How To Make A Guitar : Part 3/3 - EVERY SINGLE STEP EXPLAINED
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- In 2021, ANYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE A GUITAR ! So here's a comprehensive guide to guitar making for anyone who's always dreamed of building a guitar from scratch, no matter if you already know your way around woodworking or not.
This is the final part of this building series aimed at absolute beginners!
We'll cover the neck alignment, the final details, the hardware installation, the electronics and more.
Making this tutorial was a lot of work, more than it takes to build a guitar I should say. But I'm glad I did it now, 15 months after my first build, because all the things I didn't know, all my mistakes, all the mishaps, all the uncertainties, to the last insignificant detail, are still very fresh in my mind. Those elements were the redline of this tutorial and hopefully they will help you plow through your first build ever :)
This is most likely going to be the only tutorial I'll ever make, unless you want me to teach you "how to mic a door using an AKG D112", or "how to use the footage of the same guitar to make 5 different videos on your youtube channel".
Jokes aside, I learned woodworking and guitar making only thanks to the internet.
So dear internet, with this contribution, wouldn't you say we're even ?
I don't have a Patreon, or anything of that sort, if you liked the video and want to support me, just show it to a friend who once vaguely talked to you about wanting to build a guitar.
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LINKS
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Wood :
www.madinter.com/
Electronics wiring tutorials:
/ sixstringsupplies
Finish:
www.rubiomonoc...
used in this video: Rubio monocoat precolor intense black / Rubio monocoat 2C oil white
Thanks for watching!
If you want to, you can follow me on Instagram @ tchiksguitars
(also if you do decide to build a guitar, do tag me on the final beauty shots, that would mean a lot to me)
Fun fact: I keep getting back to my own youtube videos because I keep forgetting how I do things. This is one of those times so I thought I'd stop by in the comment section to say hello ...
So hello.
Just watched this, I have been contemplating whether to build a guitar as a summer project and I think I will now! Either an orange tele or an orange Ibanez. Thank you for the inspiration :)
Thanks for this series. Mission accomplished on demystifying the build process. Is there any way to support your channel?
You like orange
Watching the videos and sharing them is more than enough :)
Just dropped by for the same reason…
"If you have a router, or have a friend who has a router, or even someone you don't like who happens to have a router, please don't do this by hand."
Sound advice, lol.
I'll have to buy a Router now. Then I'll know someone I don't like who has a router. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Self loathing humour, the best kind
I still can't get my head around how you did this with one hand in a cast. Quite literally, remarkable.
As someone said, don't underestimate the power of boredom
@@tchiksguitars that may be the best explanation ever.
I guess you could say pulled that off…
Single handedly??????????
that's why it's called a telecaster ;)
literally tele - 'caster' haha
Please, never delete these videos 'cause I'm going to use them to build my guitar! Thank you for sharing your knowledge
Never !
This was also my reaction. Been waiting a long time for something like this. Just found my plan for next year. To finally make my dream come true and build my own guitar
I love that you used "fretting hand" and "strumming hand" when giving directions. Makes it easier for us plebs to pull off the epic solo that is making our own guitar
My parents are genuinely concerned about the fact that they have noticed that I have stopped regular birdwatching. They start to suspect something.
Man
I love the fact that you just exist and do stuff.
Also I just realized that I spend more time thinking about woodworking than doing actual woodworking. I need to change those numbers ASAP
100% woodworking and 0% thinking is my current ratio !
I'm in the same boat... I need to just dive in head first... maybe a guitar?
I just finished my first guitar build ever today, and I was largely inspired by how straightforward and clear your first video was. I knew very little about woodworking and certainly hit some bumps along the road, but I am incredibly proud that I actually finished it! Thank you for these absolutely wonderful videos. I can't wait for my next build!
Wow. It's another one of those comments that appear to be made up and I paid you to post it :) I'm very curious to see your final product, don't hesitate to tag me on insta ! Congratulations !
@@tchiksguitars If I had insta I'd post it! It looks a lot better than it sounds XD
Oh. What happened ? Is it the fret slotting ?
