How to Build a DIY Guitar: Challenge Part 2 | I Like To Make Stuff

In this second installment of the DIY Guitar Build, Bob and Josh finish up their guitar and bass! This video is sponsored by StewMac. If you're interested in making a guitar either from a kit or by hand, they have everything you need! Check out www.stewmac.com for more!
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About I Like To Make Stuff:
We have lots of projects including woodworking, metalworking, electronics, 3D printing, prop making and more!
These videos are our attempt inspire and empower others to make the stuff that they want to have. Hopefully you'll see something here that will inspire you to make something that you're passionate about!
DIY Guitar Build Off Part 2 | I Like To Make Stuff
• How to Build a DIY Gui...
I Like To Make Stuff
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[@geoffcowan2384]

Nice job! You each came up with some non-traditional solutions that I thought were really creative. The drop in electronics cup on the bass and drop in pickup holders on the guitar were really cool. 4,000 people are probably going to say this, but on your next one (yes there will be more!), you will be happier if you route your wiring channels before you glue the top on. Also, the holes in the body for the neck should be large enough that the screws don't thread into the body. That way the body is actually clamped to the neck tightly. If you want a list of the tons of mistakes I made on my first build, plus all the new mistakes I make on each one, dm me. lol. Can't wait to see the next guitars you build!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks for the tips. Josh has already made another bass and has fixed a lot of the issues he had the first time.

[@geoffcowan2384]

@@Iliketomakestuff you’re welcome. I hope you enjoyed making them as much I enjoyed watching you make them. My first build, as imperfect as it is, is still the first one I pick up. Something about that first one. :) if you ever have to drill out a broken screw again, take a piece of brass, or steel is better if you can get it, tubing just bigger than the screw, file teeth in one end and chuck it into the drill. It will take out less wood and is really useful for when pickguard or the little screws for the tuner break off. If you use the K&S tubing, get the next size up too and use it to cut a plug. The tubing telescopes, so that plug will be the perfect size. Soap on the tube will help because the brass is a little soft. Keep having fun man!

[@monaglewoodcrafts]

FeEsH

[@ProjectBlackweather]

@@geoffcowan2384 I'm the same way with my first build. It can't be properly intonated AT ALL, but there's ONE HH Strat with a blue-dyed spalted maple top, and she's mine. My next build is gonna be a Musicmaster bass if I can ever find a short scale neck...

[@geoffcowan2384]

@@ProjectBlackweather something about that first one, isn’t there? :)

[@tylerpeters1181]

I just want to say I appreciate the extra silly that has been featured in more recent videos. Keep it up!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Glad you like them!

[@arneparmentier2806]

Liked, just because of the accordeon at the start.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Haha.

[@GiacoWhatever]

INSANE! Also best intro ever!!!

[@3rd_stall]

Bob wins back Clamp Champ of Week from Jimmy. The axes look great. I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more videos like this.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Right on

[@ryan31775]

Boba Fret. Brilliant!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Hehe.

[@forestbirdoriginals4917]

I love the new interaction between you and Josh on the channel. I love the way you guys are both doing your thing and then talking about what youre working on. Great job. LOVED EVERY SECOND!

[@S133S]

The best part is to see how much fun you both have making stuff.

[@C3DPropShop]

I love the build, but I just KNEW Anthonys instrument would take the cake! And he is right, it needs more cowbell!!

[@aeonspast]

Yall clearly had a lot of fun making this video and I am SO for it. I chuckled at the little clamp before the clamp champ tag but LOST IT at Josh's additional one. Absolutely great video guys!

[@dancoffeyuk]

I really enjoyed these two videos. Partly for exactly the reason you pointed out at the start, that you're "just two guys building some guitars". You are pulling me ever closer to a 20 year long dream of building one! Enjoy jamming and recording with them!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Totally do it. I waited unnecessarily and I'm so glad I chose to do it. Seriously, check out www.stewmac.com and give their kits a look.

