Thread: Advice required

Hi Steve,

I'm mostly self taught in instrument building, but a book that I've come across that I found to be quite useful for beginner to intermediate skill level is "Make Your Own Electric Guitar" by Melvyn Hiscock. Has step by step explanations of the design and building process, plus pictures, and also wiring and setup tips. I was lucky enough to borrow one that one of my school teachers had, but it has a bit of a hefty price tag on it ($70 is what I saw it for).

As for hardware I like to find the best I can for a reasonable price, so most of my findings come from the internet, especially for parts that are bit harder to find. The really common stuff is generally pretty easily purchased from your local music store, but be prepared for a bit of range limitation

Thanks IWTS,

I'll find the book your talking about.

Hi Steve,

hang around the forum and you will get plenty of ideas on how people do it. There are a couple of "standard" texts for acoustic guitars. Cumpiano's book is excellent although outdated in places. His website is updated regularly, TEXTBOOK

Originally Posted by Steven78

Hey guys,

I've been knocking around the workshop for a few years now and I've now decided I'd like to have a go at making an electric and an acoustic guitar, the only problem is I have no idea where to start. Could I please have some suggestions on books I should take a look at and where the best place to buy hardware (tuners ect) is.

Many thanks

Steve

WOW your keen Steve,,, great stuff
I'd say do the electric first, then try a hollow body electric, then the acoustic.
That way you get the feel of a general build on a solid body electric, then some hollow body methods apply to an acoustic, so its a little more progressive,,, if you get what I mean.
Plus you pick up or make the proper tools required as you progress.
Glad to see your at it and please post a thread to show off your good work. Even the bad stuff (mistakes) are worth posting cause its showing all of us something we need to also avoid doing. Theres no shame in a screw up,,, thats what humans do best

Aussie,

Thanks for the advice on the progression of the builds, also good point about photo's of screw ups. I look forward to posting some pics i the next few months. Cheers

Steve