How to Make a Multi Guitar Stand | I Like To Make Stuff

As many of you know, I have a lot of instruments. Lately, I've been practicing a lot more and needed a place to store all of my guitars. Instead of buying a cheap one, I made a multi guitar stand for all of my amazing instruments, and you can too! There's digital plans listed below!
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For this multi guitar rack, I wanted to make the structure out of a really nice cherry wood. I had a big block of it from an old project, so I needed to mill it down to size first. We have a BITS video all about milling lumber where Josh went through the process of using the jointer, the planer, and the table saw to get really nice, square pieces of wood. I followed that process and made some square lengths of cherry that will be cut at a 75 degree angle to make up the side structure.
The overall shape of the sides will look like an invert lower-case letter "y." I used my digital protractor to transfer a 75 degree line to the wooden pieces and cut those angles on the miter saw. You could simply glue these pieces together using a butt joint and screws, but I wanted to challenge myself by making angled, half-lap joints. A half-lap joint is made by removing half of the material thickness and overlapping another piece with the same amount removed. There are many methods of accomplishing this angled joint, like a vertical jig on the table saw, but I decided to use the bandsaw and a hand saw. With each joint cut, I gathered the other components to assemble and started drilling the holes for the crossmembers and the mounting hardware.
With the side structures now prepped and glued together, it was time to assemble the bottom crossmembers and the top holder bar. To connect the bottoms, I wanted to use some leftover 1-1/4" poplar dowel. I glued the two lengths of dowel into the holes I drill in the side structures. For the top bar, I found some 30mm aluminum extrusion left over from the Roof Rack project. This would work really well because I could slide the guitar neck holders around to make room for more instruments.
Before I mounted the top bar, I made sure to slide in the extrusion t-nuts into the channels because I wouldn't be able to once it was attached. Then, using some button-head hardware, I attached both sides of the extrusion to the upper side structures and the multi guitar rack was assembled. I then added some rubber feet to the bottom so that it sat up off the ground, making room for the guitars' strap nut. Now it's time to make the guitar neck holders!
Now that the multi guitar stand's structure was completed, it was time to make the individual holders for each guitar neck. I used the same cherry wood and drew out an easily repeatable template. Using a forsner bit and the bandsaw, I cut out some U-shaped holders with a mounting hole in the middle. I was told in a previous video that foam, over time, could mess up the finish on guitar necks. To combat this problem, I decided to line the inside of each holder with a strip of dyed leather. This provides some padding and protection to each guitar neck. After some simple beeswax finish, I used some 1/4"-20 screws to attach each holder to the extrusion's t-nuts.
I moved the rack into the studio and loaded up the multi guitar rack with all of my instruments. Using the extrusion allowed me to space the neck holders to fit each instrument, allowing me to fit more guitars on the rack. Right now, I have an acoustic guitar, a bass, and four electric guitars on the rack with room to spare! I am really happy with this design, but I plan on updating some simple things in the future. First, I want to add taller feet to make room for some longer strap nuts. Secondly, I want to wrap the lower dowels with some leather to help protect the guitar bodies and to add some friction to the bottom.
We have some digital plans available for this multi guitar stand if you want to make your own. I know you can buy cheap guitar racks, but mine can grown with my collection and it is the perfect way to display my favorite instruments.
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How to Make a Multi Guitar Stand | I Like To Make Stuff
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I Like To Make Stuff
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[@EvanAndKatelyn]

Evan's exact response to hearing "aluminum extrusions" 🤣👏

[@jochenwuerfel]

4:28 A wild Evan appears 👌

[@soffes]

Haha this was perfect :D Thought if your desk build as soon as he said it 😂

[@MegaDeath458]

Oh hello there my favorite couple on the interwebs!

[@_thegrayman]

Starts singing SRV - “Hello there, my old friend... 🎸”. Who’s behind the camera?They’re doing a great job!

[@malanao]

5th

[@SpecificLove7]

Love the combination of wood, metal, and leather. It looks great.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thank you very much!