[@cathalbrady8259]

Ahahaha loved the sanding montage 😂 Bob doing pull ups with sandpaper in his mouth made me laugh 😂

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Hahaha.

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Loved these two videos and the cowbell was the cherry on top! Great stuff as always guys!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks Ethan 👍

[@alexandercospel6501]

I have been waithing for pt.2!!! After watching pt.1 I got motivated and started playing again myself thanks

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Glad to hear it!

[@edwarholortega7424]

You're amazing bob, you encourage me every day to create and make new things by myself!

[@MakeSomething]

Absolutely beautiful guys!! Wow!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks man!

[@Shteuf]

Dude the sanding montage was so rock’n’roll!

[@MakeShapeCreate]

I love this series! If for no other reason then it got the three of you to play to together! Maybe next time Forby is in town he can play the electric cow bell!

[@TinkerWithUs]

That cowbell is begging for an accelerometer so you can just shake it to trigger.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

That's awesome!

@@Iliketomakestuff COWBELL Build Video... PLEEEEEASE :D

[@Cleopas82]

After all that work, the electric cowbell is going to steal the show.

[@CowlickCCM]

Very cool. I am super excited to hear you play again. Have wanted to see more music projects from you for a while.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Working on it!

[@CowlickCCM]

@@Iliketomakestuff Most Excellent.

[@jim4596]

I feel like this is what ever wanted. Great video. I enjoyed it very much.

[@SuperVoodude]

Loved seeing the highs and lows during these two vids. And thanks for more guitar words I can pretend to know the meaning of to impress friends!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Well they were genuine reactions to unforeseen events. Plans only get you so far.

[@Budietoyka]

Wow, I love how they came out. You guys crushed it!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thank you so much!

[@ManOfTrades]

Those are just stunning

[@KyleKatarn145]

The older I've gotten the more I appreciate the natural wood finish guitars. If I ever become an amateur luthier, that's definitely the direction I would take lol. Well done!

[@DemeDemetre]

hey! fan of you since forever. please do a hidden storage under a table or whatever. please

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Under a table? Like where your legs go?

[@DemeDemetre]

@@Iliketomakestuff i mean like, make a bedside table and when lets say twisting the handle, make a nerf gun drop underneath... maybe i went a bit too far

[@harry3338]

Im so happy that Josh built a bass!!! Bass lives matter!☺️

[@Iliketomakestuff]

It was his bass idea that spurred this video challenge.

[@harry3338]

@@Iliketomakestuff Awesome! The semi hollow looks great too. I love the Real wood look. I call the bass the Adidas shoebox. It has the three stripes. Great job guys!

[@woodworksbygrampies1284]

Congratulations on getting them done! They look amazing.

[@chrisphobia]

I loved it lads! The printed electronics cup in the bass is such a great idea. Bob your recovery on that neck pocket was just perfect. There's so much character in both instruments. I really like the mis matched top on the guitar. and the pick guard on the bass. You guys rocked it. Fair balls

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@matthewdaniels1147]

Super fun build! The electric cow bell was genius haha

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Yes it was!

[@Tykx3]

I love the way they turned out you are so talented

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks! Just like anything, it takes practice.

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Very beautiful designs. This video was very nice to watch this week. Very nice job on these videos. They turned out outstanding and both look very nice. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friends. Can't wait to see ur next videos. Hope to see more battle videos. Keep Making. God Bless.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thank you so much 😀

[@HDBrown-wc9xt]

Both of those instruments a look great! It’s was about time for more Cow Bell!!!!

[@chrishuhn5065]

Hahaha! With the Wilhelm Scream the electric cow bell has achieved absolute perfection.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work, guys! Really beautiful guitars!!! 😃 Really well done!!! Stay safe there with your families! 🖖😊

[@ToolsToday]

Amazing work guys! Love the videos Bob!

[@Xajam7]

Everything with those two built video is amazing ! the process is mind blowing and the learning curve must have been great.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dannyjepp985]

That "Oh no!" hurt. I felt that hard. I'm so happy that the plug worked out!

