Full Guitar Neck Carve using simple tools and any wood!

Рет қаралды 25,748

Күн бұрын

In this video we’ll look at how to make a guitar neck from standard timber and using simple tools. No complex machinery or precise jigs are needed.
If you fancy creating an asymmetrical neck profile, check out this video
• Great Guitar Build Off...
Go check Chris Franklyn!
/ chrisfranklyn
Get a copy of my new book “Be a self taught woodworker” on Amazon now!
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Here’s some tools you might want to try.
Centre finding ruler
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Shinto rasp
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Combination square
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Here’s the sections
0:00 intro.
1:03 what wood to use?
3:36 what measurements do I need for a guitar neck.
7:01 how to position holes for guitar tuners.
9:21 cutting out a truss rod channel with a chisel.
13:45 how to cut a neck shape without a jig.
16:04 how to cut and radius a fingerboard.
21:10 cutting a neck profile by hand.
25:00 fitting a headstock into the neck.
29:16 drilling for truss rod access.
Check out my website
www.kingbespokecreations.uk
And go grab some Merch! Please!!
king-bespoke-creations.creato...
#carvingaguitarneck #handtoolwoodworking #Kbc

Пікірлер: 144

@GunsandGuitars 2 жыл бұрын

Great video man! Very inspirational!

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dan, bless you 👍

@flywittzbeats4008 19 күн бұрын

Easily the best neck build tutorial by far!!!! Thank you so much sir

@KingBespokeCreations 19 күн бұрын

My pleasure.

@ryanmelvey8764 5 ай бұрын

i don't have space for a dedicated workshop. this video inspired me to give it a shot using mostly chisel, rasp, saw, and sandpaper

@KingBespokeCreations 5 ай бұрын

Totally doable! 👍

@nelsonpaul72 26 күн бұрын

Thank you for creating this video. It's perfect for folks doing this for the first time. I'm happy to know the simplest method and then add time-saving measures later.

@KingBespokeCreations 26 күн бұрын

My pleasure, enjoy! 🙌

@jonathanhguitar 2 ай бұрын

Thanks a lot for this detailed explanation. As I'm dipping my toes into guitar building, this is a really valuable resource of information! Subscribed!

@KingBespokeCreations 2 ай бұрын

Hope you enjoy building your first one 👍

@tomvananrooij7440 Жыл бұрын

This man looks like the friendly guitar neck building brother of Josh Homme, amazing video!

@KingBespokeCreations Жыл бұрын

😂 I’ll take that! Thanks 👍

@FranciscoGonzalez-uw3cv Ай бұрын

Nice watch

@matthewmargetts8516 8 ай бұрын

It's really easy to be intimidated by the process of neck building. It's refreshing to see someone explain things in a friendly and encouraging way. The finished neck is looking good too! Thanks for the video.

@KingBespokeCreations 8 ай бұрын

My pleasure. A lot of any ‘specific task’ woodworking is just woodworking!

@Chesbo 4 ай бұрын

Your video helped and inspired me to make a guitar neck for my capstone project!! I am feeling very proud of my result all thanks to you!!

@KingBespokeCreations 4 ай бұрын

That’s awesome to hear! And the results are actually thanks to you! 👍🙌

@Eeklex Жыл бұрын

I just ran across this. I’ve been prepping for a first build and watching many fine build videos, but none so welcoming and useful as this one for somebody wanting to use hand tools primarily. Many good approach suggestions well demonstrated. Thank you! -Paul

@KingBespokeCreations Жыл бұрын

Glad I could help 👍

@kandlekulish1484 Жыл бұрын

I have watched a ton of videos on guitar building and this might be the most informative on building the neck. Thank you!

@KingBespokeCreations Жыл бұрын

So great to hear that! Glad I could help 👍

@johnbanzali3278 Жыл бұрын

Instant fan here,sir!

@KingBespokeCreations Жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you! Lots for you watch here👍

@johnbanzali3278 Жыл бұрын

I love your videos, informative! love from the Philippines,God bless you sir

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

🌟✨Have you ever wanted to make a guitar neck?✨🌟

@881buddha 6 ай бұрын

I started making cigar box guitars, I was hoping to make some money. I used a router to shape the necks. Then I saw these French rasps on line, I got a 5 and a 15 and what fun I had, one, no noise, two, no eye level dust. Then I tried a flat spoke shave. That’s when I started enjoying making string instruments. 🎅🏻

@KingBespokeCreations 6 ай бұрын

You can’t beat hand tools for the enjoyment factor!

