Build Yer' Own

[Ian Sutherland]

Please help with suggestions for my first guitar building project. I have been a pedal steel player for many years.
I want to build a D8 or T8 non-pedal guitar similar to Fender or Remington but not an attempt to copy. I am thinking of a solid body (rather than console). I have seen some bird's eye maple 8/4 and Lacewood oak (Aus.) 8/4 availible from a local supplier.
I also like the idea of using keyless tuners. I have in-house capability to cast aluminium and to mill and lathe-turn parts as required. (My son Alexander is keen on this part of the task. See: www.budgiemetalworks.ca
Should I go with 22.25" or 24" scale?
Are there any plans availible for such an instrument?
Could anyone recommend a part source for fretboards and other parts?
Any suggestions for forming the body? Is a CNC machine the only way to go?
Thanks in advance, for your comments.

[Eldon Cangas]

Ian, welcome to the exciting world of building. You've come to the right place. I'm by no means an expert but I'll take a go at it . The fact that you you have casting/milling/lathe capablity will make things earier.

Some of my experiences and research:

Maple seems to be a a favoured choice, each species has it's own unique characteristics and will colour the final sound. I've used white birch on mine - it's relatively close in density to maple. I'm using maple on my next project(pedal steel). The lacewood sounds interesting.

22.25 inch scale will make bar slants easier, 24 inch will be more mellow and as far as the slants go it's just a matter of getting used to it. What scale is your pedal steel - your already used to it.

There are some plans available Brad Bechtel has some good resources on his site.

If your making the guitar why not the fretboard also. I took a piece of black ash and inlayed pieces of the narrowest guage of model railroad track mounting it like this.....

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on the board.

Enjoy the journey, Post us some pics.

Warmest regards,
Eldon