[@LonePyroWolf]

As a musician, I will say that you should definitely do as you said you might - add taller rubber feet to the bottom and wrap leather around the wooden dowels at the bottom so the finish doesn't scratch on the wood. Also, small straps to your neck holders so that if you do happen to bump your stand or any guitar in it, they wont accidentally fall out. It will also allow you to pick the stand up and move everything together for cleaning or re-arranging purposes. Though, taking out the guitars is still recommended. Ha ha!

[@stewartbowman]

Good suggestions. Another reason for raising it further off the floor is to allow for guitars with endpin jacks (electro acoustics), especially when you forget to pull the plug out...

[@hoguemr]

Haha Evan's aluminum extrusion face was great

[@Iliketomakestuff]

haha. Evan is great!

[@christobacon1]

one trick that I've used for "making" threads in the end of extruded alluminum instead of bruteforcing the screw in it like you did, I take a steel screw that I "sacrifice" and make one or two groves in the threads to help it cut the alluminium... works a charm

[@Iliketomakestuff]

That's a great tip!

[@austinwessels]

I was thinking the same thing, but isn't that just a tap? (I speak from very little experience)

[@christobacon1]

@@austinwessels yes, but if you think a bit at the problem that bob has, which is to seat the tap correctly in the hole, it's from my experience due to the flutes of the tap being too big. by making the flute smaller it's easier to seat. but, yes it's a custom tap

[@fadetounforgiven]

I was about to suggest the same exact thing. Depending on the size (diameter) of the screw, you may even want to go for three or four. That helps evacuating the material (in this case aluminium) you are taking away.

[@PinataOblongata]

@@christobacon1 No expert, but I've seen metal workers put their taps into drill presses and clamp the work piece perpendicular, then turn the chuck by hand as they apply downward pressure using the press lever. That way everything is held exactly where it should be and the tap moves as linearly without a jig or just eyeballing it.

[@BrandonSmith-sq9wg]

Great video. I just " discovered" your channel last night. Binged watched your videos for about 8 hours. The timing is perfect. Now that I have a lot of free time, I'm converting my 12x16 shed into a proper but small workshop. I added heat, insulation and better lighting. I have most of the basics as far as tools. I'm still trying to find a layout that works for me. Regardless, this will probably be my first project when I figure it out. Thanks for the great content.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

That's fantastic! I'm happy to help you along the way! Check out our digital plans to help you get some ideas.

[@wildgrovewoodworks1510]

You just solved something I’ve been mentally trying to capture for a while - making a rack that’s expandable and reconfigurable in case your guitar collection changes. As someone with lots of guitars but who also loves trading and getting new ones, I appreciate not having to make a new rack every few years! Great job!

[@JohnRobertson22]

Loved the little EvanAndKatelyn shoutout. I’m obsessed with t slot aluminum after their videos

[@Iliketomakestuff]

They're amazing people

[@JohnRobertson22]

I agree! Very talented, much like yourself Bob!

[@krypto3166]

Looks great but I'm concerned about the dye in the leather leaching into the finish of the guitars. What about felt as a different option?

[@inflameslp311]

I'm building one of these myself and the whole time I'm watching this I'm thinking "Why not use felt?" But then I realize he is doing a high quality custom build so of course why not leather... I am putting mine on casters as well so I can roll it around if necessary. Mine is not nearly as pretty as his but I would not call myself an accomplished woodworker so I'm proud of what I have accomplished so far.

[@stewartbowman]

I agree. Surely leather dye (or any dye) is likely to leach into some wood finishes, particularly wax and cellulose lacquer. I guess undyed leather would be good, though.

[@imraneo]

I just discovered this channel last week and have been binge watching! It's so therapeutic to see all that amazing woodwork. Thanks for sharing Bob.

