

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.

[WezV]

some shaping is needed, but that doesnt always mean a full carve. why not go for some soft bevels or something like that

[avengers63]

A fat roundover would look pretty good. It's more subtle than a full blown carve, but still adds a lot to the body. It's extremely comfortable to play, too.

[s2p2e]

I still can't decide on this.. I've been thinking about it a lot, at least, as much as possible, given that school's back in.. I just can't decide on what to do with it. And I'm still afraid of screwing it up.

[Bionic Dave]

Carve that bitch up. A nice Lp style or even half the height of an lp carve.

First guitar or not, you want it to not just play good bug look good too.

[pauliemc]

I still can't decide on this.. I've been thinking about it a lot, at least, as much as possible, given that school's back in.. I just can't decide on what to do with it. And I'm still afraid of screwing it up.

Make up 2 practice bodies in scrap pine. Carve em both to get the feel for it. To be honest, a Les paul carve is a walk in the park. so stop panicing & give it a go. You should be fine.