[@CalebsFineWoodworking]

Two beautiful guitars! It was fun to see how it all came together.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks so much!

[@Nerotique]

You guys rock! Litterally.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks!

[@durandanne-john6621]

The sound of the guitar is soft and very sweet, not perfect to play rock or heavy metal music but so nice to play ballads and maybe old fashion rockabilly. The sound of the bass is just perfect, deep and lound ! Congratulations guys to do so beautyfull instrument ! Stay healthy and take care of you and your family !

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thank you so much!

[@differentmelissa]

Bob's workout routine is really paying off! Out here looking like he could be in a marvel movie 💪💪

[@reforzar]

Really liked the banter and information. Keep it up! Can’t wait for another build off.

[@mercutiojb]

Love the feel of these two videos! And loving that it's a "larger" project spanning multiple videos. Would love to see more of that

[@fbrz84]

One detail I learn in luthiery school: Neck screws should go through the body without much resistance and screw just to the neck.

[@gabrielacevedo5803]

YES I’ve been waiting for this!!! You’ve got to play Don’t Fear the Reaper with that cowbell

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Wait no more! And you're the first comment!

[@MichaelYarde]

I love this little mini series. The good vibes were just off the chart! Just two best buds having a great time on a project together. I don’t play guitar, and will highly likely never make one, but I just loved watching these videos! Thanks for making them!

Congrats again to Bob and Josh for two amazing builds. I'm a guitar fan myself, love the shape and components Bob chose for his Boba Fret (I'd copyright that ASAP Bob) and I SWEAR my heart skipped a beat when that screw broke...oh the pain. But have to say I am seeing a future video in which Bob makes the Boba Fret Mark II, complete with a hand made neck, and Josh finally makes a bass with PERFECTLY CENTERED STRIPES. ^_^ This was loads of fun guys. Thanks again for the video, and for bringing us along with you. And before I forget WE NEED A BUILD VIDEO FOR THAT COWBELL #MORECOWBEL #PLEEEEASE

[@mgcnashville6615]

Ok. Some tips for u if you ever consider future instrument builds. common woods used in guitar/bass production are maple, mahogany, rosewood, ebony, alder, ash, and spruce, in some cases. For a top, you typically use a 2 piece bookmatched piece of wood with a center seem(flamed maple is common) Don’t laquer your fretboard unless it’s maple. Semi hollow bodies usually don’t have cavities routed out. You do the wiring through the f holes. Use binding to hide the seems on the edges. You enlarge the screw holes of the neck pocket, so the screws slide through them into the neck. Use wax when placing a screw into the wood of the neck to prevent risk of cracks. Blueprints would help you tremendously. Don’t use a mallet to fret a guitar/bass. And use a call under the neck to support it while doing so. don’t drill straight through the tuner holes, it will cause tear out. You go halfway from each side. A step bit helps in some cases. And hand screw the last few turns into your neck. If your drill isn’t torqued properly, you’ll crack your neck. Not sure if you did this, but: roundover the outer edges of your neck pocket. 1/8”. learn the masking tape and super glue trick rather than use a key for your templates Tight bond wood glue is your friend You want to have your neck in with low and high E strings on before committing to placement of your pickups. So you can line up the pole pieces with the strings. You want to use a fret end bevel file,typically a bastard cut mill file, at 90 degrees, to trim the fret ends. And one placed in a wedge at a 35 degree angle to bevel your fret ends. Luthiery is a big undertaking. Lots of research required. Takes a while to learn all the fine details.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks for all those tips. And you're right, there is a lot of research to even get to where we were and we aren't professionals.

[@mgcnashville6615]

@@Iliketomakestuff yea! It’s a lot. You both did good jobs, though. Esp for a first time. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to make another one in the future. And it’ll be even better.

[@danielrisueno8003]

Really nice build. I always wanted to learn how to make an acoustic guitar, or a flute, or whatever any other instrument, I just find it so amazing. And you guys did it!!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Stew Mac also has acoustic guitar kits. Check them out at www.stewmac.com/kits-and-projects/instrument-kits/

[@danielrisueno8003]

@@Iliketomakestuff Wow, thanks for that! You are awesome, guys, that's why I've been subscribed for... I cant' recall... 3 years, maybe?

