Making a Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar

In this video, I take you through the long process of building my first guitar. I embarked on this venture back in mid 2017, and finished it early in 2018. I then spent the next several months procrastinating on the editing, but eventually got it done. I enjoy playing guitar, and like to build things, so the obvious next step was to make a guitar. By no means am I qualified to do anything seen in this video, so my processes and methods might not quite be correct, but they seemed to work, as the guitar turned out great for a first attempt, and plays fantastically (as seen at the end of the video). Sorry for the lack of recent uploads, and how long this video took to upload, I have been very lazy and was focusing on my final year of school, but I will pick up the slack soon.
Hope you enjoyed watching as much as I enjoyed making the guitar itself. If so, please consider liking and/or subscribing. Thank you!

[@vlamsamsam]

If not already by now, I’m sure in the future, and if it is your wish, you will have your own famous brand of guitars! Sir, you did an amazing job here building such a fine piece of art! Luthier, I salute you.

[@widmer64]

Brother, if this is what you build inexperienced, imagine what you will do once you are experienced! Fantastic work, kudos!

[@reubenaugustine5448]

Five years later I've just found you and it's a joy to watch; dude - well done!

[@michaeladamcaira9174]

From one Luthier to another, outstanding job,

[@Dude_Slick]

Make that two Luthiers to another.

[@upcomingcloudrapperluca7645]

I make ukes but it still counts. Good job man

[@Dude_Slick]

@@upcomingcloudrapperluca7645 Yes, ukes count.

[@shinigamizzz5372]

Up coming cloud rapper luca any stringed instrument counts man you’re good

[@tjkoker]

A great effort young man. Keep at it. No one was born a Grand Luthier. A finish carpenter told me when I was starting out that the difference between a good carpenter and a great carpenter was that a great carpenter can hide his mistakes. Nice guitar and you play well. Cheers!

[@brucesickles5667]

I am impressed. The majority of builds I've seen are "I fired up the CNC", but you've done an actual build. Too cool.

[@Chowderzering]

Anytime I see "imperfections," I actually see "custom." Phenomenal job! I couldn't imagine doing like this with the amount of patience you have shown! Incredible!!

[@ashhamer1075]

thankyou! i really appreciate it

[@benjaminblair8496]

That. In my opinion is a dumb way of looking at it. Any little imperfections can drastically reduce tone and playability. I make handcrafted guitars. The less imperfections the better it looks and sounds. You need to be really skilled to be successful in this business. I’m not saying if he isn’t skilled he shouldn’t try. I’m saying you need to learn basic skills and have basic tools.

[@Chowderzering]

@@benjaminblair8496 That's awesome man. Well, I hope you have a blessed rest of 2020 and I wish you nothing but success in your craft.

[@Eduardo_Pavez]

Doesn't matter the imperfections, the amount of handcrafted work is what I love the most of this project. It really inspire me to start building my own instruments.

[@sebleloop]

Man! For a first attempt, a hollow body with carved top and back... Well done! Much more difficult than a solid body. Enjoy what you've created.

[@stevenedwards4470]

Building the guitar is less trouble than trying to string up a Bigsby the first time. Very nice. Its like a slim line 335. I likes it.

[@psbelote]

Dude, that’s one of the gnarliest guitar builds I’ve ever seen! A first build with a Bigsby, you hit a home run as far as I’m concerned. She sounds sweet, and looks pretty darned good!

[@MrWumbologist]

This is incredible; I'm in awe of the craftsmanship and patience you've displayed here

[@gameoftones77]

you should be really proud of that!! I started one back in 2014 and have yet to finish it...i think I need to pull it out and get it done! Keep going, man I hope you ahve built many more by now.

[@moby4444]

Real purdy!! You finished it and you still have all your fingers and thumbs. An awesome achievement!

[@candiedapple1860]

Normal people: Let's start simple. Ash Hamer: *Define simple.*

[@candiedapple1860]

@Wrdn54 Whoa! What's this? Did you notice this here? It looks like there's a stick up your ass! You should get that checked out man.

[@natedoggschip]

Absolutely amazing build. Cheers and congrats

[@ratmadness4858]

Disclaimer: There are as many ways to do a thing as there are people willing to do a thing.

[@hamiltonrobert488]

Unbelievable!! Awesome job, and the video too!

