How To Build Your First Guitar : the ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR NON WOODWORKERS
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- čas přidán 14. 06. 2024
- In 2021, ANYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE A GUITAR ! So here's a comprehensive guide to guitar making for anyone who's always dreamed of building a guitar from scratch, no matter if you already know your way around woodworking or not.
This is the first part of a two-part tutorial and it covers everything you should know before you actually start cutting the wood. The tutorial is a summary of every piece of information I could gather during my rather short guitar making journey. In any case, I hope it will help you!
I don't know when the second part will be released but it shouldn't take too long.
If you want to, you can follow me on / tchiksguitars
In the meantime, here is the list of everything mentioned in the video, with links whenever I could find them:
01 HAND TOOLS
* Japanese pull saw: Gyokucho Ryoba 9½
* Fretsaws: Knew Concept Fret Saw
--- www.fine-tools.com/knew-conce...
I also use a Bahco Fret Saw 302
---www.amazon.fr/Bahco-BAH302-30...
* Rasp: Shinto Rasp
---www.fine-tools.com/shintorasp...
* Clamps:
** Bessey Kliklamp
---www.fine-tools.com/hebelzwing...
** Juuma Body Clamps
---www.fine-tools.com/bodyclamp....
** Silverline Bar Clamps
---www.amazon.fr/Silverline-VC62...
* Chisels: Stanley Bailey Chisels
--- www.amazon.fr/Stanley-16-401-...
* Hand drill: Milwaukee M12
* Bits: Stanley wood drill bits, Irwin spade bits, Leman Forstner bits
* Spokeshave: can’t remember where I bought it, either Dieter Schmid Fine Tools or Dictum
* Handplanes:
** Stanley n°62 :
--- www.amazon.fr/Riflard-n%C2%B0...
** Juuma Rabbet/Block Plane:
--- www.fine-tools.com/juuma-falz...
* Metal file: Sandvik metal files (the one in the video is the straight one, cut n°3, with a safe edge
Marking knife:
* Veritas marking knife:
--- www.axminstertools.com/verita...
* Marking gauge:
--- www.fine-tools.com/veritas-ma...
* Digital caliper: any cheap digital caliper will work
* Soldering station:
--- www.amazon.fr/Kohree-Kit-soud...
* Glues: PVA et CA glues are Soudal (Belgian brand); CA glue accelerator from Chestnut
* Fretcutter: mine is a DIY made from a Knipex cable cutter
--- www.amazon.fr/99-11-250-d%C3%...
* Radius Sanding Block: mine is a DIY but you could try Madinter.com or Tonefactory.nl
* Fret slot cutting saw:
--- www.thomann.de/gb/maxparts_js...
* Fret crowning file:
--- www.thomann.de/gb/gewa_bundfe...
* Radius gauge:
--- www.thomann.de/gb/harley_bent...
* Fretboard guard:
--- www.thomann.de/gb/goeldo_ws04...
* Fret rocker:
--- www.thomann.de/gb/rockcare_fr...
02 POWER TOOLS:
* Bandsaw: Makita LB1200F
* Router: Dewalt D26204
* Oscillating Spindle Sander: Triton TSPS450
Router bits:
* CMT Orange tools template bit (911.160.11)
* CMT Orange tools flush trim bit (906.095.11)
* Stanley 6.35 mm straight bit
03 TONEWOODS
www.madinter.com
For those of you who don't have the milling machines (table saw, planer, jointer), I highly recommend this web store for anything guitar-making-related!
04 PLANS
www.electricherald.com/guitar...
05 HARDWARE
* Knobs: www.thomann.de/fr/fender_dome...
* Pickguard: www.thomann.de/fr/dandrea_t_p...
* Jack plate: www.thomann.de/fr/allparts_re...
* Switch tip: www.thomann.de/fr/allparts_t_...
* String Ferrules: www.thomann.de/fr/fender_sait...
* Neck plate: www.thomann.de/fr/fender_neck...
* Tuners: www.thomann.de/fr/fender_amst...
* Strap buttons: www.thomann.de/fr/gotoh_epb3_...
