Modern Guitar Build Without Power Tools | Hand tool woodworking ASMR
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- Опубліковано 9 чер 2024
- Having moved to a new workshop, I felt the need to celebrate with a new guitar build. As luck would have it the @CrimsonCustomGuitars Great Guitar Build Off 2022 was announced the week before I started, so this is my entry.
I've become increasingly interested in guitar ergonomics, so I settled on a headless design, based on the outstanding work by Ola from @StrandbergguitarsOfficial.
The top is a stunning piece of ash from a local speciality luthiers lumber supplier. The body is a step from a reclaimed mahogany staircase.
As always, I start with the neck. First cutting and planing the neck blank, before cutting the truss-rod cavity. I used chisels and a router plane to cut the groove.
Next I trimmed the neck closer to final thickness using my frame saw with a Turbo-Cut blade. I planed the Indian ebony fretboard down to thickness, then created the 20" radius using my vintage Stanley no. 6 and a radius beam.
I marked the fret slots with a knife before cutting them with assistance from a fretting miter box. In hindsight, cutting freehand would have been easier!
After cutting the neck to the final taper, I added guide pins before trimming the fretboard to fit the taper. Then I used masking tape and a marking gauge to mark a 2mm edge for the binding, which I planed down. The binding was cut from an extra ebony board, then glued to the fretboard and planed to fit.
Next, the body. I trimmed the mahogany down to a workable size before planing the old lacquer off. And then re-sharpening my plane. Next I cut the rough shape, then trimmed the top closer to final size. The top was a nightmare to plane, so I tried removing as much material as possible beforehand.
I cut out the neck pocket in the top, marked the position of the tuners, then cut out the pickup cavities. I then used the top to transfer the cavities to the body, which I then cut out using chisels and a router plane.
Before glueing up, I installed a piece of copper tape between the top and the body. My thinking being that the individual strings can ground into this through their screws. Even though I'm using active electronics, this seems like a good way to future-proof the instrument.
After the glue-up I did the final shaping of the body using mainly my spokeshave, Iwasaki and Shinto rasps. I also added some contours to the top and a comfort carve to the back. I made the cavity cover from a mahogany off-cut. This shaped then planed to thickness.
Once I was happy with the fit between the body and the neck, I glued up the neck, pressed in the frets and trimmed them back to avoid injury. Next I made and glued on some headstock wings, allowing me to hang the guitar on my wall hanger. A veneer from the top wood was added for aesthetics.
My next step was carving the neck. Here I used my previous trapezoidal neck shape. I used gouges, chisels and files to create the headstock and heel transitions.
After drilling the jack, I realised that the rounded internal corner will cause the nut to come loose. To remedy this, I created a spacer that would allow the nut to sit flush against the spacer.
Moving on to fretwork, I aimed at doing rounded fret ends. They're not perfect, but are getting better with every guitar I build. As a final touch I scraped the filing marks off the fretboard using a razor blade.
I went through many different finishes off-camera before landing on a result I was happy with. Thanks to @TornelliGuitars for the melamine lacquer tutorial!
Specs
- Ash top on a reclaimed mahogany body
- Multi-scale 635mm - 650mm (roughly 25" to 25,6")
- Trapezoid-shaped maple neck
- Indian ebony fretboard with 20" radius and jumbo frets
- Machine screw bolt-on neck
- ABM headless tuners
- Fishman Fluence Javier Reyes Pickups
- Free-way 6-position toggle switch
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
0:13 - Neck blank
1:25 - Truss rod cavity
3:50 - Fretboard radius
6:00 - Fret slots
8:00 - Fretboard binding
12:50 - Body blank
15:18 - Ash top
19:30 - Top cavities
24:10 - Body cavities
29:05 - Trim top and body
31:30 - Body glue-up
32:07 - Shaping the body
35:30 - Cavity cover
37:30 - Neck glue-up
38:30 - Fret installation
39:45 - Headstock wings
42:15 - Neck carve
45:45 - Jack plug and spacer
47:33 - Neck bolts
48:43 - Fretwork
51:00 - Side dots
52:00 - Assembly
53:23 - Reveal and sound demo
If you have any question about the process, the press itself or the materials used, please leave a comment. Also please add any suggestions on improvements or better workflows!