[@INFIDEL82AA]

Man, after watching the entire video, I can honestly say, that you should be very proud of what you have built! Seriously... for anyone's first electric guitar build, that was not a kit guitar, this is awesome! I like the color combination, as well. Very impressive, Man! This definitely motivates me to get started. Half of what any issue that you had, was from the lack of proper tooling. Using what you had to work with... simply amazing. Sounds great! You might have a future as a Luthier!

[@badbadbrian3820]

Right on!! That got to be so satisfying to play

[@RByrne]

Beautiful!! I'm in the process of starting my first build totally from scratch. I admire your patience and craftsmanship. Hopefully I can get as nice a finished product as yourself. Well done!!!

[@donovanlucibello6420]

Bro, gorgeous final product, you should be very proud of that. It looks and sounds great, any imperfections are just areas to help you learn to do it better another time. Thank you for sharing that with us!

[@llosttprophett]

👏🏻 32:14 The inlay on the fredboard's job is to applaud! Super original, I'm impressed, congratulations! 👏🏻😍👍🏻

[@ecaff9515]

Excellent video and process and thanks for sharing You are a true musician. Even a a broken will not stop you. Awesome build and finish.

[@barbaguitar5339]

Very astonishing job! Congrats!

[@barrydiemer7518]

You have a lot of nice tools, but your best tool by far is your courage. I look forward to seeing more...….Bravo!!!!

[@na7v645]

Ash, I know this is a video that has been up for some time but I have to say, beautiful work. Some of your processes are quite clever as well and your inlay work is stunning. Well done. I have been a formally trained luthier for 15 plus years and I learned quite a bit from your video.

[@INFIDEL82AA]

Hey... You've done it! You've achieved your goal, and you've done it! Most people never get beyond the "Idea" portion. So, I would say that you are in-fact well qualified to do, what you have just taken the time to do. SO, thank you for the video, as I am just now on my way to under-go the same process. Thank You!

[@mulekickhandmadeguitars8465]

You, sir, are an absolutely amazingly talented, and creative, young man. With your highly skilled hands, you have created a stunningly fine instrument. You may not have considered yourself a Luthier before you began your build, but you most certainly are now. Impressive work. I'm now a fan of yours.

[@Oscarutabaga]

Wow that's insane for a first guitar great job

[@TheGhjgjgjgjgjg]

I shit better guitars than this

[@upcomingcloudrapperluca7645]

@@TheGhjgjgjgjgjg and surprisingly not a single video of you shitting a guitar better than this.

[@boazvandenbrink]

let's see that ass work then

[@TheGhjgjgjgjgjg]

@@upcomingcloudrapperluca7645 You think one shits guitars and simply shows the world? I have a gift and I put value on that,what's in it for me?

[@upcomingcloudrapperluca7645]

@@TheGhjgjgjgjgjg Listen pal funny joke and all but the only person with a gift here is the guy who made this video. Stop hating

[@alansimons141]

I love the way you used your router flattening jig to cut the rough contours. Very resourceful!

[@andrewjhollins]

I gotta say... I've never been a semi-hollow guy. But the binding on those f-holes is some of the best looking shit if I've ever seen. This is quality work, man. Impressive.

[@lairdvalory1399]

Dude. That thing is gorgeous, imperfections and all. Really nice job...

[@jakevoss7885]

I have to admit while your methodology may not be standard practice, you found some rather clever ways to achieve your desired result. Bravo

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

Ash, it looks like you had a really good plan to begin with. You seem to have all the correct cooling and the knowledge on how to use them as well. That helps a lot. The work on the neck is simply phenomenal. I've never seen anything like that before anywhere. Congrats on your first build. It reminds me of the gretsch streamliner g2655t look. It sounds great also.

[@newsomeassoc]

Awesome video man! Great design too. Even a cool riff to finish her off. Great stuff!

[@CaptainScarlet1961]

Turned out great for a first attempt, well done matey.

[@mikemartin6554]

Easily one of my favorite KZbin vids to date. Great job!

[@simonoste7712]

omg im in love with the inlay on the fredboard man fenominal job !!

[@ElSmusso]

Wow! It’s beautiful, imperfections gives character 🎸

[@seanbogaard529]

Thanks for taking us along. Very nice instrument.

