My latest guitar

[sagreen83]

Just thought I'd post a few pictures of the latest guitar I recently finished.

Modeled in Aspire
Cut on Shopbot Alpha96
Body - Mahogony / Quilted Maple
Fretboard - Ebony
Hardware - Gold
Frets - (24) Dunlop 6100
Inlays - Mother of Pearl

I'm beginning a DVD Video series that covers Guitar Building. It would take you through Modeling the body and neck through toolpathing and cutout. In addition it will take you through final build and finishing. My goal is to have a video series that you can start with Aspire, CNC Router, A pile of wood and a pile of Parts, and end up with a finished guitar.

Scott...

[phd1658]

Wow, that is really beautiful!!!!!! Can't wait to see the DVD.

Bill

[GlenP]

Wow that is gorgeous. Scott I would love to hear more and learn about cutting and building. I have aspire but do not know anything about guitars. My son is into guitars and we have a friend of a friend that is a professional guitarist. My son just saw your pics and said "cool can we make one". That is the first he has been interested in the cnc so has me pumped to get him into this. If you want Scott email me off forum. My email is glenp1@sympatico.ca
:)

[bleeth]

Scott:
They just keep getting more beautiful. Great job!!
Look forward to checking out your video-Despite having no musical talent I keep thinking of building guitars!! (Sort of like the many years I spent enjoying building fish boats but can't fish worth a hoot!!)

[coach]

That is really impressive.

[wberminio]

Very nice,Scott.

I'd be interested in that DVD

[myxpykalix]

I have absolutely no musical ability but i'd be interested in seeing how to build these beautiful works of art....nice work.

[toych]

Very nice Scott, looks like Private Stock PRS. I have a Tremonti single cut myself, have always liked the PRS's........geetars and Shopbots.

[jim_ludi]

Awesome, Scott.

How about pics of the back side too.

Put me on your list for the DVD too.

[jsooter]

Impressive! Put me on the list for the DVD as well.

[bill]

VERY nice! :) Please put me on your DVD list as well?
Thanks!

[sagreen83]

VERY nice! :) Please put me on your DVD list as well?
Thanks!


Thanks everyone for your kind comments... I'll keep everyone posted on my videos. I just started last weekend. I'll be out of town for a couple of weeks, but will be hitting it hard when I get back.

Scott...

[nailzscott]

Very nice. Add me to the DVD list please.

[mccoy178]

Add me to the DVD list. That is amazing!

[shoeshine]

Yes, absolutely Yes. I think a good DVD with documentation would be a very popular item. At least I am interested.

I dont play myself, but I hang with a number of guitarists.
We have batted the idea around, but I just dont even know where to start.

[dvmike]

That guitar is beyond georgeous !
I have played for about 20 years , but now just jam with buddies a couple times a month.
I've been thinking about cutting a Les Paul based guitar, but I can't seem to keep projects that make money off my Bot .:rolleyes:

[upsman]

Very Nice. Put me on the list for the DVD Too! Any time frame on when the DVD will be Done?

[sagreen83]

Very Nice. Put me on the list for the DVD Too! Any time frame on when the DVD will be Done?


Not sure how long it will be. I'm hoping to have a first version done in the next 4-6 weeks. This is my first video so I'm learning how to do this on the fly.

Again, thanks all for your comments. I'll keep you up to date on the DVD

Scott...

[myxpykalix]

Scott, i have worked in movies and television for years and frankly i don't think most here expect top notch video production so although it would be nice we don't need to see flying logos and fancy graphics so just concentrate of the technical points of how to make the gituar and how it relates to the creation in the software and the cutting on the bot.

What, at least for me, would be more helpful is sample files to be included. But the art of making the gituar and finishing is very important.

So in other words...."teach a man to fish...."

[sped1530]

Great guitar! Add me to the list. How's dvd going?

[bill_l]

Beautiful! Please add me to you list as well.

Bill

[cabnet636]

man that thing could make me a "rock star"

well i can dream anyway:)

excellent work

[plemon]

Better do up an e-commerced site for the dvd sales.:o

[sped1530]

My son's been bugging me from the first time I showed him your guitar.

