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musiclover420
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Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) 1
#23795348 - 11/02/16 05:52 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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Just finally bought my first neck/ body to put together! I have been eying a factory buyout sale with some beautiful wood at insanely cheap prices!
15$ a neck and 40$ a body, the regular prices are from 70-200$! For anyone interested here's the link: http://www.guitarfetish.com/Factory-Buyout-Clearance-Sale_c_411.html
They have 97 listings right now including many finished and unfinished necks/ bodies. I chose unfinished so I get the pleasure of picking and applying a finish!
Now I just need to buy all the electronics + other things in needs. All in all this guitar should cost 100-200$ and I have a feeling it will be great!

 Those are the body/ neck I went with. I already have some of the pickups/ wires + other stuff I will need but I plan to pimp this baby out!
Anyways probably not many people here interested but I am very excited and maybe some of you like the idea of assembling a guitar for super cheap!
It is pretty easy supposedly, if you buy a finished neck/ body you literally just need to screw them together and do some simple soldering/ wiring.
Or just pay someone to do it for you but that may be pricey.
-------------------- Don't worry about me, I've got all that I need. And I'm singing my song to the sky You know how it feels, With the breeze of the sun in your eyes. Not minding that time's passing by I've got all and more, My smile, just as before. Is all that I carry with me I talk to myself, I need nobody else. I'm lost and I'm mine, yes I'm free
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Huskies
Boop More Snoots



Registered: 03/22/16
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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: musiclover420]
#23795365 - 11/02/16 05:57 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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I bought a very similar set up from them a few years ago, note that it might not be ready to be assembled, the floyd rose cavity for example wasn't routed for the bridge that I got and the neck fit was not very good.
Make sure everything fits and has the right place before you start assembling it or doing the paintjob!
-------------------- I call them Huskies cause you tell them to go "Mush! Mush""
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musiclover420
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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: Huskies]
#23795375 - 11/02/16 05:59 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Huskies said: I bought a very similar set up from them a few years ago, note that it might not be ready to be assembled, the floyd rose cavity for example wasn't routed for the bridge that I got and the neck fit was not very good.
Make sure everything fits and has the right place before you start assembling it or doing the paintjob!
Yeah I have thought about that a bit. I know I will need to do a lot of sanding prior to finishing and will definitely make sure everything fits.
For the price I couldn't resist though Worst case scenario I can try flipping the neck/ body locally 
Did you make sure to buy the right sized neck for the body? Was it too big or too narrow? I imagine only the latter would be a serious issue.
-------------------- Don't worry about me, I've got all that I need. And I'm singing my song to the sky You know how it feels, With the breeze of the sun in your eyes. Not minding that time's passing by I've got all and more, My smile, just as before. Is all that I carry with me I talk to myself, I need nobody else. I'm lost and I'm mine, yes I'm free
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Psilosopherr
A psilly goose



Registered: 02/15/12
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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: musiclover420]
#23795377 - 11/02/16 06:00 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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Very cool project, sure would feel amazing to craft an instrument from scratch.
There's gotta be some simple one from antiquity to make, anyway, rambling.
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Huskies
Boop More Snoots



Registered: 03/22/16
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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: musiclover420]
#23795379 - 11/02/16 06:01 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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If I remember correctly the neck was too snug and didnt make full contact in the slot, like, there was a gap the girth of a pick or something, which I think I fixed by sanding.
I ended up doing a paintjob on it before realizing that the bridge was fucked and nothing ever came out of it! oops.
Best of luck though!
-------------------- I call them Huskies cause you tell them to go "Mush! Mush""
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Repertoire89
Cat



Registered: 11/15/12
Posts: 21,773
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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: musiclover420]
#23795389 - 11/02/16 06:03 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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Making instruments is fun
I'd love to make a classical guitar from scratch, and a violin Maybe make a bowed instrument with a gourd, stuff like that
Don't have the time, money or patience atm
Have fun with that
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musiclover420
psychonaut