[@jareddavis6867]

Total respect I know it wasn't easy, You did a magnificent job. The imperfections you showed make it a one of a kind and give it character/personality. Beautiful job ! You're made to build my friend, in fact I would pay a few grand for that guitar ! great job again

[@ashhamer1075]

appreciate it !! thankyou

[@trevorward85043]

Wow! THAT was brilliant! You made the process and the guitar yours in every way and it sounds GREAT. Cheers!

[@zool38]

Good job man !! What a wonderfull first build, waiting too see some more soon. And you're right, it sound really good, because you made a playable instrument but you can play it very well too.

[@jaynoah9344]

You built a beautiful instrument. Pure art.

[@MaxskiSynths]

Great job! also don't worry if you didn't follow "proper" procedures, it just proves that there are more ways out there to get the job done.

[@SmokeFlame1]

I love that guitar. The blue tiger maple looks fabulous. Sounds nice too.

[@Philipsimojo]

Excellent first attempt! And an excellent body choice!

[@wilhelmtheconquerer6214]

Most people's first build: *Dirt cheap solid body guitar as simplistic as possible* This guy: *"let's build a ES 335-style guitar with bound F-holes, loads of figured wood and fancy inlays. That seems like an easy enough starting point!"* Seriously dude, this thing is absolutely beautiful! Good job

[@douglasmcmillion]

I was a drummer in high school and watched our guitarist make his first guitar, Bob was his name. I went off to Vietnam and he continued to make his guitars. His factory is just down from my house. He got all vain on me and put his name on his axes. Taylor. Im not a luthier, but I know you got the shirt right. Beatles. Never will a band will ever touch them or Zep. Good luck kid.

[@mrgrumpy5116]

all things considered you did well, you certainly deserve recognition for tenacity and hard work, you made a lot of mistakes but then .. a man who never made a mistake never made anything .. given another twenty years experience I'd like to see what you'll turn out then, and fair dues it sounds nice on the vid, don't give up one day you'll turn out something really special.

[@phatmanoflove]

Dude, that is impressive! That's a LOT of skill and patience for someone as young as you. Great Job!!!

[@absurdistcat]

Scott Da Fuq I like your icon

[@edsgerdijkstra2335]

Wow really impressive work bro. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@Ibaneddie76]

Great job man you built a really nice guitar. No need for a disclaimer at the beginning, I build guitars and you pretty much did it the way most builders do when they first start building. The only suggestion I would make for your next build would be to use your router and templates more for cleaner and faster cavities.

[@andrewvitale7128]

First time building a guitar that's great and it's beautiful and it's yours! Can't wait to see your future builds now that you have one under your belt! Love your full speed ahead damn the torpedos build on men!!!

[@timothymoore5610]

Thank you so much for sharing your passion with us. This is a beautiful work of art. And it sounds amazing.

[@lrstaf6]

Going it on your own, that's a great job for a first guitar. The proof is in the pudding, it plays beautifully. I very much like this guitar, but my personnel preference is no binding on the body. That, however; is just my preference not a criticism. Two thumbs up on the build. NOTE: The first instrument I started was a cello. I had to quit in the middle, because I developed an allergy to the mold spores that lurked in the basement of the house I owned then. I still have the parts. My first guitar, I didn't have the money for the wood, so I made the sides out of formica. Long story short, the sides wouldn't hold shape long enough to glue the top and back plates on, (this was an acoustic guitar). It ended up in the scrap heap. The first instrument I completed was a my own design violin made mostly of balsa. Surprisingly, it plays easily and doesn't sound bad either. It's now 9 years old and still in good condition. The balsa holds up well, but doesn't finish nice. I've since built 10 other string instruments that are quite playable. Moral, keep building it only gets better from here on in.

[@dumpofdung]

Great!!!!!!! 1st time build!!!You have a lot of potential !!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....One thing I have not seen anyone do is SHIELDING the inside control cavity of a semi or hollowbody electric guitar before or after.Why not ? I do not know. Great job!

[@valentindumbrava7124]

Beautiful guitar. You did some labour. What a satisfaction to play it.

[@mjf1036]

Way more ambitious than my first build. You have inspired me to attempt one!

[@derred723]

WOW. Excellent work. great ingenuity in the creation too. I'd be so proud of my work.

[@simonnylund]

Very nice guitar. Every imperfection gets respect.