[sagreen83]

Better do up an e-commerced site for the dvd sales.:o


Hahah... Actually I plan to use the Amazon make on demand service. You just build the DVD, send them the content and they press them to DVD after the customer has ordered. Great service!

The DVD is coming along. I'm trying to make sure that my processes can be recreated by anyone with standard software. I've went through a couple of iterations, and I think I have found the guitar model that I am going to use for the first series. I expect that I will do quite a few different models so people at varying degrees of patience and experience can create complete guitars.

Scott...

[Steveaustin]

Are you selling you dvd yet?

[sagreen]

Still working on the DVD, its not for sale yet... Trying to finish up the modeling in a way that I can show others how I do it.

Just thought I would upload a sample of the model that I am working on for the video. I'm starting with a bolt on neck version as the beginner video. Will do an advanced video with a tilt neck and tune-o-matic, which are more complex to do.

This guitar will be a humbucker and recessed floyd rose model...

Scott...

[pyrodenis]

Very nice work Scott.

[Steveaustin]

This look like it's going to be one of the top summer movies of 2010.

[terrybman]

Great Looking Guitar..... I'm sure your very proud of it. Please put me on the list for the DVD


Thanks

Terry

[Tomtom]

Guitars looks great. I have a question about the software tutorial: If I just have vcarve-pro will I be able to fallow it? Also will you have toolpaths tools feed rates ect. (all the stuff I have trouble with)?

Looking forward to purchasing your dvd.

[michael_schwartz]

The finish looks second to none, nice design too.

I don't build guitars, but I may be interested in the DVD for the finishing part.

[everythingoldisnewagain]

I am an aspiring builder of guitars myself and am looking into a Buddy to do so. I'd be interested in your DVD set when you make it. Please let me know.

Victor

[ironsides]

Promises, promises, or "Vaporware"?

When will this project be finished?

[bleeth]

Don't look a gifthorse in the mouth. I am sure he will release when ready, but a volunteer gift must take back seat to anyone's earning a living, particularly in these times.

[ironsides]

I was under the impression that the CD or DVD would only be released through Amazon. Hardly fits the "Gift" designation.

[bleeth]

Well, unless Scott is planning on charging hundreds of dollars for it the time put in and the limited sales sure isn't going to make a major difeerence in his gross income!!

[everythingoldisnewagain]

It's a clean machine...very clean. Did you use an indexer for the heck. Please send more details (back, sides, neck joint and along the road to competion). Devinately beautiful.

[john_l]

Scott, really fine job.

[Steveaustin]

I think everyone is so excited about the posiblity of being able to create something so beautiful they're getting a little like a kid at Christmas!

The finish on that thing is out of this world. It's like waiting on the secret of the universe and the meaning of life on one cd.:)

[GlenP]

Well Steve when my son saw your guitar it is the first time he showed any interest in the router so Kudos for inspiring him. He asked the other day if the cd was out yet so we too are anxiously waiting for the cd release. Just let us know where to order when it is done. Keep up the great work. Maybe with all the guitars were going to make we could start a band......The Botters. :eek:
Doesn't roll off your tongue like The Beatles.
Wish one of my projects got this type of attention.:D

[sagreen83]

Promises, promises, or "Vaporware"?

When will this project be finished?


Not vaporware at all. My day job has had me on business travel for the last 4 weeks so no time to work on the project. When I AM at home, I work on this project and nothing else.


Scott...

[ironsides]

Not vaporware at all. My day job has had me on business travel for the last 4 weeks so no time to work on the project. When I AM at home, I work on this project and nothing else.


Scott...

Scott, Perhaps I was harsh with my comment.
I, along with everyone else, am looking forward to the final release.

George:)

[bleeth]

Gee Scott:
And I thought that I was the only one in the world who put long term R and D on hold while I was taking care of day to day needs.:D:D:D

[sagreen83]

Ok, a bit of progress!

I'm testing out the new guitar to make sure that all the processes can be recreated prior to the video. This guitar is being built entirely from a picture downloaded off of the internet, so I need to make sure that it turns out before I turn you all loose with a video of a process that sucks. I got some time last night and got a good start on the body cutout.

Sorry for the fuzzy picture, came from my iPhone...

Scott...