[@TheGingerWorkshop]

Metal extrusion being used....*insert Evan reaction here* 😂

[@kevindurb]

The leather looks amazing! Nice touch! love this project

[@Sonic_Ox]

Thanks for the great video. I built a similar stand but entirely out of 1" square tube steel. I then used silicon weather stripping as cushion for the guitars. It works great and has not harmed the finish. It was really inexpensive as the steel was scrap from a different project. I appreciate the great quality of your videos.

[@ericwillersdorf7452]

"Trying to get back into guitar as a hobby..." *Takes out two Strats, two Gibsons and a vintage Musicmaster.

[@hj3875]

“Trying to get back into” means he played before so he has guitars

[@temper6162]

Honey jar, I think the key word in that was hobby, but hes got top shelf expensive guitars, most hobbyists dont have all of that

[@hj3875]

@@temper6162 did i ask?

[@scytheworks6297]

@@hj3875 Yo, no need to be bitchy

[@Paul-fq5fv]

Was thinking the exact same thing.....had a rack full of pedals on the floor too....lol

[@FigmentsMade]

This looks great! Using the wrench to hold the rubber feet while cutting them down is such a good tip. Everything's a clamp!

[@MCsCreations]

Beautiful job, Bob! 😃

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks!

[@jlarts]

Bob and Josh's Excellent Adventure! \m/ I might actually need one of those soon, just got myself a new guitar so will need to seriously think about storage, especially once my kit is finally built

[@Iliketomakestuff]

That would be most excellent

[@philwebb8049]

Super cool Bob...Awesome 😉

[@vladimirspiridonov5542]

Awesome, man!

[@iridescentfs9373]

This is actually amazingly timed. Funnily enough BOTH of us have been trying to get back into guitar as a hobby. Unfortunately due to recent events, I can't even go out to buy a second guitar or even stands! This is wonderful!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

We've got plans available if you want to make this one!

[@benTi900]

I Like To Make Stuff Shameless plug!😂

[@iridescentfs9373]

@@Iliketomakestuff Of course I might have to!

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Very Cool Multi Guitar Stand !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@NuyValo]

So awesome, you are very professional

[@bytesizedengineering]

There it is... Right at the last second! I was waiting patiently for the Bill and Ted reference. Be excellent to each other.

[@forby_]

🎸✨

[@RandyApril57]

That looks very nice

[@HyphenatedReality]

This is just what I'll be needing when I go back to college in the fall. I have 2 acoustic guitars, an electric guitar, and a bass guitar- alongside two guitar builds from kits and bought parts in the making, and possibly another electric guitar coming in a month. Chances are one of the builds will never truly be finished because I want to do a somewhat rare, crazy wiring job with little knowledge/experience of wiring.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Awesome! We've got digital plans to help you get started.

[@calinguga]

if you don't mind sharing that crazy wiring idea, i'd like to try and help

[@HyphenatedReality]

@@calinguga If you can help, or at the least link me some tutorials to better understand guitar wiring, that'll be absolutely amazing! The setup is inspired by this two-piece band, Local H, where the lead guitarist puts a single p-bass pickup at an angle under the EA strings, and wires it up to its own volume knob and a second output jack, then plays that through an octave pedal for an emulated bass sound. I'm thinking of taking it a step further having two pickups, the p-bass pickup under EA and a single coil at the neck position, both on a 3-way switch so it can go from just "2 string emulated bass" to 6 string. While all that's going on, I'd still have a single-coil bridge pick-up wired to volume/tone and its own output jack. My dad and I built a strat-styled body from basswood, so we can still route it out as needed, and we'll be making a custom pickguard. I haven't yet learned enough about wiring to feel confident figuring it out myself.

[@MaltandMake]

I remember Bob saying his grandad had a *lot* of bass wood when he moved in... you really weren't kidding, it's been the go to solid wood for years now!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Piles and piles

[@DavidPlass]

I though Bob played guitar, not bass? Ba dum bum.

[@noahmiddleton8716]

love this video, love incorporating woodworking into guitars and music

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Me too!

