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The guitar neck pocket is done and tight enough that I was able to hold the guitar up by its neck depending solely on its fit. By comparison, the route on the Steinberger Spirit GU-Deluxe was quite loose. Here it is with the neck attached:

Here is the setup I used to make the neck pocket. It’s derived from Martin Koch’s Building Electric Guitars.

A few passes with the DEWALT 2.25 hp Router and the neck pocket is complete:

Although the jig worked, it took more time to set up than I would have liked. This is no reflection on the idea but simply a matter of not having enough clamps on hands. For the future, rather than purchase additional clamps, I will build this neck pocket jig designed by David Myka of Myka Guitars:

This should reduce setup time and ensure a stable base from which to work. And, BTW, if you are not familiar with Myka Guitars, take a look. David does beautiful work!

More on my first guitar project:

Guitar Build - Bridge and Neck Have Arrived

Guitar Build - Guitar Body Flush Trimmed and Edges Rounded Over

Cutting Out The Ergonomic Guitar

Making The Ergonomic Guitar Template

Project Guitar Topic Thread: First Project Attempt - Ergonomic Guitar

Published Nov 21st, 2006 | Topic: Guitar Build #1 | 10 Comments →

That’s what I wondered when I came across the Big Rock guitar pick. In fact, this is exactly what this unique design promises. The F-1 and X-1 guitar picks from Big Rock Engineering improve the guitarist’s grip on the pick through the use of a concave surface that helps the guitarist hold the pick in a consistent position while using less effort. Many guitarists deal with conventional picks slipping from their fingers and these picks eliminate this problem. The F-1 is their “fixed” design (seen to the left) while the X-1 is assembled with the guitarist’s choice of one of several picks in either an index finger grip or a thumb grip. A better grip means a reduction in force and tension which is valuable for any guitarist but of particular benefit to sufferers of repetitive strain injury.

UPDATE: Read my long term review of Big Rock Engineering’s guitar pick solutions.

Published Nov 16th, 2006 | Topic: Guitar Accessories | 3 Comments →

I now have the guitar neck, bridge and headpiece courtesy of the Steinberger Spirit Guitar I purchased from Musicyo.com - seen here in its final moments.

I had briefly contemplated building the neck but decided against it. The most important aspect of this guitar build is producing a playable ergonomic guitar. I decided that building a neck would push this out too far. Neck building will have to wait until I have had the opportunity to review potentially beneficial features.

That said, I proceeded to dismantle the Musicyo Steinberger removing its neck (with headpiece) and bridge. I then began taking measurements in preparation for the routing needed for the neck and bridge. I also spent time drawing in contour lines and a center line.

As weight is an important factor (see Important Elements For An Ergonomic Guitar), I weighed the major components of the guitar. Here are the results:

• Neck (including headpiece) – 1 lb 4.6 oz
• Bridge – 1 lb 5.1 oz
• Body – 3 lb 12.6 oz

I’m particularly happy with the weight of the guitar body. By comparison a lightweight Strat body is about 4 lb with most bodies weighing in around 5 lb. At this stage, the only action I’ve taken to reduce weight has been to begin with a body blank that is .25 inches thinner than the standard 1.75″ body blank. I would have considered going thinner but I was limited by the depth of the bridge route required for the R-trem bridge. The body will become even lighter once I route for the bridge, neck, control cavity and pickups. Comfort contours will also cut weight.

Finally, I took a moment to clamp on the neck and sit the guitar in my preferred classical position. I was happy to find that it balances well needing no support from my hands in order to sit in my lap with the neck angled up. It was also comfortable in conventional playing position.

My next steps are routing the neck pocket and bridge area and then test fitting the neck and bridge. Once complete, I will move on to the remaining routing and shaping.

More on my first guitar project:

Guitar Build - Guitar Body Flush Trimmed and Edges Rounded Over

Cutting Out The Ergonomic Guitar

Making The Ergonomic Guitar Template

Project Guitar Topic Thread: First Project Attempt - Ergonomic Guitar

Published Nov 6th, 2006 | Topic: Guitar Build #1 | 33 Comments →

Here is the amazing guitarist Adrian Legg playing his ergonomic guitar design which incorporates both piezo and magnetic pickups. For more on the specifics of the design see my previous post, Adrian Legg’s Ergonomic Guitar.

Published Nov 1st, 2006 | Topic: Guitar Players | 3 Comments →