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 second part I […]
Author: Eric Schaefer
Side Bending Machine Basics Part 1 – Building Forms
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 first part I […]
Sapele vs Mahogany: A Comprehensive Review
I use a lot of Sapele here in the shop! I talk about my experiences and those of my students with using Sapele including how it bends, how it carves, the aesthetics, and it’s mechanical properties. Want more of this? Subscribe below for Weekly Guitar Making Tips from DIY Guitarmaking Want to really learn […]
Guitarmaking Q&A for August 3rd, 2018
Today’s topics include: carbon fiber inserts and truss rods, intonation and compensation, hiding fractures and splits in the plates, building your own thickness sander and more… Want more of this? Subscribe below for Weekly Guitar Making Tips from DIY Guitarmaking Want to really learn more!? Take a class with Eric Schaefer and build your […]
How a Truss Rod Actually Works
See what a truss rod actually does when you turn it clockwise and counter clockwise! I talk about single action and double action truss rods and I show how the truss rod functions inside your guitar’s neck, whether the adjustment is through the soundhole or at the headstock. Want more of this? Subscribe below for […]
14 Mistakes to avoid when building your first acoustic guitar
I talk about some of the mistakes that beginner luthiers make on their first acoustic guitar. #1 using woods of opportunity or reclaimed wood #2 using expensive wood #3 using highly figured wood #4 biting off more than you can chew #5 buying tools in bulk #6 skipping the dry run #7 using dull edge […]
Creating a Unique Bridge Design: Part 2
I walk you through the process of designing a unique bridge shape for my new model of guitars. In this second part, I mark out the saddle location, locate the bridge in the guitar, widen the saddle slot and set the bridge pin holes so that they are evenly spaced and parallel to the saddle […]
Creating a Unique Bridge Design: Part 1
I walk you through the process of designing a unique bridge shape for my new model of guitars. In this first part, I draw out the bridge shape with french curves, trace out copies of the design on a light box and lay out the other dimensions of my plans in preparation for marking out […]
Extensive wood repair beneath a Floyd Rose bridge
Someone brought a Stratocaster to my shop with extensive damage beneath the tremolo bridge. Watch as I remove the split and damaged wood and patch in new wood to restore this guitar to playing condition! Want more of this? Subscribe below for Weekly Guitar Making Tips from DIY Guitarmaking Want to really learn […]
Six Guitar Playing Tips from a Guitar Maker
Let’s take a break from guitar building and talk about playing! I share some tips for optimizing the sound of every note you play. #1 Don’t smother the back #2 Don’t restrict the right hand to one area #3 Consider open notes over fretted notes #4 Play to the Instrument’s Strengths #5 Find your guitar’s […]