[@GreatWhiteWine]

I always like the small white sparks hidden in your videos, like at 1:37 with the pencil.

[@forby_]

😉

[@sacuna3333]

Awesome! I made something similar for my guitars. I just used pipe insulation to easily wrap the bottom dowels and now my guitars have a cushy seat.

[@MrSomchiman]

For me, the best part is how he varies process to simplify things.

[@rainmaker1446]

Perfect timing. I was literally just looking to make something like this.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Great! We've got digital plans available in the description

[@IAmKyleBrown]

What a great use of alum extrusion. Really cool design and I love the simplicity of the wood holders. I only have one guitar, but definitely have learned something and will use it for other applications. Of course it's easy to give ideas after watching this, but for anyone interested, I think it would be cool to have a small tenon in the back of the holders to keep it in line with the extrusion. I also think just cutting the cross hatch but leaving the leather on like a flap would "conceal" the screw head. Thanks ILMTS team!

[@JamesAllenQuinn]

This video really 'captured' my attention. Awesome stuff! I need to build a multi guitar stand, so this was some good inspiration.

[@unzickerwoodcraft8100]

Dude so rad!! I love the look of doweled joints. And that cherry is just *chefs kiss*

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome work Bob! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks 👍

[@sophiabowe770]

The black leather and cherry looks sooo good

[@jacobroberts1434]

Great build! Loved the Evan cameo!

[@harry3338]

Man, that looks really cool!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thank you!

[@ellieboa]

awesome project!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thank you!

[@camoswald6752]

Worth the wait! Awesome project for me as a maker and bassist!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Cool! You can make one too! We've got plans available

[@espowari]

1. I knew I should have payed attention in geometry class, but Bob explains it like a boss. 2. Nice *Evan&Katelyn* reference there @4:27 !

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Math is Fun!

[@fcschoenthal]

Love the ingenuity and processes that you go through. I know a couple of people that I could make one of these for as gifts. - Chris

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Awesome, we've got some digital plans available to give them a head start

[@thomasthurman4346]

"The glue on these is dry, and my beard is trimmed...." hahaha I had to go back and sure enough...

[@HagaseCiudadano]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻Very cool, great piece....

[@VitorDuzarte]

That strat looks so good. Stay safe Bob, cheers!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks!! I bought it from a friend who built it up a while back. He called it his FrankenStrat :)

[@unstable0520]

I like when you create stuff it is very cool!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks! Do you create stuff too?

[@TQb13Y]

You could have drilled holes for dowels bit higher to lift them from ground, so you don't have to add rubber feet.

[@JuanfeCarrasco]

Super nice. Thanks so much. I'll probaly do something like that.

[@amazingbro104]

Your videos are always so good

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks!

[@NSeaBear]

Love the Rhodes

[@vigneshs9587]

Great video. Although I have only one one guitar, still loved it

[@CarolinaMiss]

Great video here my man!

[@jakestevenson5637]

Amazing project as always bob

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks!

[@jakestevenson5637]

I Like To Make Stuff Hi bob I’m a really big fan of the Chanel and I am trying to learn woodworking only at my age of 11and your so inspirational to me and I get a lot of ideas from you so thanks you and I hope your doing well on quarantine and I wish you the best

[@dennisneo1608]

That's a cool guitar rack.

[@JohnMadeit]

I like the wood and aluminium extrusion combinations 👍

[@JhonnyGil101]

Dude I've watch a few of these because I'm planning on making one for myself and this one is def the best looking I've seen 👏👏👏.

[@sapelesteve]

Awesome build Bob! I only have one Acoustic guitar that I made 5 yrs ago & still can't play. So, even though I'll never need a guitar rack like that, I still appreciate & enjoyed seeing how you built it.....👍👍🎸🎸

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Now's the best time to pick it up and learn to play

[@owentidd7327]

I would LOVE for you to do a video on making a guitar!

