Free Instructions on How to Build an Acoustic Bass Guitar

Build your own acoustic bass guitar.

Building an acoustic bass guitar is something that will give you a great feeling of satisfaction, especially if you plan to play the instrument yourself. It's not a simple process, though, so prepare for some hard work. Be sure to set aside a clean, well-lit space to work, and be prepared to patiently work through the tasks to produce your own bass guitar.

Things You'll Need

• Semi-finished bass guitar neck and body
• Electric drill
• Electric router
• Stain and lacquer
• Truss rod
• Finger board
• Frets
• Small rubber mallet
• Molding
• Superglue in a brush-on container
• Tuning pegs

Instructions

1. Buy a semi-finished bass guitar neck and body from your local guitar shop.

2. Drill tuning keyholes in the headstock (the wider end of the neck of the guitar, where the tuning pegs are attached). Make sure you cut the laminate covering for the headstock so that the holes match.

3. Widen the tops of the holes with a router. The holes have to be large enough to accept the hardware bracing (some necks come with the holes pre-drilled).

4. Stain the neck and headstock, and finish with a water-resistant lacquer.

5. Glue the truss rod in place on the back of the neck, or simply place it in the channel and use caulk to prevent rattling. Tape over the opening during the rest of the construction process.

6. Glue the fingerboard down with the brush-on super glue. Pat it down and make sure it is straight. You can use a bit of light-grit sandpaper to smooth out the rough spots.

7. Tap the frets into place with a rubber mallet. A file is handy to remove rough edges on the metal frets.

8. Stain the body of the guitar, and use lacquer as a second protective coat after it dries.

9. Attach the bridge (the part that lies just below the sound hole and holds the end of the strings) to the guitar with super glue. Glue the nut (the place at just before the headstock where the strings lie in grooves) the top of the neck.

10. Connect the neck to the body, and then glue the molding throughout.

11. Attach the tuning keys/pegs to your guitar. Tie the strings properly, then tune your guitar, one string at a time. You are now ready to play your acoustic bass guitar!

References

• Build Your Guitar: Guitar Building Links
• Musical Instrument Makers Forum

Resources

• Lutherie Information Website: For Builders of Stringed Musical Instruments