Electric Guitar

Here is a list of guitar parts that I used in this project. You may need to adjust the dimensions of the project if you use different parts.
- 2pc. White Plastic 6-String Guitar Nuts (CBGitty.com Part 31-074-01)
- Chrome Adjustable Bridge for Electric Guitar (CBGitty.com Part 31-065-01)
- vChrome Sealed-Gear Tuners – 6pc. Inline Right-aligned (CBGitty.com Part 31-006-02)
- Pre-Wired 6-String Single Coil Pickup Harness – Black (CBGitty.com Part 54-006-01)
- U-channel Truss Rod, Electric (StewMac.com Item # 1177-E)
- StewMac Medium Fretwire, Medium/medium, 2 ft x 3 Qty (StewMac.com Item # 0148)
- Neck Mounting Plate, Chrome, with screws (StewMac.com Item # 0131)
- Strap Buttons – Set of 2, Chrome, set of 2 (StewMac.com Item # 0170)
- Electric Guitar Strings (Light 009 Gauge Recommended)
- Control cavity cover made from wood or plastic

Clamp a guitar body blank onto the wasteboard and carve the body, including the neck pocket, pickup cavity and control cavity.

Click Here for the Guitar Body Easel Project

Clamp a guitar neck blank onto the wasteboard and carve the front of the neck, including the neck profile, headstock, tuning peg holes, and truss rod groove. Test the fit of the neck in the neck pocket on the guitar body.

Click Here for the Guitar Neck Easel Project

This step consists of two separate carving sessions. Clamp a guitar fretboard blank onto the wasteboard and use a .024" bit to carve the fret slots. Change to a 1/8" spiral upcut bit without moving the machine’s home position, then carve the fretboard profile.

Note: Fret wire comes in different sizes that require a different slot widths. You may need to order a different size bit for your fret wire.

Click Here for the Guitar Fret Slots Easel Project

Click Here for the Guitar Fretboard Outline and Inlays Easel Project

Follow the instructions that came with your truss rod to install it. Glue on the fretboard and clamp it securely.

Carve at least 10 each of 1/4" and 1/8" dot inlay fret markers in contrasting colors. Use CA Glue to install the 1/4" dots on the front of the neck. Drill 1/8" holes in the top side of the neck for the corresponding dot inlay fret markers and glue them in.

Click Here for the Guitar Dot Inlays Easel Project

Use a fretboard radius sanding block to sand the desired radius onto the fretboard. I used a 12" radius.

Note: You may make or purchase a radius sanding block, but if you make your own, make it as accurate as possible.

Click Here for the 12-inch Radius Sanding Block Easel Project

Use a rasp to roughly shape the back of the neck to the desired profile. Switch to a fine file and sandpaper to smooth out the neck.

Apply your choice of finish to the neck and the body prior to assembly. I used Transtint Blue dye to color the body blue. I sprayed the neck and the dyed body with clear gloss spray lacquer.

Cut each individual fret to length and hammer it in the slot with a soft rubber mallet. It helps to slightly bend the fret wire to match the radius of the neck. Use files to file the frets even with the neck and make them smooth to the touch.

Pre-drill pilot holes in the back of the neck without going all the way through the front. Use the mounting plate to screw the neck to the body. Do not over-tighten or you may strip the screw holes. Fit the nut into the nut slot. You may need to file or sand the nut down to lower the string action.

Detach the pickup wire and feed it through the tunnel to the control cavity. Solder the pickup wire back into place. Mount all electronics onto the guitar. Click here to print a template for the pickup ring and control cavity cover that I cut on the scroll saw.

Measure 25.5" from the front of the nut and make a mark on the guitar body. Center the bridge so that the strings will cross over the bridges at 25.5" from the nut. It may help to put on the two outer strings to make sure they are centered and in-line with the neck. Pre-drill and mount the bridge with the provided screws.

Install the tuning pegs onto the headstock with the provided hardware.

Pre-drill and screw the two strap buttons onto the guitar body. String up the guitar. Tune it up and rock out!

Note: You may find that you need to adjust the truss rod or level the frets in order to make the notes ring better. Spend some time with the guitar and tweak it until you are satisfied with how it plays and sounds.