@@tchiksguitars Ultimately I think the main problem is that I should have made the neck pocket deeper, because the fretboard (and the nut, which is also too tall but I could file the notches down) is just way too high for the bridge. The fretboard was pre-slotted so that's no worry. I'll probably go back and try to fix it up soon!
Then it's an easy fix, just make the neck pocket a little deeper. Conversely if your fretboard is too low you can also shim the pocket :) I really recommend that book from Dan erlewine, it really explains the whole set up of the guitar with great details.
Building my own instrument has been my dream for so long. Thank you bringing it closer to reality by these amazing tutorial videos!
These three videos were superinteresting, incredibly funny (I really like your dry humor), and somehow surprisingly soothing (due to the background music). I really liked the closeup camera angles and the detailed voice over explanation. Makes me believe I can try something like that myself, someday. Keep it up, looking forward to your next build (Jazzmaster accoustasonic maybe).
Oh you can do it, trust me :) it's been 3 months now and I'm starting to get pictures of what people have built, it's incredible !
I work as a guitar repair guy in a very respected shop and built a couple guitars for myself, but I try to watch every guitar building content on youtube to absorb every little bit of information and see all the different tricks people utilize. This series was excellent, I'll carve my next neck as you did, because it's executed with the same amount of precision and OCD that I expect from myself.
This series is the best that has happened to YT.
Woodworking and guitarbuilding could be one of the most rewarding combinations of skills out there.
Thank you for sharing your talent. The Ultimate reward is giving back. Much respect.
You are totally right
I've been waiting this part like crazy
Me too, tchiks is the best luthier on YT
I have no idea how to do that :0 and it doesn't really interest me but i might try for science
@@tchiksguitars Yeah, you could try it, I am very curious how the end result would be for you. I look forward to seeing new videos. Thank you for what you do. Warm greetings.
I’m a leg amputee and I know a thing or two about adapting to limb loss. The fact that you just adapted and did these videos instead of waiting until you had function back is awesome! Really cool man
I’m a soldier overseas stationed in Germany, and (with COVID shutting down all of Germany) I’ve really been thinking about getting into making my own guitar. I just wanted to thank you for these videos and my wife is also interested in helping me with this since we can’t do much else. Have a great one :)
Amazing video! You literally made a guitar "single-handedly" :)
Haha yes
Some months ago I first saw this video series, and I was not prepared for the kind of impact it had on me.
I never really did any woodwork in my life, but you touched me. I thought about Guitar Building every single week since, maybe every day.
And yesterday I showed these three videos to my father, and it was all such a very pleasant quality time. Mind, I'm 25 and these moments don't happen as often, as they used to.
That was very memorable.
I ended up finally buying wood :)
I'm going to throw out my kitchen table and make place for a workbench.
That was amazing to read :)
this series was incredible! im in the middle of my build and even tho i fk every step up its a lot of fun XD
thank you for these 3 very conscise videos, i can only imagine how time consuming it was.
im very grateful, you put everything into perspective and coverd the steps that dont get shown in most guitar builds.
for example how you line up the neck pocket in this video was very helpful :D
I hope it's not the wrong way hahaha
i dont worry that much, as theres nothing some duct tape cant fix :P
And wd-40!
@@tchiksguitars thats what ill use as finish xD
Literally nothing can go wrong if you take the safest way.
This dude is so funny 😂
“Even if someone you don’t like, has a router”
...great vid
Wow what a great channel. I don't play the guitar myself. But one of my life goals is to make one for my father. Your videos has given me the confidence to start. Thank you sir.
I wanted to find a hobby that I can do with my dad and this video was the perfect inspiration that I needed. Both me and my dad have little to no knowledge of wood working but I feel confident after watching this series. Ill post an update once I finish!
Still building we are done with part 2 and starting to do part 3. Reason it's taking so long is I needed a lot of tools that I don't have so needed to save money for it then had to learn how to actually use those tools. And on top of that life has been throwing all kinds of curve ball at us that kept delaying the process but very happy where we are at now because we didn't even know how to use a saw properly but now we can build a lot of stuff besides guitars that seemed impossible before. I have no regrets starting this hobby!