[sped1530]

Maybe you could release to videos. Part one design, software, and cut. Then part two could be wiring, nuts, frets finishing, .....

Dave.

[sagreen83]

Maybe you could release to videos. Part one design, software, and cut. Then part two could be wiring, nuts, frets finishing, .....

Dave.


Similar to the plan that I am taking with the video series. There will be a video specifically on Body design and cutting, one on Neck design and cutting, and at least 1 more on finishing, wiring etc... I'm trying to get the body one done first.

Scott...

[sped1530]

You have any idea when the body video with be out.
"Guitar bodies gone wild"

[sagreen83]

Not sure when it will be done. Depends on how much time I get to work on it in the next couple of weeks...

But, more progress. Here are some pictures (again taken from iphone) of the top of the guitar body. Now just need to put some parts on it and see if its going to work out as constructed.

Scott...

[bleeth]

Ok Scott-Now I'm getting excited. I have a hunk of walnut and a hunk of mahog laying around for ages that cries for a project like this.

[sped1530]

Ok, a bit of progress!

I'm testing out the new guitar to make sure that all the processes can be recreated prior to the video. This guitar is being built entirely from a picture downloaded off of the internet, so I need to make sure that it turns out before I turn you all loose with a video of a process that sucks. I got some time last night and got a good start on the body cutout.

Sorry for the fuzzy picture, came from my iPhone...

Scott...
Did you use a blue print or a picture of a guitar body?

[sagreen83]

Did you use a blue print or a picture of a guitar body?

No blue print, just a picture from the internet. The idea that I am going for allows you to create the outline of the body from a picture you download off of the internet. In the case of this guitar, it turned out great!

Scott...

[sped1530]

Get to work> :)

[harryball]

Looks great, esp the finish. I would be interested in the DVD just for the finishing information.

/RB

[myxpykalix]

doing my best Sgt. Schultz voice..."I know nothing...nothing!" about finishing a gituar but all the ones i have seen seem to have an expoxy like finish to them and my guess is to protect from the repeated wear on the face so i would be interested to see what types of options there are for protection that Scott tells us about.

[sagreen83]

Ok, back after a month of travel! Hope to get some quality time in the shop this weekend to finish up the body, mount the hardware, mount a neck and make sure the design works. If so, the process is solid and I can make good progress on the video starting the weekend after this one.

I'll try to get some more pictures up with the rough body, hardware and a neck up (offa another guitar) this weekend...

Scott...

[sagreen]

Ok, I'm in the process of creating the video. Just getting a good start, but I'm looking for a small amount of beta testers to test the video as I am making it to insure that the process works.

If you would like to help me by testing out the video drop me a PM on this forum. You would need to create a guitar body using the video, and give me feedback on progress and anything that is confusing or not clear in the process. You will have direct access to me via email of phone, and your communication with me during the process will make the video better. You will still have to pay for the video when it is finished, but you will be one of the first people to have created a guitar using the video. You will also able to influence the contents of the video.

Sound like something you would like to help with? Drop me a PM.

Thanks,
Scott...

[pappybaynes]

Awesome! Please put me on the list as well!

[sagreen]

Great progress so far this weekend. Didnt get as far as I wanted, but I got the first 2 sections of the video finished. Heres a link to a version of section 1of the video from youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQf-cl7z3ss

Scott...

[bleeth]

hey Scott- Video didn't play?

[sagreen]

hey Scott- Video didn't play?

Really? I just clicked in the link in the above message and it played fine. Anyone else having problems?

[sped1530]

Looks like a great start.

[billp]

Dave/Scott,
It worked when I visited the link. And it's good!!!

[bleeth]

worked fine now.

[john_l]

Worked good. Good sound. I like the style of the video already.

[sagreen]

Making great progress on the video. Just finished the last chapter on the first DVD and its now in the hands of the Beta testers. The first DVD covers all of the Aspire work that must be done to create this guitar.

Stay tuned..
Scott...

[sagreen]

Almost done with the first video... Heres a link to the introduction on Youtube. I hope to have the 2nd video in the series done in a couple of weeks, and I can start sending them out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBn4Asm4Ces&hd=1

I feel like Billy Mays (RIP) :)

Scott...

