First Build Done
Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2021 2:20 pm
Well, I did it. First guitar finished. It ain’t perfect, but it might pass the 5 ft test.
I’m excited. I hope you’ll forgive a wordy post here. It’s been a long haul. Started 1yr, 4 months ago.
Got it strung up about a week ago. As I put tension on the strings to file the nut, I was pleased to see that the whole thing didn’t collapse. Figure I still have some adjustments to make as things settle in. It was wonderful to hear the first sounds from the wood.
Then I figured there was a good chance there’d be a lot of buzzing from the frets. I just didn’t really know if I’d leveled things that well. I did get some buzzing on a few strings, but quickly figured out that was due to the nut slot filing angle on one string and the shape of the saddle on another. It was fun figuring that out, too, and fixing it and having the buzzing go away.
I suspect I’ll have some more fiddling to do as I learn things about it, but I love the sound it makes. I put on ultra-light strings. It is very bright, and has nice sustain on the low end. It’s louder than I thought it would be.
Years ago, when I spent a week with John Hall building a guitar with him, I think he said something like – when we’re done here, you’ll realize it’s possible to build a guitar. That meant a lot to me. I think if I had tried this without that perspective then many times this past year I would have thought - I just can’t do this.
This forum has been a great help for information and inspiration. Thanks for answering my questions and giving me advice. At times I’ve spent hours poring over old posts to get a better understanding of something before going back down to the shop.
And, of course, thanks John for all you wonderful YouTube videos. I watched them many times. So much good information and especially good guidance on how one step in the process affects later steps.
I plan on playing a lot of guitar for a few months before starting a new build.
Just for fun, I staged a photo with the guitar surrounded by many of the tools, jigs, and supplies I used.
I’m excited. I hope you’ll forgive a wordy post here. It’s been a long haul. Started 1yr, 4 months ago.
Got it strung up about a week ago. As I put tension on the strings to file the nut, I was pleased to see that the whole thing didn’t collapse. Figure I still have some adjustments to make as things settle in. It was wonderful to hear the first sounds from the wood.
Then I figured there was a good chance there’d be a lot of buzzing from the frets. I just didn’t really know if I’d leveled things that well. I did get some buzzing on a few strings, but quickly figured out that was due to the nut slot filing angle on one string and the shape of the saddle on another. It was fun figuring that out, too, and fixing it and having the buzzing go away.
I suspect I’ll have some more fiddling to do as I learn things about it, but I love the sound it makes. I put on ultra-light strings. It is very bright, and has nice sustain on the low end. It’s louder than I thought it would be.
Years ago, when I spent a week with John Hall building a guitar with him, I think he said something like – when we’re done here, you’ll realize it’s possible to build a guitar. That meant a lot to me. I think if I had tried this without that perspective then many times this past year I would have thought - I just can’t do this.
This forum has been a great help for information and inspiration. Thanks for answering my questions and giving me advice. At times I’ve spent hours poring over old posts to get a better understanding of something before going back down to the shop.
And, of course, thanks John for all you wonderful YouTube videos. I watched them many times. So much good information and especially good guidance on how one step in the process affects later steps.
I plan on playing a lot of guitar for a few months before starting a new build.
Just for fun, I staged a photo with the guitar surrounded by many of the tools, jigs, and supplies I used.