[@loganlewis3042]

Loved the Bill and Ted reference at the end!

[@ebrahimquraishi4349]

Hey Bob I love your work and I hope you release another blacksmithing / forging video

[@MikeLynchMakes]

Hey Bob! I'd recommend getting a larger blade for your band saw for ripping wood down and do it before planing the whole thing (just plane your reference edge). You'll end up with less loss of wood.

[@landonspairana1501]

Great content

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thank you!

[@rodrigoteresa7944]

Dude you have some really nice instruments wth

[@BrendansReasons]

Great video. Who else knew it wasn't going to be tall enough? I love his process and how he always takes us through it

[@spicyicecream6976]

good thing there's this video during quarantine, it's so satisfying

[@Iliketomakestuff]

thanks!

[@spicyicecream6976]

@@Iliketomakestuff you're welcome, big fan from the Philippines ❤

[@gregbaker6215]

A few years ago, I went through a guitar stand design phase that was more frustrating than productive. I did how ever, come up with a prototype but left it at that. It's a simple enough design for multiple guitars. I built a rectangle with scrape cabinet drawers from a kitchen remodel I did . I removed the bottom or the floor of the drawer and the front drawer face and handle. I had some other scrape kitchen chairs that I used the back support ribs and arms. Anyway to make a long story short, I filled the rectangle with slats to separate each guitar. It fits four they sit in a slot and lean back slightly. No other support just the bottom portion of the guitar is in contact with a slat (for lack of a better word) in front and in back and the side rails. Getting the height adjusted so the guitars wouldn't bottom out was the most time consuming and difficult part of the build. Great to see a video on guitar stands. I had a similar one like yours but needed a portable folding type that wouldn't take up room in the van and end up in the dumpster after it got destroyed from the other equipment smashing it. Thank you, be safe, love and light to all...

[@sergiocamargo4524]

I'll use this as a guide for building a sword rack, thank youu!!!

[@jjmags7046]

Rock on

[@jjmags7046]

Nice guitar

[@pericoel21]

I like how the leather and the wood meet at the top

[@josephnunn5348]

Nice guitars

[@369dusty]

I was thinking about making the feet taller and wrapping the dowels for looks and to protect the guitars finish....and then you said that is what you would change ! It seems you thought of everything for a nice. versatile stand that can be added to if necessary ! Nice job for a great design. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@aidynwyatt5415]

I love the bloopers!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Me too!

[@yogo_trianto]

tutorial yang sempurna 👍👍👍

[@Cousin_Gregg]

Guitars and carpentry in one place is much appreciated. I’d be interested in a video on how to make amp cabinets.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

That's not a bad idea.

[@fishvishnu]

Or an amp road case

[@Cousin_Gregg]

Oooooo, yes! Agree with Steve

[@ramiljamito6812]

BOB I'm REALLY INSPIRED by your channel , it is AMAZING!!! thank you and your team for having this great channel. It keeps me going to make stuff and to share my talents. I'm so EXCITED that my channel will become like yours and to be an INSPIRATION to others. thank you and GOD BLESS!!! :)

[@kathleenejamito1425]

I like to make stuff to :) Ramil you will become an inspiration too!! just keep on going!! God bless you more!! by the way I also Subscribe to your channel Amazing content :)

[@ramiljamito6812]

@@kathleenejamito1425 Thank you for checking out my channel :) it keeps me going and be inspiration :) thanks God bless you too!! :)

[@GTAMASTER2216]

Super cool Bob. I play guitar myself and have to many for my stands also! I enjoy woodworking so i might try this out. Thanks for the great content!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Awesome! Making a nice display for your guitars really shows them off.

[@GTAMASTER2216]

@@Iliketomakestuff Yea for sure. Thanks so much for replying :)

[@user-ff3rk4et6r]

Freaking cool!

[@JoshMakesStuff]

Milling wood is so awesome! FIRST!