One way I like to set my neck alignment, is to hold the neck and the bridge where they'll be, then go diagonally from the left edge of the nut to the right edge of the bridge with some string, then do the opposite. If the string is the same length, you've got a straight neck!
As long as your bridge is straight too 😅
An absolute pleasure to watch! 👍🏻👍🏻
Awesome thanks :)
Dude your channel is by far the most educative intuitive et straight forward ! Thanks a lots ! Bravo
Awesome series, I like how it is straight forward, non complicated, easy step by step with no screaming heavy metal guitar in the background and in the transition between scenes. Job well done.
Thanks !
With only one hand! You're a friend to humankind! What a great lesson!
The thing that sets this series of videos apart from the others is that the "why" is explained along with how - thank you for these videos
Thanks for the feedback
Please don't ever delete these videos. It has been a 40-year-long dream of mine to build my own guitar. My dad planted that idea in me but life, well, it lifed (you know how it rolls). I have the time now and have watched a lot of videos from people saying this is what you have to do blah, blah blah. Yours is the best yet. I doubt there will be better. Actually, I'm going to delete all the other ones after telling them they are rubbish; joking (maybe). In video 2 I saw a tool for the neck profile that none of the others have used or even mentioned. I can't remember what it was called but it was a cool tool. It was to help with the neck profile. So naturally, I bought one. Of course, I will use it inappropriately as well. No, not on me silly.
Anyway, thanks for a very clear and concise trio of instructional videos. Just know I have subscribed and will now stalk you. In fact, I may even take a trip over to Belgium once I figure out how to trace people via their IP addresses.
Cheers.
Thank you so much for all your videos. I made my first tele with your awesome videos and I couldn't be more thrilled. So much better than birdwatching.
You’ve really created something special here. I can’t imagine anyone watching your videos and not coming away seeing the world a little differently. It’s one thing to show the process of building a guitar, and quite another to engage viewers in a manner that leaves them inspired to take on a new challenge minus the fear of failure. Here we see what can be done with the right perspective in place.
Two months ago I had surgery on my right thumb, which requires at least three months to fully recover. That was followed by surgery on my right ear. The success of both procedures require a serious effort to follow the doctors’ orders to the letter. This pretty much puts the things I love to do on hold. Taking a second trip through this series of videos has inspired me to get my workshop in order, and to make plans for numerous guitar projects that I’ll tackle once I get the green light. It also goes without saying that I can’t wait to get back to playing, the thing I love to do most.
Thanks for shining a light on what awaits me when I’m in good health. We’re lucky to have you.
I've been binge watching your videos. They are all excellent. I built my first electric guitar about 25 years ago. I also built 4 lap steels. Lap steels are much easier to build because the frets are never touched by the steel bar as you know. It's odd that your instructional series was the construction of a Tely. Because that's what I want to make. But I'm 85 years old now and hope the old eyes are up to it. I speak a little French and I get a kick out of your little girl and her comments. She's a sweetheart. Best wishes to you and your family. And keep the videos coming. The are exceptional.
What a lovely message, thank you ! You should totally build a tely!
I've wanted to build a guitar for a long time. I'm an amateur woodworker but I have limited tools. All the details involved have just seemed too daunting. Your videos have helped immensely and I'm very encouraged now. Thanks.
This series is the best thing to happen to 2021. Thank you for all the time and effort it took to share your skills!
Haha thank you !
Que dire de plus à part bravo ! Franchement elle est superbe et tes vidéos sont tellement pédagogiques !
You did amazing amount of work and explanation! I'm totally inspired and can't remember anybody who'd explain each step of guitar building so simple and easy. Thanks for inspiration!
these might have been the best 3 videos on youtube i ever watched. thanks so much, what a fantastic job !