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#greatguitarbuildoff #woodworking #asmr #handtools #ggbo2022
If you liked this, here's a build video for this guitar's 7-string sibling: ua-cam.com/video/-KU6ArA3UWM/v-deo.html
if you count only the sheer physical work that had gone into this build, it had to be a hell of a workout... factor in the amount of actual skill and craftsmanship on top of that... man... massive respect... really a beautiful piece of work ;o) hat's off to you ;o)
Thanks Tomas!
👍👍👍🤗awesome 🆒️
I've been building guitars for 40 years and you did a phenomenal job with the simple hand tools
Thank you!
really loved this - encouraging to see more hand tool builds doing something that is typically so power-tool dominated.
Sincerely, for what purpose? Is the finished product somehow inferior if power tools were used to speed up the tedium of things like sawing, drilling, or sanding? I'm asking very genuinely.
@@chrispysaid no, just because i primarily use hand tools (they’re cheaper, and it’s easier to not chop off your finger) and when i got interested in building guitars, everybody just uses a power router. it’s just nice to see other people not using a power router so i know i’m crazy for not using one.
(if i like guitar building though, i’ll probably get some power tools, like a router and a planer and stuff. im not against them, just didn’t have the money and, like i said, the risk of unfixable injury is SO high.)
@@chrispysaid
Dear Chrispy
well if it was only to show that it was possible without "modern" tools, it,s great at least for those who have not all the whole set of modern tools 😁😁
@@chrispysaidI’ve been on both sides of this coin. Started building guitars back in the early ‘80s with hand tools. And today I have a shop full of the proper machinery to expedite much of the initial work…..15” planer, jointer, drill press, routers, band and table saws, etc. The carving, shaping the neck, cutting the fret slots, inlay work, etc., are all still done by hand. I feel like I have found the perfect middle.
You literally built a modern guitar with hand tools only, amazing, it doesn't even look it's only made by a 1 person, literally you can write any professional guitar band name on the guitar then sell it and even the customer wouldn't figure it out.I also saw that you took your time to heart and reply to every comment in this comment section! What a pro with decent personality
Thank you for the compliments!
Brother, this the most impressive thing I’ve seen in guitar building skills and attention to detail. Congratulations on a fantastic build video and final result!
Thank you David
The best guitar build that I’ve seen so far . I do it every day. It’s my Netflix))) much respect man .
Thank you!
im a carpenter, but i dont have the access to do those stuff... :( great work!! one day i make my own i dont give up to beleave...
That's worth more than a like! The only router in sight was a plane. It looked a bit ropey most of the way through but in the end the quality workmanship came through and was one of the most gorgeous guitars I've ever seen. Good job sir!
Thank you
What most people will miss is the years of practice it takes to master handtools to this level. As a wheelwright I know this but I still use machines where possible and applaud such dedication.
I am fairly certain that watching this is better than therapy. Amazing labor of love. Thank you for posting this, truly.
Honestly, doing it is my therapy! Nothing like zoning out in a quiet workshop after a long day of work.
The finish is absolutely beautiful and it has a great sound.
THE BEAUTIFUL BLUE FINISH GOT MY ATTENTION BUT WHEN I HEARD THE TONES OF STEEL WORKING ON THE EARLY STAGES OF THE WOODS. THATS WHEN I KNEW I WAS IN TO WITNESS A BEAUTIFUL AND WORTHY BUILD.
YOURS IS THE FIRST HEADLESS GUITAR I'VE EVER APPRECIATED AND WOULD LOVE TO HAVE.
THANK YOU
Anderton's here... I'll take 1000 of your guitars! Seriously, you have the patience of a saint... not too mention a great guitar. Bravo!
Im so Inspired. Im gonna build one. I ONLY USE HAND TOOLS ALSO. Love the challenge
Do it! I think it's one of the most rewarding hobbies, but then I may be biased.