@flywittzbeats4008 19 күн бұрын

Thanks!

@KingBespokeCreations 19 күн бұрын

I really appreciate this! Thank you 🙏🏻

@manolosantana4314 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant! Thanks for lots of ideas! 👍

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I hope you enjoy your next build!

@RockyMountainBear 2 жыл бұрын

Great tips. Thank you kindly.

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure 👍

@TheCWHatton 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video Chris! So informative. Thanks and God Bless!

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris! 👍

@TheAllanL 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks A LOT !

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

Hope it helps 👍

@adairguitars 2 жыл бұрын

Some great tips in this video Chris. 👍

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! 👍

@nickk6109 9 ай бұрын

Just the same as many here - prepping for my first scratch build (through neck). On the shopping list is a No 6 plane to go with the No 4 and the set of chisels, bandsaw etc that I have already. Great video.

@KingBespokeCreations 9 ай бұрын

Awesome, it might be a bit daunting setting off. But really it’s just shaping wood. Nothing too complicated 👍

@rickeydenler2385 2 жыл бұрын

wonderful simple understandable instruction with minimal tools thank you !!

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure, hope it helps 👍

@simonmoore2549 2 жыл бұрын

Nicely done Chris.

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Simon 👍

@ChristianTalbotComedian 2 жыл бұрын

Great stuff Chris

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks bud, hope you’re doing well 👍

@ChrisFranklyn 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers for shouting out my insanity :) I've been tempted by those offcut packs on eBay before, they look like a good source of wood.

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

If you’re not after pristine white maple they’re perfect!

@rayrayokmusic 2 жыл бұрын

Chris! Such a awesome video. I love the way you take the mystery out of it. It’s not magic. More people should be doing it. 👍😎

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

Exactly! And make anything else you fancy while your at it!

@damianoabbatini481 9 ай бұрын

Bravo! I like your philosophy, your ideas

@KingBespokeCreations 9 ай бұрын

Thank you 👍

@ericgiova1663 Жыл бұрын

Cool video, at last a method that fits my budget ; ) Thank you so much for this content, inspiring...

@KingBespokeCreations Жыл бұрын

Absolutely my pleasure. 👍

@bogusawbiker7416 9 ай бұрын

Super, very valuable video, greetings from Poland

@KingBespokeCreations 9 ай бұрын

Glad I could help 👍

@odem7150 2 жыл бұрын

awesome video! i have never seen someone using a planer for the fretboard-radius. really looking forward to your next uploads.

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

That’s great! Hope you have a go 😉

@oldskoolmagik6825 3 ай бұрын

Thanks

@KingBespokeCreations 3 ай бұрын

Much appreciated 👍

@MarkGutierrez 2 жыл бұрын

You made making the volute transition look easy. I need one of those curved chisels.

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

I still need more curved chisels!

@tobaccorich 2 жыл бұрын

I also like this chisel. I think I need one

@davidlostumbo6845 10 ай бұрын

Nice thanks

@KingBespokeCreations 10 ай бұрын

My pleasure

@tedrowland7800 Жыл бұрын

New sub. The only thing I might add, because for a long time I did not know this, is that the neck "taper" from the nut to the heel of the neck, determines where the bridge is centered. Great video, and I learned some of the constructs that I was missing.. Thank you so very much and I was only trying to share a little info. This is in "no Way" any criticism.. I mean "Where's my channel"? (LOL)

@KingBespokeCreations Жыл бұрын

Not at all. Any help is always good 👍

@unktopia Жыл бұрын

Great video. I came to see if I could pick up any more tips on neck shaping and learned a few things about how to use chisels as well.

@KingBespokeCreations Жыл бұрын

That’s awesome 👏

@lewe1882 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris - great video. I’ve subscribed so I can watch the next instalment. I’m having trouble finding the next part. Sorry but you have some playlists and separately many individual videos. Any chance you can point in the right direction ?