[vicartbytes]

Work look's great! Please let me know when your dvd is ready by contacting my email at vicartbytes@aol.com
Look forward to buying it!
Vic

[jddixon]

sounds awesome please put me on your list also email is pickinabanjo@yahoo.com:)

[sagreen]

For the past few months, I've been working very hard on the series, and
now have the first Video available for purchase.

This video covers Guitar Modeling with Aspire v2.5. It will allow you to
download a guitar image from the internet that you select, and takes you through the entire modeling process up to creating a 3D model of
your guitar. The next video in the series will walk through the Toolpath
generation, jigs and cutout of the body on the Shopbot. If you are
using VCarve Pro, or other 2D modeling program, you can still create a flat topped guitar by skipping the 3D sections of the video.

The first video is available for purchase on my site at http://www.rmgvideos.com

If you have any problems purchasing the video, please send me an e-mail at
sales@rmgvideos.com

Thanks!

Scott Green

[myxpykalix]

As one of the beta testers for this video I wanted to give my opinion on this video series.

First let me start out by saying I have never made any gituars and have absolutely no musical talent but had an interest in making something like this for others.

Since I don't use the program Scott used to in the making of this video not only did I have to figure out how to repeat the same processes using other programs but needed to be able to follow the workflow jumping from program to program.

Because i have experience in other programs I could figure out how to do that fairly easily due to the meticulous detail he goes into in explaining each step and showing you onscreen what buttons to push and the results after each step.

The net results of this documentation is set up so that even the most inexperienced user can follow along and create a materpiece. I think some of the more experienced users might find themselves skipping thru some of the details moving ahead thru the various processes.

My prototype that I created I have turned over to the guy who is going to put it together. He wanted to add accents to the fretboard and other things so I let him "have-at-it".

Based on this thread and how he started this idea and got it going he has put a lot of work in the video and production. The only suggestion i might make would be that in the price he might want to make a finished gituar parts files and include them so that if someone can't follow a section you would have a part there for you. Not sure how feasible that might be.

I haven't looked at the website or his pricing structure but if you are interested in making gituars, this series won't make you the next Les Paul
but will give you the instructions and ability to make a finished product that you will be proud of.

[carlosgmarroquin]

On one hand that is true.

On the other hand:
An unbiased opinion of the process can be very useful. Because Jack has never built a guitar by hand he can evaluate each and every step just like any other building process, and determine if the video is for experts or for every other guy.

Jack would be in the control group of the experiment.

[myxpykalix]

reposted with permission...

> If you are already an expert and have plenty of experience making gituars why would you even need this video?
>
> If you are already an expert and have plenty of experience with this software why would you even need this video?
>
> Well you wouldn't.....
>
> However even those who are experts on the cnc may need information on some of the various processes that go into making a gituar that are not redily evident.
>
> After all, that is why they call it a "Instructional Video".
>
> Being a woodworker for over 30 years, and having a CNC for 4 years, having experience in 3D software for almost 20 years, and having worked in movies and television and video production for around 25 years I think that probably makes me far more qualified to critique this video from several angles. So as someone who " kind of knows what they are doing" I think that makes me eminently more qualified then most.
>
> That is how I looked at this from several points of view. I have no vested interest in this video and I stand by my critique.
>
> So from someone who "never made any gituars and have absolutely no musical talent" nor has the correct software to follow this tutorial." the fact that someone like that could complete a gituar making project by following these videos is clearly a compliment to the clear and concise instructions.

thanks

[sped1530]

Expert or amature, I learn so much from Scott's video. Not just in making guitars but you take something off the net then put it in cut file ready form. How cool is that.

Ready for the next one.

Dave

[sagreen]

Ok, just made the web site much easier to navigate... Thanks a ton to my beta testers for all of their help.

The first guitar making video is available for purchase on my site at http://www.rmgvideos.com Just press the Buy Now button on the site to pay through paypal. Also, I have created a limited time introductory price for the first video to give everyone the opportunity to purchase the video at a reduced price.

If you have any problems purchasing the video, please send me an e-mail at
sales@rmgvideos.com

[sagreen]

Just starting the editing work on the 2nd DVD. Posted some of the content that will be on the DVD on youtube...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5tOYWfhuyM

[bleeth]

Scott: Not only terrifically inspirational but makes we want a copy of "Scott Green plays the blues" CD too!

