Guitar Tutorial

So I had a few requests to make a tutorial on how to make a prop guitar so during the making of my Flying V I took some progress pictures and put this together.

Please note: This probably isn't the best way to make a fake guitar. I would recommend using wood since it's much sturdier and will leave you with a smooth surface with little effort. However, not everyone has access to wood and different types of saws so this is an easy way for anyone to make a guitar.

This tutorial also works for other styles of guitars as well as bass. Just know your dimensions before starting. You can find the dimensions needed by going to a store and measuring a real guitar. They let you but they'll probably think you're crazy.

This tutorial does not go over how to properly use Bondo so please research that before you go and try using it. Also, please be careful when handling the sharp objects and work in ventilated areas because I'm not liable if you get injured or sick.

The guitar took me about a week and I did add an extra layer of Bondo after I sanded it the first time. So I would allow yourself at least that much time in order to finish in time for your event.

Some more info on certain steps:

4. The reason the fretboard needs to be about an inch longer is because a real one ends at the nut but ours will go into the head to connect the pieces.

6. Don't try to use any fancy glue like E6000 for this part as it will just eat through the foam. Stick with hot glue and be careful until your reinforce it with the Bondo.

7. It's tricky covering the sides so if the poster board doesn't go on completely straight, just cut off any extra from the top or bottom of the guitar so it's all at the same level for Bondo-ing.

10. Be careful when sanding because you are thinning out the Bondo and making it less sturdy. If you start seeing the poster board through the Bondo then stop sanding there and add another layer. This is especially important where you connect the frat board since that hold the guitar together.

13: You can't see it in the picture but I used a knife to add texture to the dials. Even though it's a small detail I recommend doing it to add more realism to your guitar.

17. If in doubt add glue. My screws slipped a little when I tied the strings on in step 25 so you can add some here if you want. It's not like you'll see that part anyway!

23. If you add glue here you can paint it silver when you're done so it blends in more with the rest of the piece.

24. Same as 23 except paint it white.

If you have any questions feel free to ask! Good luck!