I've been using these three videos as my holy guide, and i'm sad to say you forgot the nut installation. im currently stumped
Wow! Great 3 part series. I've been a craftsman my entire working life and I just fulfilled a dream recently and started playing. Thanks to your video I'm going to take on a build & a "super tele" is going to be the build.
i made a les paul type body a couple of years ago but have been too scared to try and make a neck for it... i know i dont want to just buy a neck but this series of videos has given me the confidence to give it a ago.... i learnt so much from watching these and i thank you so much... you're awesome dude
Thankyou for your help, you have given me the confidence to try this myself. I chose the Telecaster Korina for my first attempt and the Gibson Classic for my second.
I have been looking for a video to demonstrate how to make the neck pocket without power tools, this is it!
This is amazingly high quality, wow!
Insane quality and perfect tutorial. One of my favorite video series of all time. Amazing job
Really appreciate you making this series. I've always wanted to build my own from scratch and after watching these videos I feel confident and ready to begin. Thanks for taking the time!
mission acomplished for me then !
6 Strings supplies is top of the line!!! And your build too✨
They are awesome :)
Will definitely be building my first tele later with this series 😊 thank you for making this 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽
man i just wanted to tell you that if not you and that super highly informative videos i could have never make my guitar so i couldnt be more thankful to you.
id love to share you with my guitar build.
Please do !
@@tchiksguitars i snet you few photos to your IG account
I've just ordered a Harley Benton CST 24 kit, nitro finish is curing as we speak and I'm waiting on a better ABM wraparound bridge, I've soldered a completely new wiring harness (first time in 12 years soldering again) . It's a bit rough but I've loved the process and it has definitely triggered something in me.
I've already warned my wife that I might want to do this again from scratch. As I've gotten the idea of a DC Junior with an explorer headstock. This series definitely has helped me understand things a bit more. Also came quite close to home as I'm from Belgium as well. Will be on the lookout for some local wood shops for sure!
Now onto getting some tools like a bandsaw, a spindle sander and a router!
The best video watching for guitar making.
Hey, I wanted to say thanks for the help. I built my first guitar this past month, it’s a telecaster build from Spaulding Maple. Maple neck.
I tried to post a picture but I don’t have the option in the comments? Would love to show it to you.
It really turned out nice and sounds delicious. I admit I wired a few guitars and upgrades hardware in the past, however you helped transform my tinkering to a forever hobby.
Thanks Dude!
You have your grandfathers passion for teaching. Thanks for being so grounded.
This video pushed me over the edge. Im going for it. Ive always wanted a tele. I guess my first will be my first in more than one way.
Absolutely brilliant production! I just watch all 3 episodes back to back and love the way you have presented this series.
The way you explain each process with attention to detail yet in a relateable and understandable manner is fantastic as well as your humour it all kept me watching and intrigued.
I have watched several other of your videos and loved and learnt from them but this series was my favourite and that you did it with one hand is truly commendable.
Thanks, from Australia
Your three tutorials are truly outstanding. The detail and tips are superb. I am half way through a Stratocaster, and about to make the neck, but you have made it so much less daunting. The two line tip is a real bonus. I would really love to visit your workshop one day and just chat through guitar making with you.
This is simply the greatest series ever on youtube. I now want to build a tele...first lol! Please keep it up mate!
I just want to say, thanks so much for this tutorial! Its inspired me to start my own project. I study design at school, and so i am really interested in woodworking, although i am also very clumsy and not practical... Not a great combo, i know...
I started playing guitar 2 years ago, and have bought myself an Epiphone ES-335 with the money i have been saving for 5 years (worth every penny), but your videos and builds have inspred me to want to start my own build with my dad, after i am finished with my GCSEs, and actually have time. It probably won't be a Tele, as i am more of a Hard-Rock-Humbucker kind of guy, but i will definitely be using your video. All of your builds are honestly beautiful, and if i can put even a slither of your skill into mine, i will be really impressed... Thanks again!
You are very gifted and very modest. Very inspirational.
Thank you :) my favorite TH-camrs are the modest ones so I thought I'd give that a try
I’m on build number three- in great part thanks to your videos. Thank you!