A luthier's playground is outside the saddles and nut. That's where the craftsman becomes an artist
And that's a really nice paint job
Wow! This is truly amazing to watch and the guitar is stunning. Well done!!!!
BEAUTIFUL!
Art to make art.
This was incredible to watch and I am inspired. Thank you for sharing your work.
Thanks for the kind words.
Stunningly beautiful guitar! Visually and sonically. Would love to play one like this.
Thank you. It's one of my favourites.
Its refreshing to see someone that goes to all the trouble of making himself a bespoke guitar that can actually do it justice with his playing.
Thank you
Exelent handcraft guitar, a really professional finish.
Incredible! Truly handmade with dedication, tremendous skill and damn hard work! And beautiful design and sound.
Thank you!
there are guitars that are hand made. then there are guitars that are handmade. if you get my meaning... nice work. damn!!
That is an incredible build by hand great job keep the videos coming you do awesome work thank you
Hermoso trabajo, señor!
😍🎸🎼
Thats a LOT of work! Youre Awesome
One of my favorite guitar maker, that's awesome sir thank you for sharing
Very awesome Hand made Guitar. Good Luck should be a True winner
WOW!!! All hand tools - superb! 😎
Thanks John
this was excellent!! thank you!
I thought the guy that built a guitar outta Lego’s was good but you got him beat.. 😂 all honesty you are a true craftsman brother..🤘🏼✌🏼
Thank you
Stunning!
Great work very inspiring! So much patience and it sounded great at the end! Thank you for all the effort of making this video!
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Just brilliant to watch hand crafted builds like yours. I must say your tools are nice and sharp too
Thank you very much!
Insanely satisfying to watch! Much respect, man! Beautiful work.
Thank you Chris
What a satisfying build with a superb outcome! 😊😊🎸🎸🍷🍷
Thanks David!
I rarely add a video to my Favorites playlist. Here's an exception! Simply amazing! This video enhanced my will to finish my headless guitar build!
Thank you!
Wow!! The amount of patience & skill needed to do this is incredible & you did a phenomenal job. I'm blown away. Amazing.
Thank you so much!
Right on!
Freaking beautiful!
This has always inspired and encouraged me to actually build a bass,acoustic,electric,electric acoustic & classic guitar(s) and I grew a new hobby of playing and building guitars so now I'm building piano's for fun thanks to the inspiration of these videos ☺
Oh and thanks to your video I use no power tools just me ol hands
Building things is a great hobby, keep it up!
Wow! It Looks amazing. What a great color. Concratulations!
Thank you so much!
Good job 👍👍👍 I like it guitar 🎸 💪👏👏👏 tnx for you..👍
Now we see why our shop teachers always pushed our plane skills! Excellent job on a gorgeous guitar. I true work of art.
Thank you
Superb craftsmanship ! Just a excellent video for anyone who appreciates the skill it takes to make a guitar with hand tools !
Thank you very much!
Incredible saw control .. F**n incredible saw control 🤘🏼
Awesome!!
Awesome …
Nicely done, I enjoyed this.
This was epic man!!! Great job and I learned a lot!
Beautiful work resulting from tremendous effort. Outstanding!
Thank you very much!
Thanks for the video. Haven't watched but a few seconds, but loved the fact that you called it "ASMR" in the title. Totally forgiven for a no-talkie video and points given for creativity. Hope the build goes well.
Thank you!
I have been watching these most of the day and I like this the most so far.
Thanks Richie!
Amazing !!!
gorgeous. What a job!
Thank you!
That is absolutely sick! Awesome job.
Thank you.
I'm a player but I would happily buy that guitar, just hang it on the wall and play this video to everyone who came to visit.
Most excellent.
Thank you
incredible work, my sincere admiration.
Thank you very much!
used to use a mother in laws tounge many years ago making staircases
wow fantastic!!!!1❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
currently working on my first build... extremely inspiring! thanks for sharing!
Thank you, and have fun!
Incredible video and beautiful guitar! It sounded amazing too!
Thank you
This should be expensive. Truly much of an effort. Love this video.