* Wiring parts: www.thomann.de/fr/allparts_t_...
* Capacitor: www.thomann.de/fr/tad_cap_ora...
* Control Plate: www.thomann.de/fr/fender_cont...
* Pickups: www.thomann.de/fr/seymour_dun...
* Trussrod: www.thomann.de/fr/goeldo_ws44...
* Frets: www.thomann.de/fr/fender_stan...
* Nut: www.thomann.de/fr/warwick_nut...
* Bridge: www.thomann.de/fr/gotoh_bs_tc...
06 DOWNLOADABLE CUTLIST
imgur.com/hBpsM3N
0:00 Intro
2:02 Guitar choice
2:23 Tools
11:23 Hardware & Electronics
12:26 Wood selection
15:08 Plan
17:54 Cut list
20:57 Workspace, time, budget, experience
Just completed my first build SOLELY thanks to this excellent video series. I’ve never used a saw, drill, anything before, but these videos made it possible to make my first guitar. Thank you for this invaluable resource!
Might as well pin this comment as a warning : it's perfectly doable for someone who wasn't into woodworking, as promised :)
How much did it cost
Well, I’m based in India and so I had to import and pay expensive shipping and customs duty for all the hardware and electronics. All in all, I must have spent about $250 on wood, 300 on basic electronics and hardware, another 150 on consumables like sand paper and paints etc, and about 500 on tooling as a capital expense for tools that can be used for all future projects too (chisels, saws, scrapers, power drill, eventually a router, etc).
You could probably do it a little cheaper if you keep the tooling expense lower and stick to all manual and minimal tooling.
@@siamackzahedi1000 $250 on wood!! is there no hardwood that grows in india?
Actually it was $190 to be precise, but yes not cheap. The body was European ash, and neck maple. I don’t think these are indigenous to India, I don’t know. Since it was my first build I didn’t want to get too creative and stuck with the standard Tele wood types. Also I’m sure I didn’t get the best deal, I didn’t really look around much.
“Or whenever you’re feeling like an empty shell, crushed by the burden of adulthood.” That got deep fast.
It sets the tone :) the masking tape tone, you'll get it in the next episode
How I feel even this I’m barely 20 years old
That black telecaster has to be the most beautiful guitar i've ever seen in my whole life
Now build it :)
Definitely the most beautiful.
@@tchiksguitars You gave me hope, and yes, that's my type of guitar, loved it!
It's a tele, it can't possibly be the most beautiful guitar you've ever seen
not because his one isn't good, but just because it's a Tele to begin with. lol
@@TheSpartanS196 best guitar out there
Not only are you a gifted craftsman, you’re also a great communicator and content creator. Thanks for all the work you’ve put into this.
Oh thank you :)
Amateur? Bullshit your work is fucking amazing. You are honestly an amazing luthier.
Haha thank you ! Still a humble amateur though, until the day I sell something or truly build something that I'm 100% satisfied with, I'll always be an amateur :)
I strongly agree. You works are amazing.
You should see some of my woodworking skills, you'd see what an amateur's work looks like hahahaha :)
@@davidribeiro6905 you should see me trying to peel an apple with a knife, you wouldn't believe that I actually made guitars
@@tchiksguitars :D
A true artists eye, for only a couple years you show impressive levels of skill in luthiery sir
You are such a legend, I fit EXACTLY into the demographic of your long title. Can't wait to make my first build!
in my defense, it's a very broad demographic :p
are you a millenial too haha
Haha I'm right there with you brother.
* Fun story. Out of boredom and/or laziness , one day, I decided to call a wood store that is even closer to my house than the one I usually go to. So I picked up my phone and dialed the number. I asked them if they had WenGGGGé, and the guy immediately corrected me and told me it was pronounced WenJJJJe. Never set a foot in that wood store ever since, their loss.
How do you pronounce Wengé?
* Part two is in the making. When I put the clips back to back with no editing, the whole thing is more than an hour long. I think I'll save it and upload it as an unregistered video or something later. That way, for those who want, you'll have the raw clips with no animation/explanation/fast forward nor any editing of any kind.
