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.
Pay Attention to Drawings: You will learn very quickly that when it comes to guitars, having exact dimensions is very important! Choose a set of guitar plans that have been drawn in a professional CAD system and you will increase the likelihood that your plans have all the dimensions you need and that they are drawn to scale. When it comes to something as particular as building an instruments, hand drawn plans or plans that don't include every dimensions just won't do.
The Size of the Plans: Full-size plans are more expensive than a smaller set of plans, mostly because they cost more to print, but when it comes to building a guitar the extra money you spend is well worth it! As you dive into the building process you will want to be able to see as much detail as possible and the best way to do this is with large scale plans. Look for plans that are printed, or can be printed, on 36" x 48" paper. In many cases, you will have the option to purchase plans that have already been printed or plans that you receive in electronic version and can print yourself. Bottom line - spend the extra money, you'll be glad you did!
Dimensions & Construction Notes: Take the time to check out the guitar plans you are planning to purchase. Make sure that they include all dimensions as well as plenty of construction notes and building tips. Also, check how the dimensions are noted. Are they in both inches/fractional inches and millimeters? Ideally, all dimensions will be shown in both which allows you to choose how you prefer to work. A good set of plans will also include construction notes and tips for building. Sometimes drawings alone aren't enough to give you what you need. You'll want some direction from the plan designer to help you along the way.
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.
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.
Pay Attention to Drawings: You will learn very quickly that when it comes to guitars, having exact dimensions is very important! Choose a set of guitar plans that have been drawn in a professional CAD system and you will increase the likelihood that your plans have all the dimensions you need and that they are drawn to scale. When it comes to something as particular as building an instruments, hand drawn plans or plans that don't include every dimensions just won't do.
The Size of the Plans: Full-size plans are more expensive than a smaller set of plans, mostly because they cost more to print, but when it comes to building a guitar the extra money you spend is well worth it! As you dive into the building process you will want to be able to see as much detail as possible and the best way to do this is with large scale plans. Look for plans that are printed, or can be printed, on 36" x 48" paper. In many cases, you will have the option to purchase plans that have already been printed or plans that you receive in electronic version and can print yourself. Bottom line - spend the extra money, you'll be glad you did!
Dimensions & Construction Notes: Take the time to check out the guitar plans you are planning to purchase. Make sure that they include all dimensions as well as plenty of construction notes and building tips. Also, check how the dimensions are noted. Are they in both inches/fractional inches and millimeters? Ideally, all dimensions will be shown in both which allows you to choose how you prefer to work. A good set of plans will also include construction notes and tips for building. Sometimes drawings alone aren't enough to give you what you need. You'll want some direction from the plan designer to help you along the way.
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.
About the Author:
Looking to find the best deal on guitar plans? Then visit Georgia Luthier Supply to find the best advice on the right guitar building plans for you.
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