[@kubaczek20]

I think you were uploading this video and that is why you are first :D :D That project was on my mind a long time ago, but I put it away for now :)

[@elcucumber2847]

hacks!!

[@camoramirz]

Love the Gundam hanging out by the transformer!!

[@mikelheron20]

Nice job. :)

[@LoganLovell]

I highly recommend using an L shaped allen key or even one with an end specifically for higher torque needs. We use them all the time in the bike industry and you'd be surprised how much simpler it is to use it in the orientation with a longer lever arm. Might make the thread cutting a little easier on the arms. I'm sure most of you know that, just thought I'd put it out there for those who don't know.

[@SantiagoAZ66]

Really slick, I like it. Using the aluminum extrusion for the adjustable neck rests was a great idea (may have to borrow that one).

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Cool, let us know what you make! #ILTMSToo

[@littleroses2872]

1:37 That little tap animation on the pencil. I like that.

[@danielallen2000]

Love watching every video, but i would love to see you use more of your tools, i know using the CNC may alienate some, but the holders would have been a great example of where a quick repeatable cut makes sense. Thanks for keeping us all entertained through these tough times!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Eh, I guess so. But setting up the file, holding down material, etc would have taken longer than just cutting them (20 minutes maybe?)

[@FractalWorkshop]

Much better than any of this flimsy store bought junk. Good job!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

True!

[@Mr.MinerAL]

You could clip out a millimeter or two more than the width of an insert off the front face of the extruded aluminum all the way at one end, so you could add or remove inserts without dismantling the entire rack. You could even leave the guitars in while you did it.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

True.

[@staypuffman5469]

Awesome video! I would recommend adding a piece of material or foam to the bottom rods where the guitars rest. Over time, using those rods as an anchor to turn the guitars will eventually scratch the finish off them. Cool build though, I think it’s time to. For me to make on for myself!

[@roblesterjr04]

I caught that little spark effect when you dropped the pencil.

[@forby_]

😉

[@Myeungo]

I love the use of Evan's face xD

[@philliprowland2161]

I've been wanting to make a guitar rack for quite a while. Really like this design. Might give me a chance to play with joinery. Sad part is that I don't have any guitars. I'll have to make one of those as well.

[@calinguga]

made something like this about a year ago. i used a similarly sized piece of solid cherry but as a big fat base, and made the rest from copper pipe (covered in cloth where it's touching the guitars). used pipe wall mounts (the plastic clamp type) attached to pieces of wood for spacers. really like the U hangers on the rail

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Cool idea!

[@aprann9012]

Great stuff 👍...Subbed and liked 😊

[@joshface04]

I've just bought myself my first guitar and all the stands out there seem expensive for what they offer, this is a great project, especially when we're all stuck indoors :)

[@nicholasdunn3897]

Hey Bob, Another way to get the lap joints straight and flat would be to hog them out with a hand router with a little clean up from a chisel. I know it’s not the focus of the piece but it may be a nice alternative to the band saw and disc sander. Finished product looks great. Love the channel!

[@scaz83]

Ahh the actions to the montage thing 🤤

[@RaccoonHenry]

amazing. I am actually in need of one too, I only wish I had the tools and skills to make one for myself. I'll likely just end up buying one, though...

[@BruceAUlrich]

Cool process. I really like how you can adjust where they sit. That's neat! When you were cutting the rubber feat down I was like, "Noooo! You'll probably need that space." ha ha. Oh well, like you said, you can swap them out pretty easily. Great video!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

We found some better ones that are linked in the blog post

[@guitfidle]

That's awesome! I actually made something similar several years ago, but I didn't get the angle right. Now I need to make a double decker that holds 30 guitars....

[@jeffmoore3360]

Couple tricks, you can get drop in tee nuts for extruded aluminum which allow you to add them after you have everything put together. You'd be surprised at all of the varieties of tee nuts. Also, for feet, you can use elevator bolts. I forget where i picked up that trick, but it has come in handy many times.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Good point! We listed the drop-in t-nuts in the blog post