Tips for building a guitar please

[jesserowlings]

I've decided to build a guitar. I'm going to buy all the parts (already got the body, strat style) i was just wondering if anybody had any tips?

[Ed91]

Ok, I'm probably not going to be much help to you, as I've never built one from scratch, but oddly enough, I was thinking about it recently, too. I think the most obvious thing would be to go for a body that takes a bolt on neck, otherwise things may get a bit messy for a first build.

Also, you may want to see if you can take a look at the insides of a similar guitar to the one you want to build and take note of the wiring so you have an idea of how you're going to wire yours up.

I guess the last thing i'd say is not to overlook the need for the little things like pick guard/plate screws, pickup bolts/springs/rings etc - do Strat necks come with a top nut? I doubt it..

I'll be interested as to what someone with more experience has to say.
Good luck!

[Edit: Sorry, i didn't read that you'd already got the body]

[Edit #2: Just a thought, but you'll probably need to know how to adjust the setup, too. Things like Intonation, and the Truss rod may (likely will) need to be set. If you don't know about adjusting those already, it's probably a good idea to read up on it.

Ed

[Lordathestrings]

Search for threads by RobSM. He's built several guitars from scratch, and he documented the whole process online.

[JaxMusicSupply]

Not a project for the faint of heart. Especially if you are not building from a kit. If you are not set on the route you are taking now, I know Saga offers complete kits. This is a good entry point.

If you want to buy parts separately, there are several good parts places. I would check out http://www.stewmac.com/. They sell kits, tools, almost anything you need to build your own instrument.

Best of luck,

Jack

http://www.JaxMusicSupply.com
http://jaxmusicsupply.blogspot.com

[Lordathestrings]

Stewmac is great for luthier tools. I'd take a look at Warmoth for a better selection of guitar pieces.

[jimdkc]

The Warmoth website is amazing! I love it!

Carvin also sells guitar kits. Everything is included. Might be a good way to start!

http://www.carvin.com/

Jim