How Does
How Is an Electric Guitar Built?
Guitar Neck
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The guitar-building process begins with the neck. A quarter-sawn piece of lumber, often rock maple, is cut to an appropriate length and milled on one side to match the neck's intended playing profile. The other side is planed flat and grooved lengthwise to accept a truss rod. A headstock blank is glued to the end of the neck and cut to shape. Finally, a fingerboard blank is installed on top of the flat portion of the neck.
Guitar Body
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A guitar's body begins with at least two pieces of wood that are glued together to form a squared-off body blank. This blank is then cut to the desired shape, and a router is used to cut spaces for hardware. A pocket is cut at the top of the body to accept the neck, which is then glued or bolted into place.
Guitars with necks that extend through the entire body are formed by initially gluing the body blanks to an unfinished extension of the neck. The body can then be shaped and cut for hardware installation.
Finishes and Hardware
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A guitar is finished before hardware is installed. First, a grain-filler is rubbed into the wood to form a regular surface for the finish. Stain or color paint is then sprayed onto the guitar in several coats, followed by several more coats of lacquer or varnish to provide a hard, protective surface.
After the finish is completed, hardware and electronics are installed, and the guitar can be set up and inspected.
eHow Article: How Is an Electric Guitar Built?
