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Acoustic guitars have a sound that makes you want to cozy up around a fireplace and sing familiar songs with family and friends. The simplicity of the instrument means it’s something you can take anywhere. Whether it’s the way the sound waves resonate in the body of the guitar or the appeal of a small audience without using an amp, having the right gear makes the experience even better. And while there are so many different options out there for a great sounding acoustic guitar, what if you also play one that you built yourself? A DIY acoustic guitar is not only a fun weekend project, but it’s a way to connect even more with the music you create. Let’s take a look at what makes a DIY option even more appealing.
Determining the Value vs. Cost of a Great Acoustic Instrument
Every guitar player knows the top name brands. And while many musicians rave about them, it’s important for you to decide if you think they are worth the investment. High end guitars are known for their craftsmanship and quality, but in some cases, using a lower end mode is just as good depending on what you’re doing with it. Some musicians find that even less expensive guitars still have a good sound, so it doesn’t really matter if it’s the top of the line guitar or not.
And, when you build your own guitar, you get to have a little say in the craftsmanship of the instrument. You recognize how the body, strings and other components all work together to build a truly unique sound.
Acoustic Guitar Kits Can Give You a Unique Sounds
More and more musicians are exploring different acoustic guitar kits as a fun side project. While it can cost thousands for a custom built guitar, these kits are bridging the gap between getting quality sounds that are truly unique and keeping some money in your wallet. You can have a great sounding guitar because you made it that way.
There are many different options out there even for people without the woodworking skills to start from scratch. You can order step-by-step guides, precut parts, and even get ahold of the right tools to put everything together. And when you play this DIY instrument, you get even more connection with your music. You boost your love of playing because what sits in your hands you put together yourself.
Building it Yourself Helps You Listen in a New Way
Of course, musicians can hear things that regular people cannot in their music. They might call it tone, but what is it really? Is it the way a nice spruce makes the sound more crisp? Is it the way the mahogany adds depth? Maybe you even notice how humid climates affect the way the strings move on the neck of the guitar.
When you put it together on your own, you gain a new appreciation for all those distinct sounds. You listen in a new way to the different details that form what you;re hearing. It’s more than finger placement and playing technique.
Building a DIY Guitar Adds Meaning
Of course a musician can just buy a guitar from the local music store. Maybe it’s the color of finish or the ability to plug into an amp as well as play acoustic sounds. These design elements all help make playing more enjoyable. But building it yourself adds meaning. You choose the wood, the finish, and even the little details just because you love them, not because it was the best option from a limited set of choices.
You want to paint flowers on the body and coat it with a glossy finish? The choice is yours. You want to smile about the tiny imperfections because you made a whole guitar? Smile away. All those tiny details become a source of meaning and joy when you are the one who built it and put it together instead of it being a factory stock model.
A Luthier’s Workshop Isn’t Necessary
It’s time to rethink the idea that you have to be a professional luthier to make a good sounding and beautiful guitar. With the right tools in place and a DIY kit, you can craft your own acoustic guitar. Many people put these things together at the kitchen table and take their time to pour over the details to get the perfect sound. And the confidence you gain may not get you a seat with a luthier. But it can build pride in your abilities and a new kind of confidence in your music as well.