Newbie

[Edward Rodriguez]

Hey everyone,

Really glad I found this forum. I've recently gotten a hair up my rear to build guitars. In research mode at this point. A few years back I put together a partscaster... er, a partsmaster (Jazzmaster with P90s). I realize it's not the same thing as building from scratch, but it got me thinking about guitar options I'm not seeing anywhere, which is really what is fueling this desire. Look forward to learning from y'all.

[Rodger Knox]

Greetings and salutations!
Welcome to the forum.

[Gordon Bellerose]

Great to "see" you here!
Not long ago, I was the newbie, and was welcomed warmly.

I have learned an awful lot since joining too.
Look around. There is plenty of info in all of the threads.

What kind of electric guitar do you want to build? Let us help.

[Edward Rodriguez]

Great to "see" you here!
Not long ago, I was the newbie, and was welcomed warmly.

I have learned an awful lot since joining too.
Look around. There is plenty of info in all of the threads.

What kind of electric guitar do you want to build? Let us help.

Thanks! I've got a couple in mind, but the main inspiration is a blending of a Les Paul and a Tele. I guess the first question is: how do you create templates for original guitar shapes? Design software? I can't draw if my life depended on it.

[arturomieussens]

Yes, design software is a good option. You can use vector drawing software (illustrator, inkscape, etc) 2d CAD or 3d CAD, depending on your skills with the programs.

The first advice I would give you if you want to design your own guitar shapes, is to start always with the strings, nut and bridge, and design your shapes around them. It's also a good idea to do the same on the side view, so you have a very clear view of what needs to go where and avoid big mistakes.

Good luck, keep learning.

[Dan Smith]

Greetings Edward!
I like The feel of a LP, and the sound of a Tele, so combining the best of both sound's like a super idea!
I sketch out a full size body outline, mess with it a while, and then make a cutout from cardboard to see how it sits on the leg.
I've used circle templates and french curves to sketch outlines to create a template. This works great without having to use a cad system. You can also make a generic neck template to see where the bridge will be on the body template.
Dan

Here's a template and guitar I am working on.

[Edward Rodriguez]

You guys rule. Thanks for the info. Diving into You Tube tutorials and just got the Martin Koch book. Right now I don't even know what I don't know.

[Gordon Bellerose]

I found another book that I thought was great, and have recommended it several times.

"Electric Guitar Construction" by Tom Hirst.

This book is aimed at beginner builders, and takes you from drawing body shapes, to making templates for both the body and neck.
It is quite complete as it takes you through all the steps, right into finishing.
Lots of pictures also.

[Edward Rodriguez]

I found another book that I thought was great, and have recommended it several times.

"Electric Guitar Construction" by Tom Hirst.

This book is aimed at beginner builders, and takes you from drawing body shapes, to making templates for both the body and neck.
It is quite complete as it takes you through all the steps, right into finishing.
Lots of pictures also.

I saw that listed on Amazon, but was concerned about the price. I'll check it out.