[@matthewrose8976]

Love the electric cow bell! Great job, Anthony!

[@AnthonyRose]

Thanks!!

[@AnthonyRose]

....are we related?

[@matthewrose8976]

I know most of my relatives for 3 generations back, so I'm pretty sure we're not, but who knows? We certainly have "More Cowbell" in common! 🤣

[@horatioswrld]

Love the video. Love the process. I think y'all touched on a great point of if you want to just make this your weekend project and enjoy the process go for it, if you just want the thing. These videos really help explain why things cost what they cost. I would love an Electric Cowbell build video

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Yes! Thank you!

[@guitfidle]

Yeah, Stewmac is pretty awesome. I've been buying parts, tools, and supplies from them since '96 or '97.

[@diywithry]

Truly an incredible set of guitars, well done! Both of them turned out beautiful, and the two videos covering them were great too. My opinion, you guys should definitely make more videos like this. It's been fun to watch, and I think you had a good mix of being entertaining and then teaching about different parts of building a guitar. And now my ideas for building a guitar have definitely moved up the project list!

[@aceonfire12]

God my heart broke when the screw snapped!! I'm so glad you managed to save the project, you kept such a level head and came up with a fantastic solution! I would have panicked and probably broke both the body and the neck trying to fix it lol

[@BruceAUlrich]

Those guitars turned out fantastic! I love the lighter piece in yours, Bob! I know you were not sure about that when you had to redo it. And the cowbell is fantastic!

[@AnthonyRose]

:D Hey Bruce!

[@BruceAUlrich]

@@AnthonyRose Hi!

[@ELKARLOS0116]

Give us more of these! This was one of the coolest vids ive seen on this channel.

[@bytesizedengineering]

Once again Anthony wins a build-off that he wasn't even involved in!

[@Wordsnwood]

Push it again!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

There may or may not have been fart sounds

[@sorenwilson5445]

I built a guitar from scratch last year with a really cool inlay. Can confirm the neck is really tough. I used your previous guitar video on how to spray finish and it came out great!

[@whatthemake]

Awesome to see Josh in more vids! Great build, really wanna make a guitar now!

[@everettfontenot2618]

DAMN these came out super great! And good job fixing that broken screw when attaching the neck, I feel like I would have lost my mind. Great job!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

I did for a sec, but then like any problem, it needed solving.

[@MakerBeach]

Oh yeah, StewMac is awesome. I just posted a video of my son and me building one of their ukulele kits. Keep up the great work guys!

[@katherinecarroll3706]

They look great.

[@Charles-Darwin]

The 3d print drop-in electronics is a friggin killer idea!

[@sapelesteve]

Terrific guitar & bass build Bob & Josh! Suggestion for Bob, next time you have to glue the top together I would consider using Hyde glue instead. It holds just a good & if you ever wanted to separate the top, all you have to do is heat it and it would come apart. Also, use wax on the screws next time so that they screw into the wood more easily. Anyway, looking forward to the follow up video! 👍🎸🎸👍

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Interesting, I've never heard of the glue. The wax idea is great.

[@korasie]

Clamp Level : Over 9000

[@midnightsun2010]

I absolutely love watching these videos. You guys are the greatest dorks ever. And I mean that in the best way possible :)

[@standingbear39]

Both very nice.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thank you! 😊

[@Dodo-bf3dm]

That accordion riff was so hilarious!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Haha

[@CMRWoodworks]

Awesome two videos. Just watched both of them. I enjoyed seeing how you dealt with the problems that came up. Nice work!!

[@motor2of7]

This is a great example of coopertition....competing yet collaborating.

[@stevesm2010]

Well done! Both the guitars look great. And extra q-dos for doing the sponsorship insert well, because you had stuff going on behind, I didn't find it intrusive at all. A pleasure to watch.