@KingBespokeCreations Жыл бұрын

That neck went onto the Venomous build. There are two videos for that body, one with talking, one without 👍

@Kungfoopoo 2 жыл бұрын

Seen some of your other projects and they are 🔥 awesome man 👍

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@julesbrunton1728 Жыл бұрын

@@KingBespokeCreations hey sorry, I don't subscribe to channels and do the notification thing...too many annoying beeps and bings..but I will definitely be watching sharing and engaging with yours!

@KingBespokeCreations Жыл бұрын

@@julesbrunton1728 that’s great! 👍

@GrandmaSiva 5 ай бұрын

While carving or routing the channel for the truss rod, cut it all the way to the end.

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

🌟✨ Get your copy of my new book “Be a Self Taught Woodworker” on Amazon now! 📖✨🌟

@victorortiz193 2 жыл бұрын

Finally, imperial! Thanks ahaha

@Ramplcro 2 жыл бұрын

Good video. Guess it's more relaxed and fun to work this way. I wish i could find a tight grain spruce/red cedar 75/80 cm long wood for neck. With hand tools it would cool. All i could find is 60 cm in length for bracing. Later i would wrap it in 1-1,5 mm layer of carbon fiber unidirectional sheet/epoxy and maybe finish with 0,6 mm veneer "for looks".

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

Just use a sponge if you’re wrapping it in carbon fibre! 🤣

@adamcone6856 Жыл бұрын

Awesome work. You make it look so easy. I'm trying to acquire the tools I need to become a luthier. I'm disabled, and just feel lost on whether power tools or hand tools would be more beneficial for a spine that has had 7 surgeries. I feel myself wanting hand planes and chisels, but my back would likely have different ideas. I just don't know how to proceed. Tools are very expensive.

@KingBespokeCreations Жыл бұрын

Oh wow. Hand tools might still work if you just go slow? If they’re sharp, they don’t have to have a lot of effort. Power tools are definitely easier on the body, but as you say expensive and noisey/dusty too. Keep watching for more guitar builds and tips. I hope you enjoy the woodwork 👍

@jurgenzoller4407 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Chris...... I think you have converted a few more home luthiers

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

That’s the plan! 😁

@GeorgeGeorgeOnly 9 ай бұрын

Excellent workmanship for sure! Except that you could have so easily cut the access for the truss-rod when you originally cut the TR channel. Blindly driving a drill bit at it afterwards I’d have thought is taking too much of a risk. That’s certainly not how I’d do it.

@KingBespokeCreations 9 ай бұрын

You’re absolutely right. This was a point where was following everyone else’s trend, I dont even know why? Following your own route and question everything!

@GeorgeGeorgeOnly 9 ай бұрын

@@KingBespokeCreations Hey, Dude King! Thank you so much for liking my criticism. You've just elevated yourself to the top of my estimation, and I'll be following your channel enthusiastically from now on. I have slotted pre-made necks a few times now which is never easy, but I have to confess that actually I haven't made a neck from scratch, yet. You have, you showed us how, and it still looked good despite the... erm, well... never mind. Actually, your videos are great, and I’m sorry I wasn’t a little more complimentary. Thanks again! GG

@saulgoodeguitars 2 жыл бұрын

I like using meranti for fretboards, it’s hard enough, but as the same time it doesn’t take too long to just sand the radius in

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

And it’s purdy too! 😂

@saulgoodeguitars 2 жыл бұрын

@@KingBespokeCreations sure is, I wished I saved some of the flamed meranti I found last year for fretboards

@julesbrunton1728 Жыл бұрын

Haha yes its true. Trussrods wouldn't exist if the wood mattered...that said, a good quartersawn chunk of maple will not warp without one...a slabcut piece of framing pine will

@KingBespokeCreations Жыл бұрын

👍🎸

@Scion4600 2 жыл бұрын

Cool, first view! Love this stuff!

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

How have you seen it? It’s still unlisted! 🤔

@Scion4600 2 жыл бұрын

@@KingBespokeCreations It showed up in your Tool Tuesday playlist I was binging. Very useful video btw. I liked your using a hand plane for the fretboard radius, I've done that once myself.

