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.
The Type of Guitar You Are Building: The first decision you'll have to make is what type of guitar you'd like to make. Are you planning to build an acoustic or electric guitar? Is your guitar going to have 6 or 12 strings? What size instrument do you want to have? If you don't already have a good idea of the exact guitar you want to build, take some time to look at different instruments. Learn about their sound quality, size, etc. Once you start your build you are embarking on a long process so you want to make sure you're choosing guitar plans for an instrument you'll love!
Pay Attention to Drawings: You will learn very quickly that when it comes to guitars, having exact dimensions is very important! Choose a set of guitar plans that have been drawn in a professional CAD system and you will increase the likelihood that your plans have all the dimensions you need and that they are drawn to scale. When it comes to something as particular as building an instruments, hand drawn plans or plans that don't include every dimensions just won't do.
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.
The Type of Guitar You Are Building: The first decision you'll have to make is what type of guitar you'd like to make. Are you planning to build an acoustic or electric guitar? Is your guitar going to have 6 or 12 strings? What size instrument do you want to have? If you don't already have a good idea of the exact guitar you want to build, take some time to look at different instruments. Learn about their sound quality, size, etc. Once you start your build you are embarking on a long process so you want to make sure you're choosing guitar plans for an instrument you'll love!
Pay Attention to Drawings: You will learn very quickly that when it comes to guitars, having exact dimensions is very important! Choose a set of guitar plans that have been drawn in a professional CAD system and you will increase the likelihood that your plans have all the dimensions you need and that they are drawn to scale. When it comes to something as particular as building an instruments, hand drawn plans or plans that don't include every dimensions just won't do.
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.
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Are you looking for a great set of guitar plans? Be sure to visit Georgia Luthier Supply for a great selection of guitar plans and a wide selection of other guitar building tools.
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