Instrument building (in general)

[boomstik]

I've been following the threads in this forum for quite a while, and am fascinated by all the incredible projects people here are working on... so, what does it take to build your own instrument? I understand you need to be a fairly experienced woodworker to even start thinking about instrument building, but what other skills would one need? for example, is a massive engineering backround required to even start thinking about building a tapping instrument, or are the formulas fairly available/understandable by someone with a technical education in general?

just a thought... I'm not building anything just yet... but man, am I ever tempted.... :)

[rjgoos]

Just a thought....come up with a design, and make a prototype out of an inexpensive wood . Get used to the tools, make lots of mistakes, make lots of notes. Just accept the fact that it will be your second (or third) instrument that you will be gigging with. Again, just something to consider.

One site that was an inspiration to me:

http://www.buildyourguitar.com/

Their online fret calculator is very helpful.

Also, the site www.stewmac.com is probably the best all-around site for people wanting to buy fretwire, etc. It is just fun to look at all the stuff on this site.

[BigDaddyPoo]

Yeah, what RJ said. Also, check out www.mimf.com for TONS of info (read the new builder faq and start hanging out in the forums), and start kissing up to your friends with woodworking experience and equipment.

Another company that sells lots of tools and parts is www.lmii.com. They have great prices on tone woods and tools.

You don't need a technical background at all. One of the biggest blockheads I've ever met also built some of the nicest accoustic guitar I've seen.

If you don't have any wood working skills, start making stuff. One of the first things I did was to just laminate some wood together and shape it into a neck. I wish I had planned it out a little, because it turned out great...really comfortable and smooth. Only problem is it was only about a foot and a half long, so completely useless.

It seems really overwhelming at first to build an instrument, but no individual step is really all that hard. You just set up a good game plan and take it one task at a time.

[RocknDrTom]

hello everyone -
Hi boomstick - I hope you take the plunge - but be forwarned - it's very addicting.
I have an Associate Degree in Fine Art and Illustration. not completely useful for instrument making. Most of what I do is with hand tools. And years of learning from mistakes. I have very few power tools, so you don't really need a lot other than time and dedication. Of course, power tools make things go so much faster.

You'll find lots of good advice from the good folks here. I agree with everything written earlier.

Hey Dan - sounds to me like you made a mandolin neck. I wouldn't say it was completely useless. maybe it's a mando-tapper, or a megamandotappertar or something like that. If you still have it, see what you can do with it. Did you put a fingerboard on it? You might still be able to "use" it for a full size guitar scale length - if you think outside the box. Take a look at some Knutsen or Hilo hawaiian guitars. There have been many that have a very short neck - joining the body at the 7th fret. most of the sound comes from the large hollow body and you could do the same thing maybe for a hollow body tapper. Just some thoughts.

[boomstik]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'll take the plunge someday :)
I love woodworking, but the most I get to play with are some hand tools and a Dremel... It's a bit hard to keep a shop in a 1-bedroom apartment full of dust-sensitive devices and creatures... :)
Love the Dremel though.
I'm thinking of starting with rebuilding an old guitar neck or two into a tapper - and after I destroy a dozen or so, move on to making something from scratch. Although that could constitute a half-assed approach in a way, I guess...