Sunday, August 18, 2013

Guitar Building Tips: Buying Guitar Plans

By Kathy Lambert


If you've ever thought about building a guitar, this article is for you! One of the most important, and overlooked, decisions of the guitar building process is the purchase of a set of guitar plans. Not only is it one of the first decisions you'll have to make, it's also one of the most important. Building your own instrument can be extremely rewarding, and result in an instrument that will be handed down for generations. However, without the proper materials and preparation, it can easily turn into a disaster. Trying to build a guitar with a poor quality set of blueprints will have you frustrated in no time at all! Read on to learn how to choose the best possible set of plans.

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.

Are The Plans Professional: Dimensions are king when it comes to your guitar plans. You want a set of blueprints that includes all dimensions. They also need to be correct and drawn to scale. The best way to ensure you receive a professional set of plans is to only consider plans that have been created in a CAD system.

Guitar Plans That Are Full-Sized: It may sound like a small item, but as you build your guitar you will see why buying full-size plans is extremely important. Details are so important in any construction process and without a large set of plans it's almost impossible to see the level of detail you'll want as you build your guitar. Yes, printing a large set of plans will cost a little more but it's money that is well spent. Only buy plans that are 36" x 48"

The Devil Is In The Detail: You should be able to get a good idea of what the plans you are purchasing look like before you spend money on them. Make sure that they include all the dimensions you'll need as you complete your build. Additionally, check to see that dimensions are listed in the format which you prefer to use. Ideally, they will all be in both inches/fractional inches and millimeters. An added benefit is detailed construction notes and tips. Some plans include lots of notes which you will likely find to be very helpful as you build your guitar.

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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