The process of creating things: instruments, components, modifications, jigs, fixtures, woodworking projects, etc.
When performing a setup on a bolt-on necked electric guitar, shims are a way to quickly adjust the angle at which the neck joins the body, facilitating the desired action adjustment.
We commonly find improvised shims installed in the neck pocket. They range from purpose-built plastic shims to a hodgepodge of items like sandpaper, cardboard, and/or guitar picks. In our shop, we prefer to make make full length, angled, shims.
Electric Guitar Neck Shims Read More »
Many acoustic guitars manufactured from the late 60’s through the mid 80’s utilize acetate or celluloid plastic pick guards glued directly on top of bare wood. An unfortunate concern with this technique is that, with age, the pick guards have begun to shrink and degrade. This is similar to another common affliction of vintage instruments: The breakdown of plastic tuner buttons. As many of these instruments have attained a degree of collectability far above the manufacturers wildest expectations, expert repair is often warranted to save these fine instruments.
Vintage Acoustic Guitar Pickguard Replacement Read More »
The saddle is a vital part of an acoustic guitar. Protruding above the bridge, it is one of the primary action adjustment points for the instrument. Without a well made saddle, proper setup will not be possible. Though they can be made from many different materials, for this article, we will be focusing on the process of hand cutting a new acoustic guitar saddle out of a piece of bone.
Making An Acoustic Guitar Saddle Read More »
The nut is a vital part of any stringed instrument. It sets the string spacing and helps to set the action for the instrument’s lower register. Without a well made nut, proper setup will not be possible.
For this article, we will be focusing on the process of hand cutting a new string nut out of a piece of bone.
Making A Bone String Nut Read More »