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

@@Scion4600 interesting! Glad you enjoyed it 👍

@herbiusstormkillius 2 жыл бұрын

My last neck was ash with iroko fretboard turned out well for my 1st neck from scratch

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds great. I used iroko for my first full neck

@herbiusstormkillius 2 жыл бұрын

@@KingBespokeCreations awesome bet that was a nice neck

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

@@herbiusstormkillius you can see it on my archtop build!

@herbiusstormkillius 2 жыл бұрын

@@KingBespokeCreations that's a lovely guitar 👍 I have a slideshow vid of mine on my channel of u fancy checking it out any feedback would be appreciated

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

@@herbiusstormkillius I’ll have a look for sure.

@briansmith9698 2 жыл бұрын

King Bespoke Creations is it possibble use a mini scraping plane make a slot if so can you do a video on it?

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

For the truss rod channel? That would be called a plough plane, and I’d love to get my hands on one!

@lezrekmohamed Жыл бұрын

I have just finished the truss rod channel with your technique, it's amazing. It's the first time I use a chisel! I had finished the depth with Paul Seller' simple router with the 6mm chisel through a block of wood. Which shape of the neck do you get with thi technique of carving, C or is it flat D? Thanks

@KingBespokeCreations Жыл бұрын

That’s great to hear! You can actually have any shape you want, including asymmetrical. Watch this video where I explain it 👍 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eqtjdKartZvWlZc.html

@lezrekmohamed Жыл бұрын

@@KingBespokeCreations Thanks, it is a really perfect showing the different neck shapes carving😄

@lezrekmohamed 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks it's a wonderful video. I have finished a semi hollow body, and I am about to start the neck without many tools. The video came at the right moment. What is the length of the truss rod? Isn't it a little bit short?

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

Glad I could be of help. The truss rod only needs to go from the nut to just past the joining point of the body. The length of the neck pocket won’t move, especially on a set neck.

@lezrekmohamed 2 жыл бұрын

@@KingBespokeCreations Thanks for your answer. This is good news, I have a 42 cm one. I was concerned because, in my non-expert logic, I thought that in order to be more effective the truss rod needs to be deeply anchored in the neck heel, since it is the only fixed and stable part of the neck. By the way, I am doing a bolt-on neck.

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

@@lezrekmohamed that’s great. I’ve never actually had to adjust the truss rod on any neck I’ve made, so dont stress too much!

@David-yl6bc Жыл бұрын

Well, finally somebody that I intended to do it (did not do so far). I guess its because we both watched Pauls videos. But it is interesting that other luthiers are not using the plane for rounding off the board. Which saw did you use for fret slotting?

@KingBespokeCreations Жыл бұрын

Thanks, it’s a crimson fret saw, but any fine saw with 0.0222” or 0.5mm width 👍

@David-yl6bc Жыл бұрын

@@KingBespokeCreations Thanks, did you ever try a hack saw or coping saw? Atm I plan to build exactly one guitar and want to avoid buying special tools because of that... But I fear a fret saw is the way to go (and could be used as a very fine saw afterwards still)

@KingBespokeCreations Жыл бұрын

@@David-yl6bc to be honest the fret saw I have, I also use as a dovetail saw!

@VoyeurGuitars 2 жыл бұрын

Alright, I'll be honest. I fully expected you to pull out a plow plane to do that truss rod channel.

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

I’m still looking to find one! Until then, a chisel is perfect. And would still be needed at both ends anyway!

@Emily_M81 10 ай бұрын

Basically "Does the tool you have remove wood? Yes? Then use it to shape the neck."

@KingBespokeCreations 10 ай бұрын

That about covers it! 😂👍

@christianurgese Ай бұрын

I often wonder why, if we can make a composite scarf, gluing 2 little wings, why have we to need a so huge piece of wood to create only one neck?

@KingBespokeCreations Ай бұрын

You don’t! Have as many pieces of word as you like! I’ve used layers of plywood before to good effect, it really is up to you and the look you go want 👍

@christianurgese Ай бұрын

@KingBespokeCreations not for the look. But to save as much wood as possible. Can we make two or 4 necks from one huge piece of wood like this?

@shawnkasten 2 жыл бұрын

Can you drill the truss rod hole before attaching the fretboard?