Well, that’s an hour of my life that I will never get back...but I loved it!!...awesome stuff my man...fantastic!!!!!
Hahaha glad I helped ! Good luck ,with your build
Absolutely amazing set of videos! Thank you sooo much! And all I was searching for was a little bit of knowledge on how to make a travel guitar...
Danke!
During quarantine last year I modified an old guitar i have (think pimp my ride but for guitar, I changed the shape of the body and the electronics). The feeling of pluging it in and hearing it of the first time was amazing. I'm really looking forward to building a guitar from scratch next ! Those videos were really good :)
Good job !
Thank you! It's a whole beautiful world to discover! I'm a little obsessed with guitar making and I always wanted to make a classical guitar as I have already spent 20 years playing and learning classical and flamenco music and then to try with electric but it always seemed very far for me to even think how to approach that subject and now that vision just got colours and I started to collect tools! Thank you once again! I love your guitars and your approach!
I am blown away! Excellent instructions, videos and humor! Thanks!
I stumbled across your channel from looking into guitar building. Thank you for all this effort and attention to detail. Now, I'm addicted to your videos. Already subscribed. :) I have been playing guitar for more than 20 years now, but never really got into the details of what it takes to create a guitar. I really want to start building my old guitar. For now, it's more financial and finding space to do it is the bottleneck. But one day I will. And I will probably pivot on your channel for everything I need to reference. Again, thank you so much for what you're doing! Watching your guitar building videos is already very satisfying enough. :D
Blew me away that you did this handicapped.
Truly amazing work.
This series was soo good!!! Highly recommend to the rest of the students out there also procrastinating!!!
Thank you ! Now get back to your studies, so you can build guitars in your free time when you turn 34 :p
Excellent 3 part series, Thank you.
I have built kits and repairs smashed guitare brigning them back to life, now building my own from scratch is my next project and this was very inspiring. 🤘🤘
Happy building !
Man these tutorials are so beautiful, relaxing and productive. You are awasome.
Thank you very much ! It was a lot of work putting it together so reading this is always rewarding :)
Thank you for making this series. I've been so invested, and now I'm preparing all the materials I'll need as well as tools. Also, thank you for proving that you don't need a lot of tools and a bandsaw and all that! Gives me hope
You've not need one but just note this : even the crappiest band saw is a cool woodworking tool :)
I completed my first ever warmoth kit last month, I put a telecaster together and did all the finishing work myself and it was very rewarding! I had never painted anything before and proud of how it came out. My next goal is to make one from scratch. thank you for the videos and inspiration!
Good luck with your first build from scratch then !
thank you so much for posting these videos....love this series 🔨🪛
I Intend to use this guide for my construction final project, Thank you for this guide It’s interesting and helpful.
I just started my guitar! On my very small apartment patio, I’ve started a Rick 4003 bass.
I’m trying to record the build, maybe I’ll even show it
Thanks for your show and guides. Very helpful
good luck !
i finished my first guitar yesterday, thanks to your videos and inspiration! thank you very much :)
Thank you for reaching out ! Don't hesitate to share the final result
@@tchiksguitars i uploaded a short video, just a quick showcase :)
th-cam.com/video/_WyZQTADUzk/w-d-xo.html
Thank you so much for posting these videos, you say you're an amateur but to me you seem to be a natural woodworker. (the shelf guitar is amazing!)I've been wanting to build a guitar for ages so your videos have inspired me to give it go. I've ordered some wood and have most of the tools so can't wait to get started. Many thanks again.
Woohoo ! +1 hehe
Это лучшие видео из всех что я смотрел по созданию гитары!!! Спасибо вам!!!
Have acquired tools and know how... time to create! Thank you. I’ll be watching for your next video on whatever you choose to do. Be well, and happy.
Not just an amazing one-handed guitar maker, great one-handed guitar player
Franchement, grand merci! ça faisait un moment que ça me titillait mais que j'avais peur que ce ne soit pas envisageable tout à la main, et grâce à tes vidéos, je vais me lancer et on verra! Les outils sont commandés, plus qu'à trouver le bois... et ce sera parti pour une thinline!
