Shaping a guitar body, but using kits for the rest

partydave

Hi guys,
I am toying with the idea of building/constructing my own guitar.
Been fiddling around on the internet, but all the kits seem to be of poor-ish quality.
So I had a brainfart, why not buy one of those kits, chuck the body and shape your own body from a decent slab of wood.

Does this make sense to do?

I was looking at Blackbeards kits, any thoughts on quality?

Stoffeltoo

Black beards Quality? Dunno, never done a kit. But to your idea, thumbs up, has been done by famous peeps.
Bryan May comes to mind who built his guitar from an old oak fire place mantle piece. So from me a thumbs up and go for it!

Shibbibilybob

Are you looking to build an electric guitar?
Why not just make a neck? I know guys shy away from it, but with some assistance it isn't too hard.
I know a few dudes who could help if you're into that approach.

Otherwise maybe this is an idea too?
http://www.warmoth.com/Guitar/Necks/Warmoth/Warmoth/ChooseConstruction.aspx
http://www.stewmac.com/Materials_and_Supplies/Bodies_and_Necks_and_Wood/Electric_Guitar_Bodies_and_Necks_and_Wood/

partydave

I'm not too interested in attempting a neck, dunno why.
For some reason I just feel the need to do the body myself. Seems like you get the emotional connection and not have to worry about the really difficult part.

The other option is to buy a Blackbeard LP kit and finish it the way I want, but I think they are basswood. Too bright for my tastes

G-Man

I think it could work, you will be able to use the diy body as a reference for your routing and drilling.

As for quality, I have no idea but I would assume that it would be chinese made like the entry level stuff you find on ibanez gio models etc

Have you considered a gumtree special? You might find a better quality guitar with better electronics and a decent neck. I bought an incomplete 7 string ibanez for 800 bucks with a hardcase, spent 500 - 600 on refinishing and decals and it plays so well.

Will be interesting whatever you decide, keep us posted ?

Werner232

I've bought a Blackbeard's Den kit awhile ago. Its a decent kit but you have to fill the body. It has a lot of small tool marks from the production process. Oh and the tuning machines are not that great. I contacted TerryD for replacement of those and I have a pretty decent guitar. ?