Many woodworkers and guitar players dream of building their own guitar. Building an instrument is extremely rewarding and fun, but it's also extremely detailed and can turn frustrating in a hurry. If you're thinking about building your own guitar, one of the first things you'll have to do is choose a guitar plan to build from. Many builders make the mistake of starting with a poor quality set of blueprints and then end up partially through their project without enough documentation to build a quality guitar. This article will tell you exactly what to look for as you choose a set of plans to build your guitar.
Type of Guitar: Before you can even begin to look at plans, you'll have to decide what type of guitar you'd like to build. Start by deciding whether your guitar is going to be acoustic or electric. Once you've gotten that far, you'll need to decide exactly what guitar you'd like to build. Do you want a 6-string guitar? Maybe you'd like to build a 12-string instrument. Do you want a large-bodied instrument or something smaller? If you don't have a clear idea of the guitar you'd like to build, take time to research and learn about different guitars that interest you. Your finished project will hopefully be an instrument that you'll cherish and play for a lifetime so you want to be sure to build something you'll enjoy.
Professionally Drawn Plans: Constructing a guitar is fussy work so you'll want a set of plans that has been professionally drawn. Blueprints that have been created in a CAD system are going to be your best option as they are most likely to have the correct dimensions and include the detail you'll need to get through your build.
The Size of the Plans: Full-size plans are more expensive than a smaller set of plans, mostly because they cost more to print, but when it comes to building a guitar the extra money you spend is well worth it! As you dive into the building process you will want to be able to see as much detail as possible and the best way to do this is with large scale plans. Look for plans that are printed, or can be printed, on 36" x 48" paper. In many cases, you will have the option to purchase plans that have already been printed or plans that you receive in electronic version and can print yourself. Bottom line - spend the extra money, you'll be glad you did!
How Much Detail Is Included: Before spending your money on a set of guitar plans, check to see how much detail they include. When it comes to building, the more detail the better! Look for plans that include all dimensions (ideally in both inches and millimeters) as well as lots of construction notes and tips. While you may not use all the included notes, you'll be glad to have them as you build.
In closing, choosing your guitar plans is the first and one of the most important decisions you'll make as you build your own instrument. Just like plans are important when building a house, they are important when building a guitar! Take the time to find a great set of plans and you'll enjoy the building process, reduce stress, and end up with a guitar that will be passed down from generation to generation.
Type of Guitar: Before you can even begin to look at plans, you'll have to decide what type of guitar you'd like to build. Start by deciding whether your guitar is going to be acoustic or electric. Once you've gotten that far, you'll need to decide exactly what guitar you'd like to build. Do you want a 6-string guitar? Maybe you'd like to build a 12-string instrument. Do you want a large-bodied instrument or something smaller? If you don't have a clear idea of the guitar you'd like to build, take time to research and learn about different guitars that interest you. Your finished project will hopefully be an instrument that you'll cherish and play for a lifetime so you want to be sure to build something you'll enjoy.
Professionally Drawn Plans: Constructing a guitar is fussy work so you'll want a set of plans that has been professionally drawn. Blueprints that have been created in a CAD system are going to be your best option as they are most likely to have the correct dimensions and include the detail you'll need to get through your build.
The Size of the Plans: Full-size plans are more expensive than a smaller set of plans, mostly because they cost more to print, but when it comes to building a guitar the extra money you spend is well worth it! As you dive into the building process you will want to be able to see as much detail as possible and the best way to do this is with large scale plans. Look for plans that are printed, or can be printed, on 36" x 48" paper. In many cases, you will have the option to purchase plans that have already been printed or plans that you receive in electronic version and can print yourself. Bottom line - spend the extra money, you'll be glad you did!
How Much Detail Is Included: Before spending your money on a set of guitar plans, check to see how much detail they include. When it comes to building, the more detail the better! Look for plans that include all dimensions (ideally in both inches and millimeters) as well as lots of construction notes and tips. While you may not use all the included notes, you'll be glad to have them as you build.
In closing, choosing your guitar plans is the first and one of the most important decisions you'll make as you build your own instrument. Just like plans are important when building a house, they are important when building a guitar! Take the time to find a great set of plans and you'll enjoy the building process, reduce stress, and end up with a guitar that will be passed down from generation to generation.
About the Author:
Looking to find the best deal on guitar plans? Then visit Georgia Luthier Supply to find the best advice on the right guitar building plans for you.