Thank you very much!
beautiful guitar!!!parfect job!!🔥🤘
Real handmade. No power tools. Fantastic work, thanks! 😀👍👋
Thank you very much!
That bridge grounding was so simple yet so damn clever, brilliant stuff.
I honestly haven't tested if it works yet, since I'm using active pickups.
I really admire your skills and craftsmanship. A stunning guitar thank you for sharing
Thank you very much!
Awesome job bro!
Best 54 minutes of my life. Very impressive!
Thank you!
the sound of hand planer on a wood is my ASMR
Que buen trabajo
Me duelen los brazos de tanto verte serruchar. Admirable tu trabajo!!! Genio!!!
Thank you
WOW !😮
That is an incredibly beautiful guitar with handcrafted precision unbelievable you're one of the best
Thanks! It's not perfect, but I'm very happy with the result.
What men can build....fantastic work of art and a lot of patience. Congrats with this build, it looks fantastic!!!!
Thank you very much!
Wow amazing man 🔥
Massive respect!
Thank you!
Really amazing work and I appreciate the efforts so much. I've done some hand tool work wood working and its very challenging. A build like this and the amount of time invested is no small feat. Happy holidays and keep up the great work.
Thank you very much!
True custom shop
Glorious...
Thank you
Wow! Saw your comment on Crimson's guitar channel and had to check out yours. Amazing work. "The *next 5 months*!" I mean. Incredible.
Thanks! A big part of that time was spent waiting for finishes to dry before sanding through and starting over.
Obejrzałem ciekawością. Świetny film i praca. Piękny dźwięk. :)
Thank you
Wow, man. That's an inspiring video. I'm tempted to try another build myself (last one was about 30 years ago, lol).
I'm totally envious of some of your neat tools, not to mention your patience.
Great job, and thanks for sharing the video and all your hard work.
Thanks for the compliments! You should totally build another one, it's such a fun hobby!
To say your work is impressive would not do it justice. Just amazing work! I'll tackle my first "from the ground-up" build, a 5 string bass guitar starting in 2023. Black limba body, maple neck, ebony board. My neck blank, board and body have been aging in my shop for over a year. I'll use a combination of electric woodworking shop tools, router templates and files and rasps for mine. I'm sure I'll watch your video like 500 times when I get started! 😁
Thanks, good luck with your build!
Loved the tune at the end! needs to be longer
I can just describe that as a piece of art. Just thinking the amount of time it would have taken to do it makes me anxious. I lift my hat to you sir, amazing is too much of a simple word for that piece of art.
Thank you.
ama
zing
Awesome. My dream is to have a headless multiscale bass guitar like this.
Love the build video
Thanks Jamie!
I hope you videos the color finishing process because it looks great and that would be nice to see !
Maybe in future, but this was off camera. You can see the clear-coat procedure on the Tornelli Guitars channel.
So great my friend. So friggin great.
Thanks, I'm very happy with it!
This is a beautiful guitar build Sir craftsmanship paragon I am sure it plays like a dream beautiful build just stunning
Thank you! I'm very pleased with how it plays, so much so that I've been playing so much it's keeping me out of the workshop!
That tune you played at the very end just sounds very beautiful. If you happened to have a longer version video of you playing would be greatly appreciated
Thanks for the compliment! Maybe I'll write a longer version one day, but at the moment I only do short compositions for the sound demos.
That's a pretty build
I'm quite pleased with it!
Working with hand tools is not easy but it is really rewarding when finalizing the project! You are crafting a musical translation piece of art.
And now this really deserves the ABM tuners and the final look with the blue burst is just making it the one!
Bravo
Thanks for the compliments. The ABMs are indeed incredible!
Excellent 👍👌
Thanks!
Wow.
That ash top is insane , any wood can have figure depending on it’s growing conditions, I saw a top of quilted mesquite wood one time that I’ve never seen again sense .
Awesome build 👍
The cross grain made it an absolute nightmare to work with, but it is so beautiful!
congratulations on the job. this is really manual work. and the result was perfect. too beautiful she
Thank you very much!