Watching the clips as they are right now, I realize that the raw footages are at least as informative as all my voiceovers, even if it's not the same kind of informations.
* If you have any question regarding an aspect of this introduction that I might have neglected to talk about, feel free to ask me in the comments bellow :)
* No question ? OK, now go to the wood store/hardware store, and get ready to fulfill your dream of making a guitar by yourself !
I think you should be safe to go back to that wood store. According to wikipedia, you pronounce it correctly. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millettia_laurentii. Great work by the way, really looking forward to part 2.
It’s wenGE and anyone who pronounces it differently probably doesn’t give up their seat on the train to old ladies or brake for puppies.
I heard it called when-gey and whenj. Not sure how you're supposed to pronounce it tho.
@@hazeltollz5695 ahahahaha
I pronounce it the same way I pronounce "gif", which is the right way.
I would LOVE an acoustic build guide just like this one!! The production value of your videos is absolutely incredible and you have a keen sense of how to teach. Thank you so much for making such incredible content!
Thank you !!
15:41 In the words of Michelangelo, "Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it."
that's a more poetic way of putting it :) love it!
This is a truly inspiring video. I love how you break everything down and the tool list is amazing. The build is great but the storytelling here is really something.
Thank you :) now build it and spread the word !!
WOW! Finally a man with extraordinary skills telling ordinary people how to make a guitar. Great video!!
What amazes me the most in your videos are the editing and smoothness of the whole process. It is just so relaxing to listen to 🍵
glad you see it that way !
Totally agree!!!
Very true! Listening to the process of the wood being cut, carved, sanded, puts me in the room. And once the strings are on - make the first strum sound rewarding.
Oh man! It's like watching somebody to create art or watching a baby being born. Didn't notice how fast the minutes were passing by while the video was running! It's awesome! Congratulations!
Thankz !
I just started watching your videos and am truly amazed at your skills - not just your hand skills but your ability to problem solve is truly amazing! I only wish I was this gifted but always find myself perplexed. Thank you for sharing and helping others learn.
As a Belgian, I'd totally love to watch you build more stuff! C'est incroyable!
I am just beginning the construction of my first guitar. Your video is BY FAR the best beginner guitar making tutorial I have found. Love your explanations, voiceovers and careful editing. Can't wait for part two!!!
Thank you very much, part two will be available by the end of the week :)
Thank-you SO MUCH for doing this video! So looking forward to the rest of the series now :-D I've wanted to make my own guitar for years and never had the confidence to try, but this step by step guide, setting out just what tools and woods etc. is honestly all the encouragement I needed. Also, huge respect for making one with one hand in a cast! Amazing! Truly inspirational stuff :-)
You fit the exact audience that I'm trying to reach :) hope the second part won't let you down ! Spread the word around you : anyone can do it :)
I've always wanted to build my own guitar, and I'm finally getting to a point in my life when I can take the time to do it, so I've been watching videos, looking for direction. None have come close to inspiring me, and giving me confidence, more than yours. Your instruments are beautiful, and you make me feel like I could build guitars just as nice. Thanks for the inspiration!
This has to be the best and most instructive video on CZcams. Very straight to the point
This video came out the day I bought the woods to build my first tele guitar, I bought freijó, some call it the Brazilian ash, for the body, and ivory wood for the neck, now I'm going to a hardware store to buy some tools.
Now you know what to buy exactly :p i don't think I forgot anything
Thanks ! It's been some years that i want to build a guitar, i watched a lot of videos and did some mods on my guitars. But now that you show me what i can accomplish with very few tools and a lot of work, it makes me want to do it ! Thanks again
Mission accomplished for me then
I'm so glad you're putting this tutorial together.
This is literally my dream come through. I'm little older than you and I love this 'i can learn anything' attitude. I didn't believe in me enough (woodworking) to even complete list of tools needed. Here we are, guy with soothing voice explains everything. There is no going back.
Ohh and I'm using your video about ES 335 as motivating video - even for topics not related to woodwork...
I‘ve already built my dream guitar at a course lead by a luthier. However the pandemic gave me the time to build a tiny 6sqm woodshop. Your video regarding your tools and approach is just pure gold to me!!!
