How to build my own necks

[bzablo]

Originally Posted by Mojotron

Bill actually has a video series on neck making where he uses all of his jigs - my whole process of making necks is similar to his - so I know his approach is a good one (but certainly not the only/best one..)

Here's the link to that series:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jpqw...eature=channel

I have to say that Bill's videos are an amazing resource - thanks Bill if you are reading!

Here's the video on the neck carving jig - that one really needs to be seen in action to appreciate:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv-mL...eature=channel
Note the point he makes about bowing.... all great advice.



Yep that's the way I do the truss channel.

The main thing is safety - all power tools are extremely good at ripping off fingers and worse. Power tools - especially bandsaws, tablesaws and routers need to be respected like you were dancing with a 1000lbs tiger: Just don't step on their feet and you will get the job done. There's no second chance to think about safety!

BTW - I bought those books, but hardly read them since reading the threads here is by far a better resource.

I saw those videos, but am currently blocked from them. Are they a tutorial format, or more of a "hey, look what I can do?"

[jkingma]

Originally Posted by bzablo

I'm not asking for anyone to tell me how to, just asking for pointers on what equipment is generally good to have, so that I know where to start. I have been researching on my own as well, but don't always have the best of luck, and figured I'd ask for a bit of help as to where I could find what I need; that's all. And, see, I get good input each time, because you're the first to recommend a book, so thank you!

The title of this discussion suggests otherwise.

[bzablo]

Originally Posted by jkingma

The title of this discussion suggests otherwise.

The title suggest I want to know how to build my own, not that I needed anyone to tell me how to. I never once asked for instructions on building, just what tools would be best to use.

[Canadianbreed]

Hi Mojotron,

Thanks for the kind words, it seems a few guys are getting something from them which was the whole idea for them.

Bill

[bzablo]

Bill, I've just watched through most of these videos, and must ask, is there a simpler way to do the compound radius fingerboard jig? Yours seemed a little too far out of my league.

[Mike Simpson]

Originally Posted by bzablo

Bill, I've just watched through most of these videos, and must ask, is there a simpler way to do the compound radius fingerboard jig? Yours seemed a little too far out of my league.

Just buy a radius sanding block and sand a little... That's what I do except I am cheap and made my own sanding block...

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting...ng_Blocks.html

[bzablo]

Originally Posted by Big Mike Simpson

Just buy a radius sanding block and sand a little... That's what I do except I am cheap and made my own sanding block...

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting...ng_Blocks.html

How long does it take to do that, on average?

[Nick JD]

Originally Posted by bzablo

How long does it take to do that, on average?

It takes exactly the time period between you starting and finishing .

At some point people will point out to you that it's your job to learn how to build a guitar, not theirs - they'll say this in the nicest possible way, so don't be dissuaded by it - but perhaps take it upon yourself to establish a basic grounding in guitar construction and ask questions while you tackle the problems. This way, you'll find people will be much more free in giving their knowledge because it's worth giving knowledge to someone who has already started running with the ball, rather than asking 20 questions from the sidelines.

Read the books. Read the threads. Get some wood. Ask a question when you come to an issue.

[bzablo]

Originally Posted by Nick JD

It takes exactly the time period between you starting and finishing .

At some point people will point out to you that it's your job to learn how to build a guitar, not theirs - they'll say this in the nicest possible way, so don't be dissuaded by it - but perhaps take it upon yourself to establish a basic grounding in guitar construction and ask questions while you tackle the problems. This way, you'll find people will be much more free in giving their knowledge because it's worth giving knowledge to someone who has already started running with the ball, rather than asking 20 questions from the sidelines.

Read the books. Read the threads. Get some wood. Ask a question when you come to an issue.

I've read, but I can't buy any wood or tools until late June, so now I'm just asking questions based off of responses. I want to try and figure out the best technique. I can't afford trial and error. I'm going to make 3 attempts from 2x4s, then start the real deal. I just want to gather everything I can from those who are willing to respond as well.

[oigun]

Depending on your skills, just start and go from there. First you have to make good templates that is a good way to practise. You can make a perfect neck with a pocketknife if you are skilled if not, don't expect too much of it either way you gonna screw it up more than once.

[EDIT:] Be sure you understand the whole proces of building a guitar like: How does a trussrod work. Where/why do I place my bridge etc.

[bzablo]

Originally Posted by oigun

Depending on your skills, just start and go from there. First you have to make good templates that is a good way to practise. You can make a perfect neck with a pocketknife if you are skilled if not, don't expect too much of it either way you gonna screw it up more than once.

[EDIT:] Be sure you understand the whole proces of building a guitar like: How does a trussrod work. Where/why do I place my bridge etc.

I will; I'm going to be getting 3 books on building, so that should help me understand everything.

[David Collins]

Originally Posted by bzablo

I will; I'm going to be getting 3 books on building, so that should help me understand everything.

