Are there any Luthiers in the group?

[Bearded_woodpecker_design]

I was thinking of attempting to build a solid body guitar and thought it might be a fun project. can anyone recommend a good place to buy templets that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? I don't have a CNC or know anyone with one. Also can you recommend a place to buy a neck with fret board with frets?

 

[Mike Hill]

There are a number of luthiers. I'll sit back and let the ones that know what they are talking about answer this. I'm just collecting wood for some acoustic builds and reading books. Neither thing you ask about is particularly hard to find - but there are guys and gals that know much more better than I do.

 

[DLJeffs]

I've built 2 and a part acoustic guitars but I'm not a luthier. I have little to no experience with electric guitars, other than what I picked up being in my coach's shop where they built electrics. From what i could tell, the most important part of electric guitars is the electric parts and the final set up to make it playable for you and the style you want to play. Much of the other stuff is asthetics, making it look good, etc. Arn or Carla (if she's still logging in) are probably the best source. I do know that Grizzly, StewMac and LMI all sell electric kits and components but I can't comment whether they're worth the cost or not. One thing I have learned building my acoustics is that attention to very detail is what separates a decent guitar from a top notch guitar. Very small details such as the height of the string above the pick-up, or the height of a string above the fret can make all the difference.

 

[ripjack13]

@Arn213

 

[ripjack13]

@Blueglass

 

[FLQuacker]

I was thinking of attempting to build a solid body guitar and thought it might be a fun project. can anyone recommend a good place to buy templets that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? I don't have a CNC or know anyone with one. Also can you recommend a place to buy a neck with fret board with frets?

What flavor solid body you interested in building?

 

[Bearded_woodpecker_design]

What flavor solid body you interested in building?

I'm not sure lol I don't play but my son is trying to learn and my wife plays a little. Just thought it would be something fun to try to build. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[Mike Hill]

Now, your are opening a can of worms! But practically, sometimes the decision is how much you want to spend. Curly Koa, braz. rosewood, and pernambuco are rather pricey, but there's bunches of choices. Curly or quilted maple are quite nice for generally a lot less. Just Google up guitar tonewoods to see what are the characteristics of each. Mahogany or claro walnut would be nice, if that is the sound you want to end up with. There are lots and lots of opinions. And I've only touched the top of the iceberg! Then you have to decide on what to make the neck and fretboard out of. Then there is the pickups and other electronics

 

[DLJeffs]

You can also paint the body in which case you don't need to buy fancy wood, just use a decent tone wood, I think they usually use mahogany, maple, ash, basswood... Weight is often a very important consideration when choosing wood for a solid body. You can also laminate a fancy top of thin fancy wood onto a more workaday solid wood body. Necks are usually maple or mahogany. Finger boards are usually ebony or rosewood or some hardwood. You can cover the headstock with the same wood you cover the body with for a nice look.

 

[FLQuacker]

I'm not sure lol I don't play but my son is trying to learn and my wife plays a little. Just thought it would be something fun to try to build. Do you have any suggestions?

I'm a Telecaster style guy..all I've hacked together, the drawings came from here.

https://www.electricherald.com/fender-telecaster-templates/

Prebuilt necks can be had from Stewmac supply. "Mighty mites". Warmoth necks can get fancy. Body woods take your pick. My next one will be a Pinecaster.

 

[2feathers Creative Making]

A quick search of "electric guitar" should land you a list of who has been building and modifying guitars.

 

[SubVet10]

There's also kits widely available for about 2 bills. Not fancy materials to start, but you'll learn a lot about shaping and finishing without breaking the bank.
I have upgraded the pickups and pick guard, modified the wiring, and repainted mine twice.