I've gotta say, this is possibly the single best youtube video i've ever seen.
It's so wholesome and encouraging and so well put together.
Making my own electric guitar isn't something I've ever really considered, but after watching this video you've made it seem so attainable that now I feel like I'm ready to make one right now haha.
The thought of potential customisation is genuinely exciting.
Thank you for this absolute gem!
Big love from Aus 🇦🇺
You are my main target 🎯
Hey mate! I’m from Aus too and in a similar boat. I’m in Melbourne and looking for a good place to source wood. Did you ever give the build a go and where’d you end up getting your wood from?
Cheers :)
This guy is not only explaining this in a very understandeble way, he is also very funny. :)
This EXACTLY the content I've been looking for... in forever. Beautiful crafstmanship, great advice, nice humor and beautiful editing. It's just perfect! I'll watch it again when I'll start making my own guitars. Merci beaucoup 😇
Thank you ! Don't over think it, let that to me :p just go and build stuff haha
Amazing concept ! So glad to see this :D
I was willing to start one day, and these video will be the tips I was waiting for !
glad you liked it !
This video is just amazing, it's everything you need to know in one place. Keep making videos, they are so good.
that's the purpose yes haha
I’m so excited for this series!
This is absolutely brilliant! Can't wait for part 2 to come out!
* Part 2 is here, don't look further *
czcams.com/video/JfjFFf22QyE/video.html
Any ideas on how Mesquite from the American Southwest would work?
super vidéo mec !
🦢🐓🦃🐧🦆🦅🕊🐦🦉🦩🦚🦜
I've been waiting a video like this my whole life, thank you so much! Greetings from Argentina
Haha thank you for watching !
Thank you so much for teaching us your process! Great video editing as well.
I can't wait for the next video! This is the best source of info I've found so far.
Such a Beautifully shot video.
: )
i though only me pronounce it as "WENGGE!!"
lolol
WENGEEEEEEE ahaha
I thought it was "when gay". Our company uses it a lot for manufacturing and thats what we call it.
Excellent, as usual! You are to be commended for taking on this effort!
This is such an awesome resource for people trying to learn how to build guitars! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!
Thanks so much for this, this is gold! Your builds are very inspirational. So far the hardest part for me has been finding wood that I'd like to work with, it's been kind of a surprise for me. How much is the wood you usually buy from those stoes as opposed from online? I hear it's much cheaper and worth finding a store near me.
Online prices are almost consistently on the upper mark. As with most things, finding a proper professional dealer in your region for specific stuff will bring you better prices, better choices and overall better service. Basically anywhere in the world people still do work with wood, so it should be possible to find some company selling a greater variety than your local home depot. One of the more foolproof ways (as almost mentioned in the video) would be to act like you want to find a contractor to build you a bespoke custom staircase, phone them up and ask where they buy their wood from.
@@fiedel oo good idea, I might try it ;) Sounds like its definitely worth it to invest some time in looking around locally. Thank you! :D
@@brandonrussell4091 Oh and by "act like" I didn't mean you to pretend being a customer and then pull a "nah, I'll do it myself just tell me!" on them, I meant just putting yourself in the mindset to find a contractor btw.
Well it is hard to tell because I usually (and this is gonna seem silly) buy my woods not knowing what I'm going to do with it.
My usual routine is to go to the wood store once every 3-6 months and just buy random boards of " stuff I've never worked with ". Then during the following months, I find things to do with it, depending on my mood.
My situation is also very peculiar. The wood store is right next to my workplace, and I usually go to work by bike. On rainy days or when I'm lazy (or when I just recovered from having my arm in a cast for 2 months), I take my car, and it is VERY TEMPTING, to stop by the wood store and compulsively buy wood.
I don't know the exact price, and it depends a lot on the species, but I've never spend more than 200 euros for a board that barely fits inside my car, with such a board I can make a lot of instruments/pieces of furniture/toys for my kids.
That being said, I mill my own wood at home, so that reduces the cost drastically, but it's only worth buying the machines if you make a lot of stuff out of wood.