I'm into my first build now and this is a LIFE SAVER
Hehe
I never thought I would laugh so loud while watching woodworking video! Thank you, it was beautiful journey to the things I'm completely incapable but incredibly interested in (in the same time, yeeea)
Thanks ! I do believe in you. And so should you :)
Thank you for the inspiration, I've built my first Esquire/Telecaster.
Wow - the best instructional videos I ever saw! And I love Telies!!
Man, so helpfull information, thank you very much!🙌 I will do tele with half-epoxy body, and your tutorial is very appropriate now for me! I'm hapy I found you in youtube!
This series was very enlightening and the whole concept of building a guitar seems a lot less complicated and daunting now. Huge thanks and keep up the amazing work!
Good luck !
The tweaker 15! A man of taste!
I will be starting my first guitar build from scratch. Thanks for your videos. They are very helpful.
Glad I helped :)
I need more of these videos, so cool, love your job, and videos. Thanks from Argentina
I loved the serie. Thanks for the videos, they are so educational and relaxing at the same time haha
Thank you so much for sharing this series. Building a guitar from scratch was something I could only dream about. I discovered your channel completely by "TH-cam tracking things I watch" chance, since I was convincing a friend of mine to buy a brand new Gibson LP, and for fun I shared your video "My "Only hand tools" guitar build (also, I only used one hand)" with him claiming, that if he didn't decide already for what model, he'd better build one himself... then... wait, what is this guy doing?! OMG this video is amazing, it's simple, honest, very good lightning, and well framed ( I work on video post-production and motion design and there's a lot of shit out there that makes me throw up), with a very positive attitude for something that most lay people would just run away from. But no, you've got my attention to the point that I got this on my really small to-do-list. I've already done a shop list for the 1st steps. I didn't start it already because I don't have the physical space. I have a garage but not only is where I keep my motorcycle, there's also a big thing with 4 wheels using most of the space :S One thing is for shure, we're planning to move sooner than later and one of the prerequisites as always been to have a space for a small workshop, and the Tele is definitely the first project I'll get into.
Now a question. You say you are not "a pro" because you have not sell any of your builds. Maybe you didn't sell because no one has offered to buy or maybe it was just a joke because you do it as a hobby and simply you're not willing to sell. But if someone commissioned you for a custom build would that be something that interested you?
Once again, thank you very much for this sharing and generosity.
Cheers
Thanks for the kind words !
I don't sell because of a lot of reasons :) maybe I'll change my mind in the far future though. But I'm still young and learning. For now a build takes me a lot of energy and time and I really want to keep those builds as memories of my learning curve. My building process is still very much improvised and not fluid at all, again, that's because I'm actively trying to explore new things with each and every build. That could be different in 10 years :)
I cannot even begin to imagine how long this took you using only 1 hand & no power tools not to mention the insurmountable patience you must have. Beautiful work BTW.
I just happen to like to challenge myself :) didn't think it would work tbh
La qualité de ces vidéos est incroyable. Bravo !
Merci !
Best guitar making video I’ve seen by far. You, sir, have a new subscriber
Thanks !
Yes! Thank you! I’m actually considering building this if I find the time! It would be like a dream come true
Thanks for the inspiration. I enjoyed so much all parts. Now you inserted an idea in my mind... I will definitely try to make it.... Thanks and pls keep on posting! 🧠💪❤️
Thank you for this series. It has lit the fire under my ass to get a wood working shop going and make a dream come true to build a guitar.
thanks for sharing really great video still cant believe you did it all with one hand out (and exceptional help from daughter apprentice) - i dont have a tele but will get one in the months to come as a kit and assemble but will use your instructions to assemble (and ensure everything is in order rather than just slamming it together) plus change to SD pickups and the like.
Great set of videos. I am an experienced wood worker and do not play but think it would be a good project.
Hi, I'm a Belgian guitar designer and builder aswell. Excellent content, editing (!) and english (assuming french is your mother tongue). Impressive.