How to Build a Gibson SG Guitar
Gibson may arguably be the most popular name in electric guitars, synonymous with rock and roll in most of its incarnations. The Gibson SG, Gibson's basic and least complex electric guitar, has been played by such rock and roll legends as Eric Clapton of Cream and Pete Townsend of The Who. It ranges in available models from the traditional Standard, with its recognizable cherry finish, to the new SG Zoot Suit, decorated in multiple colors and designs. For many music enthusiasts, building an SG guitar will bring them the satisfaction of creating their own powerful instrument.
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Things You'll Need
- Template to build an SG guitar
- Wood shop and saw
- Parts for an electric guitar (including strings, tuners, wood etc)
- Guitar paint
Instructions
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Obtain all the materials needed for the completion of the guitar. Templates for building a guitar can be ordered from Internet sites such as guitarbuildingtemplates.com. Other materials are available on the Internet, at hardware stores or at music specialty stores. Be sure to be careful with your choice of wood, as some are heavier and thicker than others. The traditional Gibson SG Standard is made of mahogany.
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Gain access to the tools needed to complete the guitar, including wood saws and clamps to hold the wood in place. These types of tools can be purchased at a hardware store or on the Internet. These tools are also popular for any type of woodworking, so you or a friend may already have a number of the necessary tools in a garage or in other at-home work areas.
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Using the template, trace the outline of the guitar body onto wood and cut out the design using a wood saw or jigsaw.
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Decide where you want the pick-ups for amplification to be placed. These are most often located along one side of the body, though on certain specialized guitars they can be placed on the neck. Once you know where you want the pick-ups to be placed, cut out the holes. Be sure not to cut all the way through the body of the guitar, as the holes should only be deep enough to hold the pickups.
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Draw designs for the paint scheme onto the body; if you are using one solid color, you will not need to make any designs.
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Sand the wood for the body and neck of the guitar, then apply the paint. You may want to sand and apply a second coat after the first to ensure that the wood is completely smooth and covered with paint.
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Apply a sealing coat of clear paint to add a shiny look and to ensure that the wood is sealed from damage.
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When the paint has dried and you are satisfied with the look, wire all of the electronics into the guitar, including the pick-ups for the amplifier. Web sites such as 1728.com contain diagrams and tips for the electronic wiring. Some Internet forums (See Resources) will include tips and advice from people who have previously completed their own guitars. Many musical specialty stores will also be able to provide advice or instructions for properly wiring the guitar.
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Secure the neck to the body of the guitar. Must necks are bolted into place. Once the neck is secured, you can string the guitar and tune it. Test all of the electronics with an amplifier (and if you are looking to record, a recording device) to be sure they are working properly.
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Tips & Warnings
Always use proper protective gear when working with power tools. Using saws and electronics can always be dangerous, so be sure to follow proper safety guidelines.