To compare: a readily milled body blank from an online store will cost you about 100 euros on average. And you can make 1 guitar of out it. In their defense, it is actual tone wood you're buying, it's been selected and kiln-dried for that exact purpose, most of the time the wood figuring is also selected with care (as opposed to me: most of the time I'm just lucky that the wood looks good).
@@tchiksguitars Update, I finally got the wood. Am keen to start soon! :)
So i already started another project, forging. But i guess now i can instead of making some knive, forge some chisels for my next project :D
You do that ! That would be epic
Dude, you just gave me hope, thank you for this
I'm not in a situation to build my own guitar right now but I know I will one day. I'm really looking forward to the part two. This is simply amazing.
This is a great video! My only question is what is a range of cost to build a guitar, as I am on a very strict budget?
it all depends on the hardware and electronics really.
If you buy ALL the tools from the list (not counting the power tools), you end up with 700 euros more or less, but that's if you buy only the most expensive option for every single tool (which frankly is not needed).
If you buy good quality hardware and electronics, it's also 500 euros on average, but again, that's not needed for a first build.
So if you're on a budget, you'll have to make financial choices, and mine would be to spend the money on the tools, and not the hardware/electronics :)
A tool is timeless, and you can use them to do a lot of things. Hardware is just hardware, and it's on ONE guitar for the rest of its life.
Ok thank you! Keep up the great videos!
lol how to overcome my fear of birds
Haha. Someone finally noticed
Awesome video! Guitar project 2021 is on!
Hey! Love your sense of humour, cracked me up multiple times in this video. Really excited for the next vid, I'm gonna get tools and materials together and then hopefully the next part is up!
haha, I'm trying :p I had to ask my wife's approval because some jokes were very dark
Just found your channel as I want to start building my first guitar as well. I really like your videos! They are a great resource to learn from!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey and explaining it so well. I feel confident I will be able to step off on my own building experience and will be watching your channel closely.
Dude, not only your builds and the content of this video are amazing, but also your videography and the general structure and look of this video are amazing!
Thanks! Still learning :)
Thank you. Looking forward to all the videos in this series
Man, this is public serious public service. Thanks for this!
Wow j'ai vraiment adoré tes vidéos ! Franchement hyper intéressant et relaxant en même temps. Merci beaucoup !
Super happy I found your channel. Not only is your work good. But you're a great teacher!
thanks ! it gives me courage for the second part :p
I watch a ton of guitar builder videos and channels, and this video is the best one (series) I've seen in a long time. Video is amazing but I also can't say enough good things about the comprehensive list of tools and resources that you provided. As someone who has been doing this for a few years, I have already gathered and collected a fair number of these tools, but, as many of have learned, there is always another tool, and/or a better one to do a specific task!
Sincere thanks for this series, and for sharing all your knowledge. It is amazing to have the video and list of tools all in one place!
I would love the same sort of series and list for acoustic guitar building.
#grateful
Thank you for your work, tips and tricks, the awesome links. I am already planning my first dark telecater build :) great inspiration man!!!
Excellent video! Thank you so much for taking the time to make these!!!
Just a thorough and excellent video on preparing to build a guitar. Well organized, practical and easy to understand. Well done!
Thank you ! Good luck with your build :)
This video is gold! Thank you kind man 😊
love your work man
Thank you man. This is the video I was looking for. Im now in the process to start the creazy idea to make my own guitar. Thank you very much 🙏
Not only for non-woodworkers. I have been woodworking and building guitars for half my life and have enjoyed every second. Thank you for the beautiful video!
That's so kind ! Made.my day :)
Amazing guide cleared up a ton of questions I had about building my own guitar and it gave me the confidence to make it absolute that I was going to make my own thanks you so much
These are the first video/tutorials I have seen (and I've seen an awful lot) that actually made me hope that I can build a bass neck from scratch. The method "one finished box at the top and one at the end, and take out everything in between " definitely makes sense to me! And without having a sawmill in the backyard!
Your video is pure gold. So much good advice. I would love to start making guitar. And you give all the advice required...
Thank you so much !
This is probably my favorite video ever. I've been contemplating finally starting guitar building for a while, and came across this. You've given me so much motivation and belief that it can actually work out.