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, you can. I often try to do things in different orders. Figure out which order works best for you 👍

@slinkytreekreeper 6 ай бұрын

So this looks super approachable and tempting but is it really strong enough without a scarf joint? I have no real idea but even the cheapest £73 ebay guitar I bought has one. For sure cheapest options wouldn't do extra effort if it wasn't required?

@KingBespokeCreations 6 ай бұрын

It’s for cheap reasons that a scarf was invented. No wasted materials and machines can cut and glue very quickly. No structural problem with a one piece neck. A lot of scarf joint on custom builds are now done for decoration 👍

@BillyTheKidsGhost Жыл бұрын

I once cut out a pickguard with a drill and a file... It took forever...

@KingBespokeCreations Жыл бұрын

I imagine it did, but you still proved it was possible! 😁👍

@sashabagdasarow497 3 ай бұрын

Hello brother, I've been trying to carve out a neck from hard plywood (when I say hard, it's REALLY hard), but I'm failing. So far, I could only saw it, but the carving tools can hardly do anything to it, because the wood is SO hard. Thanks to that, I can have it quite thin and without Truss rod, but what do I do? How do I carve it if it's so stiff? It's even hard to saw it. I don't have a CNC router or anything that big. Just a few tools. Angle Grinder (which I used for rough cutting and I use it for sanding, with which I can carve small amounts of wood) a handsaw, and a few manual carving tools (that can't really bite into this plywood). Can you advise please?

@KingBespokeCreations 3 ай бұрын

I’d probably go with the angle grinder all the way! Starting with carving discs and heading into grades of sanding discs (flapper style to help keep it cooler). Sounds like you’ll have an awesome neck when you’re done though!

@GxHxN Жыл бұрын

Is laminating bodies and neck pretty standard? I've been researching building a guitar and every video shows the lamination.

@KingBespokeCreations Жыл бұрын

It quite common yes. It allows for smaller pieces of wood to be use and also a little artistic freedom in some cases. The lamination is actually stronger than one piece too 👍

@GxHxN Жыл бұрын

@@KingBespokeCreations Thank you! I've really found an interest in wanting to build instruments, I'm working on plans for a cajon and researching my guitar build!

@KingBespokeCreations Жыл бұрын

@@GxHxN awesome! Get the full band on the go!

@hereasafanofallsorts5164 6 ай бұрын

Gorilla wood glue for a guitar neck is a terrible idea as it expands and moves - but other than that what a great video to dispel all the myths about needing to be a master craftsman to make a neck

@KingBespokeCreations 6 ай бұрын

I’ve never had a problem with that on any piece of wood over at least 10 years of exclusively using it.

@hereasafanofallsorts5164 6 ай бұрын

Yeah fair enough - but theres a good reason why Titebond is the glue of choice of high end builders and not Gorilla glue - what you've done there is brilliant dont get me wrong - its just a niggle@@KingBespokeCreations

@KingBespokeCreations 6 ай бұрын

@@hereasafanofallsorts5164 we all have our little preferences. Super high end classical luthiers would probably only use hide glue!

@hereasafanofallsorts5164 6 ай бұрын

Very true - well you can watch a lot of them on here and they use a range of glues for different woods and different applications with each glue having certain desirable characteristecs - Micheal Bashkins entire Guitar build on the Stew Mac channel is very insightful and he is a master luthier - no denying - Hide glue where Gluing time is not an issue - Titebond for nearly universal application - Epoxies for oily woods like Rosewood and Cocobolo etc.- I suppose the great advantage of Hide Glue is that it makes repair work without damaging the wood a lot easier - Gorilla glue is universally advised as not guitar friendly as it expands and the joint is slightly flexible -Titebond grabs the wood and leaves a very secure static join - but thats just an advisory I suppose maybe not a solid rule@@KingBespokeCreations

@CoenBijpost 2 жыл бұрын

I never really understand that you’re making a tutorial about doing things with hand tools and then just put in a musical transition when you’re doing kind of complicated things like planing and glueing. That’s exactly what should be in the tutorial… Love the video, but an explanation of the planing step would have been very helpful indeed!

@KingBespokeCreations 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that Coen. It’s always hard to put everything into a video. But I shall endeavour to include those details next time 👍

@user-sn7pn7gk5z Жыл бұрын

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