MY GUITAR

At the beginning of my project, I had the strange impulse to actually make my own guitar. Originally, the plan was to make a cigar box guitar. That plan changed when I realized I did not have the time to visit my Grandma in N.C. to obtain a cigar box. Thus, I resolved to a license plate guitar.

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Making this guitar was no easy task. As a college student, I did not have all the necessary materials, like tools and wood, to make the guitar on my own. Luckily, my Dad came to the rescue and offered his assistance. This was not only an opportunity for him to use his beloved power tools, but also a way for us to dive into tradition together. 

There were many websites with blueprints to make a license plate guitar. All of them were designs way past my capabilities and expertise. Thus, I did a lot of designing and editing to make a 'simpler' version of the guitar. I looked at different plans online, watched YouTube videos, and talked to my Dad to draw the final design. Honestly, my design was a jigsaw puzzle of various designs. Yet, I believe this is my way of incorporating innovation in my craft. 

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The license plate I used for this project is from my Grandpa's old truck. Therefore, this project was not only for my research, but also incorporating a part of him. Again, this touches on the aspect of tradition.

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Overall, making this guitar was my favorite part of my project (my Dad also loved it). By personally going through the steps of guitar making, I sincerely have a greater appreciation for luthiers. Also, I understand why luthiers do what they do. The joy of making your own instrument is not describable in words. For me, it had a lot to do with self pride in saying "I made that." 

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Link to YouTube video which offered much guidance to this process: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQhvCl3Lgl0 

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