Gday Im new here and I make metal bodied guitars at the bottom of the world (NZ)

Re: Gday Im new here and I make metal bodied guitars at the bottom of the world (NZ)

Hi they are quite complex to make to a good standard. also you will find the metal would be quite expensive as you have to buy a whole sheet so most would be wasted if you made a single instrument...

they also need quite a few decent power tools and a gas welder all of which cost a lot for a single guitar

however if you have these readily available there are quite a few DIY build threads for basic shapes on other online sites which will aid you if you do decide to make one.

so they are not necessarily hard to make but they do require quite a bit of skill and planning in order to get a satisfactory finished product.

I hope this answers your question?

Many thanks.
 
Re: Gday Im new here and I make metal bodied guitars at the bottom of the world (NZ)

goblinboy26 said:
Hi they are quite complex to make to a good standard. also you will find the metal would be quite expensive as you have to buy a whole sheet so most would be wasted if you made a single instrument...

they also need quite a few decent power tools and a gas welder all of which cost a lot for a single guitar

however if you have these readily available there are quite a few DIY build threads for basic shapes on other online sites which will aid you if you do decide to make one.

so they are not necessarily hard to make but they do require quite a bit of skill and planning in order to get a satisfactory finished product.

I hope this answers your question?

Many thanks.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the reply :)
I have an arc welder (i think it is... would that work?) and plenty of tools available at home... What do you use to cut the body?
I've heard of people using anything from lasers to a bandsaw. And is this simply a "cut and weld" scenario or is there a lot more going on?
Thanks for the input though :) I really am fascinated by this! And your work is incredible
Maybe one day I will be able to build one :)
 
Re: Gday Im new here and I make metal bodied guitars at the bottom of the world (NZ)

Hi an ark welder would work however they are harder to control than a gas welder, I use an electric jigsaw to cut out the body panels.

it depends on the body shape for complexity. for instance the horns on that sg took ages as they have many contours to shape by heating and shrinking the metal. however a jaguar has only a fold for the arm rest. tele's are the easiest as they are all flat.

i would suggest just finding old scrap sheet like off appliances such as a fridge or dish washer an just practice fabricating body's intell you are happy with your results instead of stuffing expensive steel.

you also need a grinder for dressing welds.

a drill, and tap and die set is also crucial for making the threads for the screws to hold onto the body.

many thanks
 
Re: Gday Im new here and I make metal bodied guitars at the bottom of the world (NZ)

Here is an image of the completed Jaguar as some people expressed there interest in it


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Re: Gday Im new here and I make metal bodied guitars at the bottom of the world (NZ)

Great!! Would want one witha Brass pickguard and a Graphite neck. Maybe i'll get one oneday.
 
Re: Gday Im new here and I make metal bodied guitars at the bottom of the world (NZ)

Dude, that is awesome! Love the looks of the metal!
 
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