Also i love your subtle bashing of the imperial measurements. That had me laughing hard.
The imperial system annoys the hell out of me because hardware is always expressed in bananas ! Yesterday I was looking for fret wire and had to open a conversion window just to convert every single measurement ! Umf
my man! this is pure gold!
Your videos are so relaxing to watch. It's really amazing to see someone building a guitar from scratch like that. I don't understand why anyone would dislike this video. You are really inspiring me to want to build a guitar of my own.
I hope I'll convince you to jump with the next video :) that is my ultimate goal
@@tchiksguitars Of course! Can't wait for the video.
This was fantastically done. Well put together and informative. Thank you so much. I can't wait to watch step 2!
It's already there :)
I’ve been wanting to try building a guitar for a long time, and watching you build your guitar with one hand was my trigger to actually do it! I finished it last weekend and it turned out awesome!
whaaaat, that was quick :p congrats on your baby !
Love all your videos I've watched so far. You're a talented guy! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching !
This is effin' incredible!! Peace from Ireland brother!!
That is a great video. You are not only a talented guitar-maker but a talented story-teller, teacher and videographer. I can't wait for part two!.
Thanks !! I'm trying :)
Nice instructive video ! Thanks a lot
This is hugely inspiring! Thx
Very thorough tutorial! Looking forward to building my first guitar.
Excellent video. Thank you.
I'm 3 minutes in and I'm very excited about this!!
Wow wow wow. Thank you so much for taking the time to create and share this series! I've always wanted to try creating my own guitar but never got past the "drawing cool designs" phase. This might be the year I finally do it!
Thank you so much. This video really helpful. It give me a lot of motivation for start. I can't believe that you do all with one hand. Respected!
just watched the first video, have to say great video, exactly what i have been looking for.
Awesome video!!! Inspiring.
This is now my favourite video on youtube! :)
thank you for this series!! much love from germany
what a beautiful work, man!
I've been waiting so long for a guide like this. That's really cool. Don't want to put pressure on you but I am excited to see part 2 soon :D
It's in the making !
Thank you! Fabulous video and clearer and more concise than the gazillion other ‘pro’ tutorials I’ve watched. Really helpful, I look forward to part 2 . I’ve been planning my own build for well over 5 years, gleaning as much knowledge as I can from other builders - if I’m going to build a guitar, I’m going to build a GOOD guitar! But this, and your One Handed Build, have convinced me it’s time to stop thinking, start doing but above all, to start simple...
thank you so much !! This is EXACTLY what I hoped for, when I started my channel last year. thank you again! I hope i'll help with the second part as well :) would be silly if you had all the equipment but didn't know what to do with it :p
With all the tutorial videos around on YT, especially in english, you managed to make one that gives tons of info I never saw elsewhere.
Super clear, super interesting ! Thank you so much, now I can't wait to start :-) those gorgeous builds of yours are truly an inspiration !
thank you!
I feel like (maybe) other people have another approach because they have another agenda. I really don't plan on making this channel a tutorial channel, so might as well give everything I can in one shot :)
Incredible videos. You're a very talented woodworker. Thank you for all the knowledge.
so gooood
thank you so much!
Very helpful!
Very informational and well explained video! Thanks you :)
Thanks ! Dont miss part two :)
This was a wonderful guide. Thank you truely. Happy new year!
Happy new year to you, and stay safe !
Holy Crap!!!! So thorough and beautifully shot and edited! The animations are awesome too!
I'm new to animations but I tried to make them as I formative as I could :) thanks !
That’s a hell of an awesome video! 👌✨
Hope it helped !
What an awesome video, thanks
What an incredibly well presented video! I’m looking forward to seeing more!
sooooooon. Thanks :)
so much sympathy! I've had my left wrist in a splint for 6 months now and woodworking life has been very interesting!
Fantastische tutorial. Thanks to your vid, now I have the confidence to tackle a neck and fretting myself as well! Can't wait for part 2. And that 335 looks AMAZING. Had no idea it could be done in a shed without a steam press.
Great video - I live in Brussels and love your local commentary and recommendations....