A Challenge

[Bassguy87564]

Okay this may sound like a kooky idea but I just want to see if anyone has tryed this. Has any built a bass and/or guitar completely but hand. No power tools just a hand saw, coping saw, woodworking chisel, hammer, and clamps. haha it might sound crazy but hey some poeple might be old fashion.

 

[drozzy]

Routing the holes for the elctronics and pickups would be a bit of a challenge, even using a forstner bit in an electric hand drill is touch work, let alone a manual hand drill.

 

[spudmaster34]

we've had this pop up before, ultimate conclusion is that it would be hard, but doable

 

[Musiclogic]

That's how they made instruments before electricity. I haven't tried it, but my eighbor made a guitar with just hand tools and did a nice job.

 

[ZolkoW]

my first REAL build was with much less power tools than I'm using now. The body blank came glued and planned, and the neck came planed with the fingerboard as well.
I used only a drilling machine/drill press, and a handheld saw machine (don't know the name). maybe even a belt sander?
I did the cavities by chisel, and the roundings all with rasps... that took long time!

 

[Suburban]

Haven't done it, but it is indeed doable!
Depending on material and wanted curvature, the difficulty and sweat will vary. If you go for stiff but not hard neck and soft body (like alder), it's not that hard work. Takes a bit longer.
Fingerboard is a different matter, but then again, most powered luthiers make the most of them by hand!

The biggest issue: to drill in perfect angle.

 

[Bassguy87564]

Yeah I am going to try to make on complete by hand. Today cut half way through the neck and my arm got to tired so I will be doing some more cutting tomarrow

 

[ZolkoW]

- what about coming to the training room?
-no thanks, I'm building my biceps by sanding