[domino11]

Scott,
How many videos will there be in the set? Will there be a reduced price if you buy the entire set over the individual videos?

[sagreen]

Scott,
How many videos will there be in the set? Will there be a reduced price if you buy the entire set over the individual videos?

Heath,

There will be a total of 5 videos in the set. 1 and 2 are guitar body, 3 and 4 are neck, and 5 will be construction and finishing. Right now the videos are at an introductry price, so I'm not sure what the pricing will be when I get the 5th video done. If I go back to my normal price, there will be a break when you buy all 5 videos. The current price reflects the discount since I dont have all 5 done yet.

Scott...

[sagreen]

After a ton of work, I've finally gotten the 2nd video in the Guitar Building series complete.

Volume 1 covers Guitar Body Modeling
Volume 2 covers Jigs, Toolpaths and Shopbot machining

The videos are available at http://www.rmgvideos.com

Thanks!
Scott...

[sagreen]

Working on the 3rd video in the series, and I have a question for you all...

I've done the first 2 videos focusing on Aspire v2.5. I was wanting to do the remaining videos with Aspire v3.0. Question is, how many of you have not upgraded to 3.0? Anyone not planning on the upgrade? There are changes to the UI which will change the video, but I believe that its not that difficult to apply concepts that I will use with 3.0 in the old version.

Scott...

P.S. Attached a picture of the fretboard that I am working on..

[quietpainter]

If I could draw on your past experience for a bit I'd like to know what the biggest drawback to making guitars is for you and what was the impetus for you in deciding that it was what you wanted to do in the first place. BTW it looks so good that I'd like to hear how it sounds. -harry

[sagreen]

If I could draw on your past experience for a bit I'd like to know what the biggest drawback to making guitars is for you and what was the impetus for you in deciding that it was what you wanted to do in the first place. BTW it looks so good that I'd like to hear how it sounds. -harry

I'd have to say that the biggest drawback to making guitars for me at this point is the time that I can spend doing it. I love making them. Of course if you would have asked me this 15 years ago, it would have been about the information available to learn, and the tools to do it. But I hope to change that all with the video series.

What got me into this? Funny answer, but probably common to most guitar builders. I was in one of my first bands as a guitar player. I also had a lust for lots of guitars. After buying a few off the shelf that sounded like everyone elses I thought "Hey, I think I can build one that sounds better". Well, I still have that guitar. I still play it once and a while. It does sound great, but it looks like ****. Thats the thing that keeps me coming back. Every guitar that I build gets a little better in some way. The CNC machine helps me tweek those designs and make them better over time. Today, I have more guitars than I care to admit, and I havent bought one off the shelf for 15 years. I wouldn't even dream of it cause the guitars that I love to play sound and feel better to me than anything I can buy.

Thanks for asking,
Scott...
http:\\www.rmgvideos.com

[bleeth]

I've been working through Scott's videos in my "spare" time and following his instructions to design a guitar. I have not only never done anything like this but I also have never played a guitar and knew almost nothing about the technical aspects of doing one when I started. I also do my work in Artcam Pro which meant adapting the methods to somewhat different software. It has been a very interesting and fun project to date and would have been nearly impossible without Scott's most excellent and detailed instructions.

To make matters more interesting the design that I chose as my jumping off point was based on a guitar with somewhat different parameters and some of the construction elements are quite a bit different and my end result, when I finally get there, will be one that is neither a copy of the original design I used or just as the one that Scott modeled from.

The balance of getting the shape and sizes right and also placing all of the electronics just so is a tricky one as the technical requirements to (hopefully) end up with an instrument that sounds right as well as looks good I have learned are actually pretty complicated.

That being said, I have gotten to the point that I am comfortable showing my progress to date on the shape of the body. The only thing I don't like is the shape of the ridges running up the middle of the horns and I am debating whether to solve this by simply sanding them down to a softer edge and sweep after machining or redoing this part of the project to get it the way I want in the model.

The next step will be to carve a mock-up in MDF and finalize my vector placement for the pickups, bridge, controls, and neck-pocket.