In this episode of DIY Guitar Making, I talk about the neck carving jig that I use, and the reasons why I think it is a better way to shape and contour a guitar neck. I also show you how to build this simple jig. Want more of this? Subscribe below for Weekly Guitar Making […]
Author: Eric Schaefer
Why are Acoustic Guitar Bodies Tapered?
In this episode of DIY Guitar Making, I talk about the radius of the soundboard and back plate, and the body depth taper from tail block to neck block as a design feature of acoustic guitars. Want more of this? Subscribe below for Weekly Guitar Making Tips from DIY Guitarmaking Want to really learn more!? […]
Building a Guitar in 8 Days – A Recap of the 2018 Workshops
A recap of all the 2018 Acoustic Guitar Building Workshops at Eric Schaefer Guitars! Building a Guitar in 8 Days – A Recap of the 2018 Workshops from Eric Schaefer on Vimeo. Want more of this? Subscribe below for Weekly Guitar Making Tips from DIY Guitarmaking Want to really learn more!? Take a class […]
CITES II Updates – What to Expect for Luthiers and Traveling Musicians
I discuss the potential of CITES II updates for 2019 and specifically appendix II rosewood and how these changes affect luthiers and traveling musicians. I also give a nice little rant about rosewood obsession at the end. Want more of this? Subscribe below for Weekly Guitar Making Tips from DIY Guitarmaking Want to really […]
CITES Guide for Luthiers and Traveling Musicians
All Rosewood is under Appendix II protection of CITES. What is CITES? How does it affect us as luthiers, instrument dealers, and traveling musicians? I answer all this and more in this informal guide. Disclaimer: This is not an official source on CITES. CITES Guide for Luthiers and Traveling Musicians from Eric Schaefer […]
Six tools I recommend for 2019
I discuss a selection of tools that have been a very welcome addition to my shop. These tools are not the “necessary” tools of luthiers, but rather, tools that make guitar building more efficient, more precise, or just plain fun. The Tools: – Rolling Pin Sander from Elevate Lutherie – Robo-sander – Japanese Curved Edge […]
Three Hacks to Improve the Flow in a Luthier’s Workshop
This episode is about improving comfort and efficiency in your guitar building workshop. I share 3 “hacks” that I’ve used to alter my environment for a better flow. 1. Radius dish workstation 2. A go-bar deck that goes 3. Workbench lightbox My instructional article for building the workbench lightbox: https://ericschaeferguitars.com/install-a-workbench-light-box/ Want more of this? Subscribe […]
Why tonewoods do not impact tone on electric guitars
That’s right. The concept of tonewoods as applied to solidbody electric guitars is a myth. I explain how the original concept of tonewoods as applied to acoustic guitars is taken out of context and used to infer that the choice of wood for a solid body guitar actually matters. Please share this video with someone […]
Guitarmaking Q&A for October 2018
Today’s topics include: bending florentine cutaways, sourcing guitar plans, creating headstock inlays, deciding the dimensions of a mortise and tenon, installing fretboard inlays on a finished guitar, radiusing fretwire, and radiusing the soundbox. Want more of this? Subscribe below for Weekly Guitar Making Tips from DIY Guitarmaking Want to really learn more!? Take a […]
Side Bending Machine Basics Part 3
In this series, I talk about bending guitar sides with a side bending machine as opposed to bending by hand around a hot pipe. I talk about the pros, the cons, and the practical tips on bending wood. And I demonstrate my side bending procedure with the side bending machine. In this third and final […]