Meet The Maker: OD Guitars – Essential Tools for Perfect Tone
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been absolutely hooked on building and creating things. It started with RC airplanes – I’d spend hours getting my hands dirty, piecing together every tiny part, and then watching my creations take flight. But it wasn’t just about the building; it was the thrill of seeing something I’d made from scratch actually work! At the same time, I found another outlet for my creativity – guitars. I’d lose myself in the music, my fingers dancing over the strings, coaxing out melodies. It wasn’t just about playing songs; it was about making them my own.
These two passions – building and music – have stayed with me throughout my life. They’ve shaped who I am today – a person who loves to create, to explore, and to master new skills.
As I matured, I made the deliberate choice to pursue a course in Industrial Design. As time progressed, a desire to reintegrate a hands-on approach to artisanship became evident, prompting an integration of my affinity for guitars and proficiency in building.
This led me to start a journey of exploration and experimentation. I became fascinated, ultimately deciding to channel this enthusiasm into designing guitars and establishing my own entrepreneurial venture.
What interesting project have you been working on? / What is the expected finish date?
I annually craft around 40 guitars, allowing me to allocate my attention across various instruments concurrently. However, a distinctive model is presently in development for the upcoming NAMM show in Anaheim, California.
We perceive this guitar as more than a mere musical instrument; it’s an art piece. We kicked off the project in January 2023 and aim to wrap it up by January 2024, just in time for its grand reveal at the show. We’re keeping the specifics under wraps, but the headline ‘Growing is Evolving’ captures the essence of our mission.
What materials and tools did you use to create your project and why did you choose them?
I primarily use the CNC machine. However, it’s not as simple as just pressing buttons to create a guitar. In fact, I carry out about 20-30% of the process on the CNC machine. Then in due course, I employ hand tools, die grinders, and engage in extensive sanding and shaping.
When working with burl woods, the WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy becomes indispensable. Over the years, I have experimented with various techniques for filling small voids, inclusions, and holes inherent in these woods.
If you have ever worked with burl woods, you understand the challenges of stabilising and sealing them. WEST SYSTEM Epoxy stands out as the sole product that consistently meets my requirements. Its robust curing enables efficient sanding without causing abrasion to the sandpapers. Notably, it consistently cures without encountering any issues, even when mixed with colours of different types or in diverse working environments and temperatures.
Did you encounter any unforeseen obstacles during the creation process? How did you successfully navigate these challenges?
The majority of unforeseen challenges arise from inadequate preparation of the wood before commencing work. Recently, I encountered a piece of burl buckeye wood presenting numerous holes, instability, and extreme delicacy. The intricate process involves filling these voids with epoxy, levelling the surface, and repeating the procedure until the wood achieves the necessary stability for crafting a guitar. The inherent risk lies in potentially thinning the wood excessively in the final stages. This undertaking entails a specific and time-consuming process, and any omission in the steps may lead to complications later in the project
Are there any upcoming releases or new projects on your horizon that you’re excited about?
I have recently harvested a substantial quantity of Buckeye burl tops. Subsequently, there will be a considerable amount of stabilising and crafting involved in preparing these materials before commencing the construction of an authentic guitar.
What advice would you give to anyone else looking to build/restore a guitar?
Crafting a guitar is a relatively straightforward task; however, creating a musical instrument demands a higher level of skill and comprehension. Transcend the simple act of cutting wood and stringing, taking the necessary time to thoroughly understand the intricacies of the process, and fully grasp the essence of this traditional craft.
The pivotal lesson lies in embracing mistakes as valuable learning opportunities. Avoid the temptation to construct the perfect guitar right from the start; instead, focus on the significance of the journey, for it is the process that holds true importance, surpassing the final outcome.
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