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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: Repertoire89]
#23795405 - 11/02/16 06:08 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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I am prepared for lots of sanding so hopefully that is the bulk of the work it needs 
What about the bridge was fucked? Like the routing was messed up or the bridge you tried installing was?
Thanks, I may need some luck! I plan to take it slow and think everything out before I get to work on it.
Still not sure how I will want to drill the controls for example, pretty stoked I get to decide that myself though! Probably going to try something crazy 
Quote:
rbalzer said: Very cool project, sure would feel amazing to craft an instrument from scratch.
There's gotta be some simple one from antiquity to make, anyway, rambling.
I have always liked the idea but never realized it could be done for so cheap. After reading many people state it is surprisingly easy I figured I should try.
What do you mean about the antiquity? I plan on using some old school clear finish to bring out the wood grain nicely, maybe tru oil or something.Quote:
Repertoire89 said: Making instruments is fun
I'd love to make a classical guitar from scratch, and a violin Maybe make a bowed instrument with a gourd, stuff like that
Don't have the time, money or patience atm
Have fun with that
The link I posted has archtop guitar bodies/ necks for 50$~ each, one day I may have to give that a go! A classical guitar would be tough I bet!
-------------------- Don't worry about me, I've got all that I need. And I'm singing my song to the sky You know how it feels, With the breeze of the sun in your eyes. Not minding that time's passing by I've got all and more, My smile, just as before. Is all that I carry with me I talk to myself, I need nobody else. I'm lost and I'm mine, yes I'm free
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mandrin13
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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: musiclover420]
#23795621 - 11/02/16 07:20 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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I will be checking back in
-------------------- Even Jesus got stoned.
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Psilosopherr
A psilly goose



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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: musiclover420]
#23796174 - 11/02/16 10:41 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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Antiquity, olden/medieval times. I've been reading about ancient instruments for the better part of the night now thanks to you, some varieties of lyre look feasible to construct.
Or a flute
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musiclover420
psychonaut



Registered: 11/06/12
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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: Psilosopherr]
#23796369 - 11/02/16 11:47 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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I meant to try and make some bamboo flutes this summer but never got around to it. I still really want to though, would be a cool thing to make!
You should read up on the electric aspect of instruments too possibly, it is equally fascinating to me at least ant not all super complex.
If you made a lyre or something you could install a piezoelectric pickup in it and a simple amplifier or plug it into an amp. Not necessary but pretty cool.
I want to do it with a drum, like a wooden rhythm box with a piezo/ amp that would have a volume control and possibly a low/mid/high passive EQ.
That is my dream percussion idea I hope to make a reality one day Need to learn more about how to work with piezos/ electronics and wood first though.
-------------------- Don't worry about me, I've got all that I need. And I'm singing my song to the sky You know how it feels, With the breeze of the sun in your eyes. Not minding that time's passing by I've got all and more, My smile, just as before. Is all that I carry with me I talk to myself, I need nobody else. I'm lost and I'm mine, yes I'm free
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zZZz
jesus


Registered: 12/28/07
Posts: 33,478
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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: musiclover420]
#23796377 - 11/02/16 11:50 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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subscribed  
i've always wanted to modify a guitar like add a bunch of gadgets to mess with the sound, i wanna take some electronics classes tho so i know what im doing..
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musiclover420
psychonaut



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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: zZZz]
#23796400 - 11/02/16 11:56 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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I have done a bit of modding but mostly just swapping pickups, I did install one really cool stratocaster mod but I only have it partly working right.
It is a 7? way rotating switch that works with the 5 way switch to give like 10-15 different pickup combos instead of the usual 5.
Really cool mod and only 35$ I believe! I need to re do it eventually to try and get it fully working but enough of it does that I haven't bothered 
Another really cool mod is adding a MIDI set up to a guitar, sadly it is still really expensive but you can then connect your guitar to a synthesizer and or computer and play piano/ organ or whatever the hell you want on guitar! Here is one:
Fishman Triple Play Wireless MIDI Guitar System Demo - Sweetwater Sound
When their price goes down I am really looking forward to trying one out eventually 
Anyways some mods are pretty damn easy honestly, get a cheap ass guitar and pimp it out man! It is a ton of fun. Just need a soldering iron pretty much.
-------------------- Don't worry about me, I've got all that I need. And I'm singing my song to the sky You know how it feels, With the breeze of the sun in your eyes. Not minding that time's passing by I've got all and more, My smile, just as before. Is all that I carry with me I talk to myself, I need nobody else. I'm lost and I'm mine, yes I'm free
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zZZz
jesus


