Introduction: Build a Custom Electric Guitar

This is a picture of my "not so complete guitar" but it is a start... I always loved old school rock and also most modern rock and recently am learning I just thought my old used guitar could use a "makeover"

Step 1: Design

Find a design. I used a Paul Stanley aka Star Child design, but you can Google different designs. find one you like next sketch the design on to a poster board. make sure you like the look, feel, and make sure that it will be comfortable!!! next get some MDF from home depot. I used 1/2" and another piece of 3/4" (shown in picture). but trace the design you drew onto both pieces wood. now the power tools!!! cut the designs out w/ either a 1. a ban saw 2. a saber saw or 3. scroll saw. both of the pieces don't have to be perfect just similar. (I'll explain later)

Step 2: Gadgets

I used old switches and gadgets but I'm pretty sure they can be bought at Radioshack (I love Radioshack) but I have 1 switch 4 knobs and one female / output jack. to put it together you will need some wiring diagrams (below) these are the wiring diagrams I used not to hard to understand. after your drive to Radioshack stop over at Lowes or home depot and pick up some heavy duty plexi glass. this is where the hum bucks and knobs etc are going to go.

Step 3: Componet Resting Spots

the componets need to be IN the guitar so you need to cut a place for them I used the 3/4" piece to cut into (more space see picture) the plexi glass pieces will rest on top of the holes. after cutting the plexi glass to the shape desired place them where you want them to go now take a drill bit and drill holes in both the plexi glass and the the wood ( these holes are for the screws to hold the plexi to the wood) during this step you should also dremel a pathway from the hum bucks to the componets to do this I used my dremel tool along with a drill bit. I made a line / cut with the dremel and a straight edge. then I placed the needed wires in the cut then glued the 1/2" piece on top. (also w/ the 3/4" you need to cut a place for the Neck of the guitar!!!!)

Step 4: Knobs

for the knobs I needed 4 of the same thing and keep it cheap you can buy knobs at Radioshack or else ware but instead I used 4 plain white dice cool, cheap and I have a few extra (if I screw up or something) all I did was take my drill press and dill a hole the size of the top of the knobs. later when every things good and settled I'll put a dab of hot glue to keep it more secure. I use hot gleu because it will be easy to rip off if necessary.

Step 5: Whats Next?!?!

well from the pic you can see that, thats about as far as I've gotten (considering I started this in the winter and I hate working in the cold!!!) but next I have to drill holes for the string / chord holder and adjuster then cut the piece so both top and the bottom are the same shape, sand it smooth paint it's base coat, airbrush my design on it, and then clear coat it. shouldn't be to far down the road till this project is done. I'll update it later on. I know there are going to be millions of question so bring them on, I'll try to answer asap!! also I have no idea what design I should airbrush on, any ideas? send me a comment or message!!!! please, I really would like peoples input on that subject

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