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I was going to take my little acoustic 8 string experiment with me on a trip next week. But I noticed a crack in the side near the neck. This was due to an unusual construction method which didn't work. So I thought, why not unbolt the neck, make a quick body out of these 2x4s, and put the neck on it ? I want to apologize in advance for any trauma these pictures cause.

Scale: 23.5 - 25" (compact to fit in a 22" suitcase)
Neck: Maple (a mistake, too heavy)
Fretboard: mahogany
Neck support: carbon fiber, no truss rod
Neck attachment: bolt on with cabinet nuts
Strings: 8
Body: Douglas Fir (not just any old guitar wood, this stuff is construction grade !)


Sound clip
http://www.think600.com/2x4b/2x4b.mp3

I drew a template onto each 2x4, which became like a slice of the body.


Here are the slices lined up.


Clamping up with Tow Mater's help


Starting to come together.


Stand back, I'm gonna tune it up !


Since time was getting tight, it would be easier to throw in a bass pickup than build two piezo preamps.


Those two odd size tuners make it look like he is bragging he has two extra strings.


The countours and neck pocket were in the template, cut into the slices. Beats hogging it out with a chisel. Does this count as ergonomic ? There is a place for my food baby !

Are those staples serving as string guides?

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Yes, they are finishing nails bent in half. The alignment did not turn out as good as expected.

OWW! MY EYES!!! .....but seriously, I love this. Sounds pretty sweet too.

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I've got a mind like a steel......whatsername!!?

looks just like something i'd do!

They asked Fugazi frontman Ian Mackaye, "What are the best albums coming out right now?" "The ones being made," he replied. Reminds me of this. No guitar I have in planning is nearly as nice as one that is made. Kudos!

I know what you mean. This is the second time I have done one of these "what can I make in a week or two" projects. For me a project ends up being about six months, with a job and a kid, and that can be hard on the motivation. Sometimes it is so nice just to get something done. I mostly just build for myself anyway. How else would I afford a collection of headless multiscale stuff, let alone eight string?