Registered: 12/28/07
Posts: 33,478
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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: musiclover420]
#23796417 - 11/03/16 12:07 AM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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well i have a cheap guitar and soldering iron, so i will have to look into that, also that midi gadget looks pretty sweet man no lie, i like how it can record ur the notes u play.. the dude in the video tho be like "nobody wants to poke things out on a piano" like straight up trying to sell us sumshit, i love poking things out on the piano!
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musiclover420
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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: zZZz]
#23796485 - 11/03/16 12:48 AM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
zZZz said: well i have a cheap guitar and soldering iron, so i will have to look into that, also that midi gadget looks pretty sweet man no lie, i like how it can record ur the notes u play.. the dude in the video tho be like "nobody wants to poke things out on a piano" like straight up trying to sell us sumshit, i love poking things out on the piano! 
One thing to consider is common solder had lead in it so make sure to do it outdoors and or with a fan blowing the air away from you. Goggles are also smart.
I did it inside a handful of times as it is very rainy here and never noticed anything really but it definitely made me paranoid. I bought some lead free solder but I don't know if it's really much better It is pretty easy to avoid the fumes though and for most connections you only need like 30 seconds or less to heat up the solder and connect whatever.
The midi stuff is the future of music I think as synths are. I love oldschool stuff too like pianos and guitars but they are being assimilated 
That video was pretty funny, I think I have seen that guy do other demo's. Guitarists are often pretty quirky and he is no exception 
What kind of guitar do you have? If it used humbuckers I highly recommend you try these upgrades: http://www.ebay.com/itm/141996971296?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&var=441110054717&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
If you don't know much about pickups P90s are basically in between oldschool single coils and humbuckers. They sound the best IMO and even on a cheap guitar can really bring out your playing. I put one in the neck of a cheap epiphone SG I have and it has been the main guitar I have practiced on since I bought 2 though so I plan to put the other in a nicer guitar soon Those are P90's sized for humbuckers.
-------------------- Don't worry about me, I've got all that I need. And I'm singing my song to the sky You know how it feels, With the breeze of the sun in your eyes. Not minding that time's passing by I've got all and more, My smile, just as before. Is all that I carry with me I talk to myself, I need nobody else. I'm lost and I'm mine, yes I'm free
Edited by musiclover420 (11/03/16 12:50 AM)
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zZZz
jesus


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Posts: 33,478
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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: musiclover420]
#23796538 - 11/03/16 01:33 AM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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musiclover420
psychonaut



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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: zZZz]
#23796556 - 11/03/16 02:00 AM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
zZZz said: interesting 
i have this guitar..
https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/behringer-electric-guitar-strat-style/1171566740
I didn't know Behringer made guitars! I bet that thing is pretty solid for the $ 
Strats can be a bit more annoying to work on as there are 3 pickups to replace and to work on them you have to take the pickguard off. It's simple though just takes a bit more time.
They make pre wired pick guards you can just swap on but I am not sure if any will fit the pick guard on yours. It might not even need an electronic upgrade necessarily 
Nicer pickups/ wiring can make a big difference though. If you consider nicer pickups I could recommend you a good seller or two for your money.
Here are the strat pickup selection mods I was talking about, I bought the Chromacaster one: http://www.deaf-eddie.net/buyit.html
Might be a bit hard place to start but they come with step by step instructions and you can always re wire it how it was.
-------------------- Don't worry about me, I've got all that I need. And I'm singing my song to the sky You know how it feels, With the breeze of the sun in your eyes. Not minding that time's passing by I've got all and more, My smile, just as before. Is all that I carry with me I talk to myself, I need nobody else. I'm lost and I'm mine, yes I'm free
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mctaveesh
StrangerInAStrangeLand



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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: musiclover420]
#23797864 - 11/03/16 02:24 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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I've always wanted to build a guitar. Put my own style into the paint job and everything...
But I'm in desperate need of a guitar, and I'm looking for some kind of cheap guitar to buy first. I had an Epi Les Paul and it broke. Arghhh not being able to play is killing me.
I went to Guitar Center yesterday to look for a relatively cheap guitar to buy soon. Looking at maybe an Ibanez or a PRS SE model.
Good luck man. Can't wait to see what it looks like when it's done. Custom built guitars are just some of the coolest things someone can create.
--------------------
LogicaL Chaos said: "humans are like cubes, lots of strains but cubes a cube. Not much difference really."
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LobsterSauce


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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: mctaveesh]
#23797878 - 11/03/16 02:29 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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Check facebook free your stuff groups for your area.
You'd a shoddy but playable acoustic for 20 bucks in an emergency.
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mctaveesh
StrangerInAStrangeLand



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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: LobsterSauce]
#23797891 - 11/03/16 02:34 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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Mmm yeah I'm looking around Ebay and found a few good pieces.
There's also a garage sale thing in my neighborhood this month so maybe I'll get lucky and find something decent.
I need an electric, too. I can play acoustic, but the electric is really what I'm addicted to and love. I'll probably put in around $400 or so and have one in a month or two.
It's killing me though, but I can wait a little bit for a half-way decent setup.
--------------------
LogicaL Chaos said: "humans are like cubes, lots of strains but cubes a cube. Not much difference really."
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Revok
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Re: Putting together a guitar for the first time (for cheap) [Re: musiclover420]
#23797900 - 11/03/16 02:37 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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Is that a couple of humbuckers in a single coil?
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