Want to build my first guitar, a Firebird.

[klg1128]

Hello all. I am in the process of gathering intel for building my first guitar, a Firebird particularly. I'd like to make the body and neck, and I've already chosen the electronics. The body, I feel, won't be too difficult for me as I have a good amount of experience in wood working. The neck, however, I feel like it is daunting. I would really like to make my own neck, the truss rod and frets are where I need advice. I would appreciate any tips, recommended tools, and websites that have good affordable parts (bridge & tailpiece, tuners, fret material, inlays, and of course the wood). Also, would this be possible by using just hand-held tools? Like just a router, jigsaw, circular saw, power drill, and sander? I really appreciate any help I can get. Thanks in advance bros .
-Ken

 

[JeffBlue]

Stewart-MacDonald has DVD instructional videos on how-to on many different facets of instrument making. As well as specific tools for the job.

 

[RaSTuS26]

Don't forget the Luthiers Corner section, lot's of great build threads in there.

 

[klg1128]

Don't forget the Luthiers Corner section, lot's of great build threads in there.

Ah, thanks! I assumed everything in The Les Paul section was for Les Pauls only, I'll post this there as well.

 

[kysrsoze]

That's awesome. Go for it. Are you going to do set-neck or neck-thru? Gibson Firebirds are neck-thru, but Epiphone has done some set-neck models.

I want to start building too. I have a friend who has some experience with necks and pickup winding, and we're planning to build geetars together. I'm thinking about doing an Explorer b/c I love them, they're slab-bodied (easier than a carved top) and I don't have one.

There are plenty of fretting videos on ewetube. One piece of advice... you do not need to purchase about 95% of the tools Stew Mac sells. You want to find out wht you REALLY need and what will work, like a good straight-edge that costs a fraction of the notched straight edge they sell. Hell, you can even make your own, and your own radius gauge. There are also ebay sellers who will sell you an inexpensive radius sanding block. Thee are lots of low-dollar options out there which will allow you to spend more $$$ on good wood and electronics, so be sure to ask around.

 

[slapshot]

word
a cpl of 'specialist' tools here & there are required/makelifeasier but for the most part they're just putting the word "luthier" in front of hardware store tools & charging a fortune

 

[klg1128]

That's awesome. Go for it. Are you going to do set-neck or neck-thru? Gibson Firebirds are neck-thru, but Epiphone has done some set-neck models.

I want to start building too. I have a friend who has some experience with necks and pickup winding, and we're planning to build geetars together. I'm thinking about doing an Explorer b/c I love them, they're slab-bodied (easier than a carved top) and I don't have one.

There are plenty of fretting videos on ewetube. One piece of advice... you do not need to purchase about 95% of the tools Stew Mac sells. You want to find out wht you REALLY need and what will work, like a good straight-edge that costs a fraction of the notched straight edge they sell. Hell, you can even make your own, and your own radius gauge. There are also ebay sellers who will sell you an inexpensive radius sanding block. Thee are lots of low-dollar options out there which will allow you to spend more $$$ on good wood and electronics, so be sure to ask around.

word
a cpl of 'specialist' tools here & there are required/makelifeasier but for the most part they're just putting the word "luthier" in front of hardware store tools & charging a fortune

Exactly what I was thinking. I don't see why I can't make due with what I have and improvise other tools. The only tools I have yet to acquire are a router, some clamps, a straight edge, a caliper, strong wood glue, and various bits for the power drill and router. Also, the paint. Any brand and finish preferences?

 

[takeitslow]

Hi,

I'm rather busy building mine too so I can't guarantee a fast answer but don't ever hesitate. I'll try to answer...
From that...





With some glue I've been through that...












And now I'm at...







getting close to the end... Great guitar to build even without big big machines. Some things would have been easier for sure but with almost hand tools it's possible...

PS Any idea where to get chrome "vintage" size pickup rings?

 

[klg1128]

Looks awesome man!! Can't wait for finished pics.

 

[lunchie]

I am 0/2 in building necks. I keep trying to do my own thing instead of following the guide of what other people who know what they are doing . I highly suggest do it right the first time because after probably 20 hours worth of work, I still am neckless.

This is the rough cut of mine. Its been put on the back burner although hopefully this fall I will get the itch to get it done.

 

[kysrsoze]

Hi,

I'm rather busy building mine too so I can't guarantee a fast answer but don't ever hesitate. I'll try to answer...
From that...

...

getting close to the end... Great guitar to build even without big big machines. Some things would have been easier for sure but with almost hand tools it's possible...

PS Any idea where to get chrome "vintage" size pickup rings?

OMG, Dude. That looks outstanding. Tell me that's not your first build.

 

[takeitslow]

...Tell me that's not your first build.

No, my second one...

More seriously, it all started with this one, a walnut-mahoganyLP DC






Then with this one that was a neck through ash-mahogany





that lead to this never finished one flamed maple-mahogany back





Just because I started an acoustic that I liked best, sitka-indian rosewood





Got me addicted...

So an adi-lacewood





Then a present for my sister's son, bearclaw sitka-padauk






And then goes a redwood-tasmanian blackwood





And another neck through headless present made of maple-mahogany-bubinga





And while I was waiting for the lacquer to cure of these two...
Sitka-Higuerilla



Alpine spruce-cocobolo





I started this maple-mahogany Firebird...

 

[tin dirigible]

D@mnit, I wish Takeitslow was my uncle!
Very nice work, I hope you have a build thread going in the luthier section for the Firebird!