In this FULL BUILD episode of DIY Guitar Making, we go on a journey! This 2 part series details the process of designing, jigmaking, building and finishing 2 size 1 Parlor guitars, Guitar #86 and Guitar #87. In this first part we cover the design and jigmaking stage, the construction of the soundbox, preparing the […]
Author: Eric Schaefer
Q&A | Saddle Height, Lint in Finish, Why is My Saddle so long?, and More!
In this episode of DIY Guitar Making, I answer YOUR questions! Questions/Topics: – Soundhole Binding – Bone nut/saddle porosity – Saddle height – vacuum bags for laminating sides – solid linings – fixing misplaced fretboard dots – carbon fiber humbucker covers – sanding the contour of the bridge wings – how to deal with lint […]
What is my Next Guitar Build?
In this episode of DIY Guitar Making, I talk about my recent trip to Hearne Hardwoods sourcing some Black Walnut, Sitka Spruce, Redwood, Honduran Mahogany and more. I also reveal the next two builds that I will be working on going into 2024! 🔴 All episodes available at diyguitarmaking.com 🔴 Register for an 9 day […]
Q&A | Shrinkage Cracks in the Top, Purfling Materials, Nut Slotting and More!
In this episode of DIY Guitar Making, I answer YOUR questions! Questions/Topics: – Soundboard cracks and humidity – Eastern White Cedar for Tops – Purfling materials for a headplate – How deep to cut your nut slots – The role of patience and perseverance in lutherie – more suggestions on what I should build next! […]
Q&A | My next build, how to store wood, planers vs. jointers, and more!
In this episode of DIY Guitar Making, I answer YOUR questions! Topics/Questions: – Slide Guitar Nut Compensation – Buy a planer or a jointer first? – Stewmac side bending machines – What should me next build be? – Best way to store wood – bridge plates – Quilted Mahogany – Soundboard radius in the upper […]
Q&A | “The Tree” Mahogany, Bending Solid Linings, Fretboard Radii for Acoustics and More!
In this episode of DIY Guitar Making, I answer YOUR questions! Topics/Questions: – Flattening the top radius in the upper bout to glue the fretboard tongue – Bending solid linings or laminating solid linings – What is the lowest fretboard radius used for acoustic guitars? – Bosch Colt trim routers – The story of “The […]
Q&A | Nut Compensation, Buying a Planer, Bridge Repairs and More
In this episode of DIY Guitar Making, I am answering YOUR questions! Topics include: – What Material Choices have made a noticeable difference, tonally? – An Acoustic Bridge replacement – When to Install Frets? – Adding Compensation at the Nut – What’s the next Build? – Uses for the Planer – Buying Fretboards versus Making […]
Making a Fretboard from Scratch
In this episode of DIY Guitar Making, I am prepping an Ebony fingerboard blank for the upcoming Acoustic Guitar Build Workshops. I demonstrate the use of the planer to thickness the blank, the power slotting method for fret slots on the table saw, and then discuss the process of shaping the taper and the fretboard […]
Q&A | How much Inlay is Too Much, Making a Saddle Slotting Jig, Tool Flatness and More!
In this episode of DIY Guitar Making, I answer YOUR questions! – Guitar Builds & Workflow – Inlays – Tool Flatness & Tool Maintenance – Bridge Plates & Materials – Saddle Slot DIY – 13 Fret Guitar – Fretboard Process – Scale Length and Jigs 🔴 All episodes available at diyguitarmaking.com 🔴 Register for an […]
Q&A | Woodstock Show, Gluing frets, Automotive Finishes and More!
In this episode of DIY Guitar Making, I answer YOUR questions! 🔴 All episodes available at diyguitarmaking.com 🔴 Register for an 9 day Hands-On Guitar Building Workshop in Bernville, Pennsylvania: https://ericschaeferguitars.com/learn-to-build-your-own-guitar/ 🔴 Check out the online course “Building an OM Acoustic”: https://ericschaeferguitars.com/course/building-an-om-acoustic/ 🔴 To commission an instrument from Eric: https://ericschaeferguitars.com/instruments-ordering/ 🔴 Check out the Radial […]