That should get your toes wet. You won't understand everything until you've made many necks, made many mistakes - there's no way around getting in to the trenches for a while to truly learn any craft.

There is a lot to learn, and I think it's fair to warn that if you want to build your own necks for the sole purpose of saving money over having a custom one made, it's not likely to work out in your favor.

If you're doing this because you want to learn how, then go to it and full steam ahead. In the long run though, if you want to get perfect results it's going to take a good investment in tools, time, and not all your early results are going to be ideal. If you want to make your own neck for the simple reason of getting one ideal end product however, it would probably be cheaper in the end just to save up and pay the $400-$600 that a custom finished neck would cost.

Making guitars and parts is a great experience for a lot of hobbyists, but if money is a concern I'd say the advice often given to golfers applies here as well - Just take up shooting heroin. It's cheaper and less addictive.

[Mike Simpson]

Originally Posted by bzablo

How long does it take to do that, on average?

I take a little off the sides on the belt sander and spend about 45 minutes or so with the sanding block depending on the hardness of the fretboard wood.

[bzablo]

Originally Posted by David Collins

That should get your toes wet. You won't understand everything until you've made many necks, made many mistakes - there's no way around getting in to the trenches for a while to truly learn any craft.

There is a lot to learn, and I think it's fair to warn that if you want to build your own necks for the sole purpose of saving money over having a custom one made, it's not likely to work out in your favor.

If you're doing this because you want to learn how, then go to it and full steam ahead. In the long run though, if you want to get perfect results it's going to take a good investment in tools, time, and not all your early results are going to be ideal. If you want to make your own neck for the simple reason of getting one ideal end product however, it would probably be cheaper in the end just to save up and pay the $400-$600 that a custom finished neck would cost.

Making guitars and parts is a great experience for a lot of hobbyists, but if money is a concern I'd say the advice often given to golfers applies here as well - Just take up shooting heroin. It's cheaper and less addictive.

Well, I really want to get into the craft, because I would like to do this for the rest of my life. I'm a senior in high school, and figure if I start now, after college I could potentially start a business. Money isn't much of an issue, I just may not be able to invest in some of the other things I wanted (amp, pedals and board, new mic, etc.). I'm willing to invest whatever it will take, especially the time! I don't see myself getting pissy and saying that I "have" to go finish my neck; I see it as a privilege.

[KevinB]

Originally Posted by bzablo

I will; I'm going to be getting 3 books on building, so that should help me understand everything.

And please excuse my question, but right now do you know how to do a complete set up on a guitar? If you don't then you might consider buying the cheapest eBay Chinese POS you can find and completely disassembling it, doing a fret level, crown and polish, nut adjustment, truss rod adjustment, reassembly and complete set up. If you can't do this you really have no business trying to make a body or neck from scratch.

[David Collins]

Sounds good, right attitude, and I wish you the best. Books and advice from others is a good start here. Best thing from here on out if you're not in a rush is just to take it step by step.

From the bare lumber to the finished product, every step should reveal to you what particular tools or techniques you are lacking at that point, and you can put your procedure together piece by piece along the way. Many folks want to plan and invest in everything they need up front, but even the most well planned strategy rarely works out tangibly as you move along, and methods and tools will have to be adapted to for your situation along the way. Every time you get to a step that you can't satisfactorily complete, choices in tools and procedures can be decided and derived then, one step at a time.

Don't invest in top of the line primo materials for your first build, as you should well anticipate the possibility of mistakes being made and those materials going to waste. Get some basic woods that will be suitable for a final product if it does work out, but don't spend top dollar on AAAA birdseye maple and brazilian rosewood until you've established some methods with some degree of predictability.

Most importantly though, above anything else - Safety. Please take no offense, but I watched some of your other posts, and will only say that it is very important to understand how all tools are properly operated, especially when dealing with high speed cutters like routers, shapers, table saws, even a drill press. Learning to build guitars is certainly exciting, but it will do you little good if you don't have any fingers left to play them. Tools are dangerous, and need to be approached with a healthy respect, and thorough understanding of how they need to be operated. This must be your first priority in every single step of the building process.

I would check around to see if there are any community colleges with a wood shop in your area. Many will offer courses which will not only offer some guidance and instruction, but also allow you access to many tools you may otherwise not have access to. Some even offer membership programs for personal use of the tool room, though they will often require you to find a sponsor (student/faculty/alumni) to get your membership.

Good luck, take it slow, stay safe, and I think you'll do quite fine.

[bzablo]

Originally Posted by KevinB

And please excuse my question, but right now do you know how to do a complete set up on a guitar? If you don't then you might consider buying the cheapest eBay Chinese POS you can find and completely disassembling it, doing a fret level, crown and polish, nut adjustment, truss rod adjustment, reassembly and complete set up. If you can't do this you really have no business trying to make a body or neck from scratch.