[@dogtiredguitars]

A few things on attaching your neck: 1) NEVER use a drill to install neck screws, 2) the screw holes in the body should be larger than the screw. To achieve good clamping pressure, you only want the screws to engage with the holes in the neck, and 3) a bit of candle wax on the screw threads helps them to install easier.

[@JGV_IX]

You guys are a treat!! Really loved this video!!

[@alexwendt8565]

10/10 for subverting my expectations in the intro

[@Iliketomakestuff]

hahaha

[@jlarts]

I like how you sorted the alignment of the pickup relative to the archtop on your guitar Bob. another option would possibly have been to do the same pickup surround as you can see on Les Paul types where the surround isn't flat but espouses the curvature of the top, which makes it really convenient to figure out which way around to fit them on as well. Great job both of you!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

That's a great idea!

[@motzemog]

Electric cow bell build! hahaha J/K guys. This series was great. Inspired me to try making a bass one day.

[@MosnoAlMoseeki]

Those guitars look and sound beautiful, nicely done. And I have to say, That Electric Cowbell is pretty awesome! :D

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Couldn't agree more!

[@SohumDatta]

i like the two different wood tones on the face of bob's guitar

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Cherry has a wide color swing. Some are pale and blond and some are vibrant orange

[@SohumDatta]

@@Iliketomakestuff ohh nice nice, next time y'all try making guitars and basses, try fanned frets, it would be a fun experience

[@murphymmc]

Nice job on those. I did do a chuckle when Josh said built with hand tools. Hand held power tools would be accurate. Didn't see a lot of rasps, spoke-shaves, planes, chisels, maybe some Luthier planes, fret saws used. Nevertheless, very well done with an excellent culmination.

[@benhightowerv]

I gotta say, that guitar is awesome! I was a little worried when you said you needed to build a box for the neck pickup, but it turned out great. I really dig it. Now I need to go attempt to build one myself.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

You totally should! Seriously, check out www.stewmac.com for some kits

[@scubasteve159753]

Hey, cool guitars and stuff, but that electric cowbell stole the show! That'd be a fun build video by itself too!

[@kyleswanstrom9961]

So awesome! I love the projects and all the references.

[@weisnowhere]

Boba-Fret!! Absolutely love it!

[@seymourduncan]

Nice Pickups!! :)

[@WiredWorkshop]

Amazing work guys they came out great! Also I’ve never wanted to go sand something after watching a video but after that epic montage Im running to my shop.

[@verygoodboy2688]

That lighter piece of wood actually turned out awesome with finish. It looks like the top is darkest and it gets lighter down from there

[@Iliketomakestuff]

I like it!

[@dr.rotwang]

Your journey in building your base reminded me of something I saw years ago. Mike Rak of the jazz ensemble Charged Particles built his own bass with a magnetically attached removable fret board so he could transition between freted and fretless bass in just a quick moment. Really slick.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

That's a cool idea!

[@WorkingHandsMakingStuff]

OMG, Great jobs on the guitars, they look great, but can I just say, I love the electric cowbell

[@michaelrolph198]

You should make a cajon next!!

[@sddiymakeitworthit7512]

I’m waiting for the part 2 just amazing thanks for that

[@Iliketomakestuff]

You're welcome!

[@LewMaldo]

Was waiting for this!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Wait no more!

[@paule5812]

Nice work guys 😃 P.S. more cow bell

[@stevesoldwedel]

Love that the cowbell did the Wilhelm Scream.😂

[@linkmast3r100]

The chaos which is the clamps is hilarious

[@buta_vagy_mint_meszaros_lorinc]

So far my favorite video!

[@grieverrule]

Hi guys....been following you for a few years and loved this mini series!! Bob, next time make sure you predrill the holes in the neck, the holes in the body need to be wide enough to allow the screw to fall through and lastly....always grease the screws with candle wax and screw in by hand 😀 All the best from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ShortiWatta82]

It was the cow bell for me 😂🤣

[@Wilmx]

These are so great! Really well done.