I have an old Johnson electric guitar that I've disassembled, and could do all of those things with. But, those are all things I'm going to have to learn regardless. The only thing I may really need to do would be adjusting the truss rod, practice wise, I have a good understanding of everything else. But, I also won't be starting for over a month, so I'm just gathering information right now, and when I do start, it'll be full of trials with 2x4s.

Originally Posted by David Collins

Sounds good, right attitude, and I wish you the best. Books and advice from others is a good start here. Best thing from here on out if you're not in a rush is just to take it step by step.

From the bare lumber to the finished product, every step should reveal to you what particular tools or techniques you are lacking at that point, and you can put your procedure together piece by piece along the way. Many folks want to plan and invest in everything they need up front, but even the most well planned strategy rarely works out tangibly as you move along, and methods and tools will have to be adapted to for your situation along the way. Every time you get to a step that you can't satisfactorily complete, choices in tools and procedures can be decided and derived then, one step at a time.

Don't invest in top of the line primo materials for your first build, as you should well anticipate the possibility of mistakes being made and those materials going to waste. Get some basic woods that will be suitable for a final product if it does work out, but don't spend top dollar on AAAA birdseye maple and brazilian rosewood until you've established some methods with some degree of predictability.

Most importantly though, above anything else - Safety. Please take no offense, but I watched some of your other posts, and will only say that it is very important to understand how all tools are properly operated, especially when dealing with high speed cutters like routers, shapers, table saws, even a drill press. Learning to build guitars is certainly exciting, but it will do you little good if you don't have any fingers left to play them. Tools are dangerous, and need to be approached with a healthy respect, and thorough understanding of how they need to be operated. This must be your first priority in every single step of the building process.

I would check around to see if there are any community colleges with a wood shop in your area. Many will offer courses which will not only offer some guidance and instruction, but also allow you access to many tools you may otherwise not have access to. Some even offer membership programs for personal use of the tool room, though they will often require you to find a sponsor (student/faculty/alumni) to get your membership.

Good luck, take it slow, stay safe, and I think you'll do quite fine.

Thank you, this is some really good advice. I will definitely be careful with the tools. I've had lots of experience with all, but the router, in the past, because I go on mission trips with my church and have helped build and repair a number of homes. I will most definitely take my time and analyze everything as I go and assess each step.

[KevinB]

Originally Posted by bzablo

I have an old Johnson electric guitar that I've disassembled, and could do all of those things with. But, those are all things I'm going to have to learn regardless. The only thing I may really need to do would be adjusting the truss rod, practice wise, I have a good understanding of everything else. But, I also won't be starting for over a month, so I'm just gathering information right now, and when I do start, it'll be full of trials with 2x4s.

Then that's a great start! Maybe you should try giving it a compound radius and refretting it

I certainly admire your enthusiasm and wish you good luck.

[bzablo]

Originally Posted by KevinB

Then that's a great start! Maybe you should try giving it a compound radius and refretting it

I certainly admire your enthusiasm and wish you good luck.

I most definitely will! Thanks for the pointers!

[Mojotron]

Originally Posted by bzablo

I have an old Johnson electric guitar that I've disassembled, and could do all of those things with. But, those are all things I'm going to have to learn regardless. The only thing I may really need to do would be adjusting the truss rod, practice wise, I have a good understanding of everything else. But, I also won't be starting for over a month, so I'm just gathering information right now, and when I do start, it'll be full of trials with 2x4s.

Yep - 2x4s are really good practice because, practice, is all about control of the tools not necessarily the quality of the wood. When you get to the point where your brain is actually able to get the tools to do the right things while making something as strange as a guitar neck - that is a very fulfilling moment. I think the most difficulty I had was that the neck is actually kind of small for using a router on - so you spend a lot of time setting up a cut that takes maybe 3-10 seconds.

Originally Posted by bzablo

Thank you, this is some really good advice. I will definitely be careful with the tools. I've had lots of experience with all, but the router, in the past, because I go on mission trips with my church and have helped build and repair a number of homes. I will most definitely take my time and analyze everything as I go and assess each step.

That's good experience - I'm fairly comfortable around my tools, but I pray a lot about safety while I'm working with them (James 5:16[b]) and I take a break or quit for the day when something 'weird' happens like a kick-back or breaking a bit - which does not happen that often - but if it gets my attention I just figure that I'm just not being careful enough and I stop and figure that out.

One time I had the Bosch 1/4" spiral up bit that kept coming out of my router in the middle of cuts. I thought I was doing something wrong and that I was figuring it out. Finally, while routing a vintage style truss channel on a one-piece maple neck that bit came completely out and went straight through the neck. It would have gone through my foot/leg too if they were in the wrong place. I stopped what I was doing and I took that bit back that day - before I got tempted to use it again. It cut really smooth and clean, but just was not safe for me.