[@mus3equal]

Awesome thanks for sharing, totally agree with Adam, not just custom but unique, the instrument is yours and so is the sound! I'm sure Stradivari though his work was "imperfect". This inspired me to take on a project of my own when I can. Clean ratios.

[@rejnertjansson5930]

Well i just stumbled upon this video and, WOW!!! Sure the end-product isn't picture perfect but..it was your first build and i am mighty impressed!! I would never have taken on such a massive project as my first one. The guitar building process isn't exactly how i would have done it but again, it was your first build to misstakes are to be made. The final product sounds pretty damn awesome and i really hope you keep building guitars as i think you have what it takes to become a full-on Luthier!!!! Well done on a great first build ;)

[@georgimilushev2932]

That fretboard.. that beautiful fretboard. Well done!

[@JG-ix4sr]

i love that custom design on the guitar fretboard Nice job dude

[@mknewlan67]

You did an amazing job! You should be very proud! Look at everything you learnt, that knowledge is yours forever now. Your next project will be so much better from those mistakes or imperfections, when you look at it don’t look at what’s wrong but instead look at everything that is right. Well done 👍

[@thatellipsisguy8984]

Good to see the scroll saw get a run, I’m surprised more people don’t use them. Grandad's bandsaw might need a tune, but that axe is perfection, even where it’s not...

[@ryanarledge51]

Geeze you did things the hard way alot. Not critiquing. I'm actually impressed by the amount of patience. I take the neck pocket and humbuckers cavities on with a router. I generally use a method where I outline the part I need to route for in tape and get on the first pass right on it and then slowly rough cut the inside of the cavity until I get to final depth then I clean it up with a router bit with a bearing that'll ride on the first passes ledge and trim it all flush. Chisel works too though 🤣.

[@chrisgenovese8188]

Breathtaking my dude!

[@silentclown1157]

That is one sick guitar build. Thumbs up!

[@Dude_Slick]

One piece of advice: When doing a solid neck(no scarf joint), it's a good idea to add a volute. It will help to reinforce against breakage if it falls backward onto the headstock. Which happen a lot more often than you'd think.

[@anjajager2857]

I also rebuilt my PRS 24 Custom and of course it has small errors and it is not perfect. That's why I know what it means to you. With the tools you had at your disposal.....a great result. It also sounds good. The important thing is not to have the best guitar, but rather the love you have for the guitar.

[@ryker6richard]

THAT IS AWESOME SKILL YOU GOT THERE MAN,,,,,,, GREAT GUITAR TESTING AT THE END WHEN YOU PLAYED IT...... KEEP ON ROCKEN DUDE...

[@ivanhuanca9082]

what a project my friend.. all that carved and archtop finish, great job-

[@mpvt10]

beautiful !!!!! Something to be very proud of indeed!!

[@oldgoldtopgoldtop6039]

Pure handmade labor of LOVE!!! Pleasure to watch and nice job on the editing too,especially the sounds!

[@wearashirt]

Oh wow I'm never taking my archtop for granted again

[@martoefe]

that's one of the most beautiful guitars i've ever seen, such a work!!

[@taylo051]

This is awesome! The imperfections make it even better.

[@clbazar]

Incredibly impressive work. Beautiful job!

[@lvgeorge]

Totally Amazing effort, Beautiful design! Keep up your creative work, some of us have it and it needs to be nurtured and developed throughout our lifetime. Big Thumbs Up and Subscribed!

[@defzeppelin7036]

I have to say that was some amazing work and turned out amazing, absolutely gorgeous and sounds fantastic keep up the great work

[@nicolavaleriik6hiq]

The first electric guitar re-invented. Wonderful.

[@Supertimegamingify]

The inlay actually looks great rotated like that!

[@lawabidingcitizen5153]

Nice build! Sounds and looks great!

[@neybarbosa7980]

Woww, amazing work! Some "imperfections"...? No, no...battle marks!! Very, very nice guitar 😎

[@ashhamer1075]

cheers 🍺

[@neybarbosa7980]

@@ashhamer1075 🍻

[@acciesmad6237]

Superb ! Hats off to you, just wish I was as bold 👍

[@UToobSteak]

That fretboard looks amazing! Damn nice looking guitar. Well done

[@tdalb8985]

Beautiful work. Really impressive.

[@tdalb8985]

I'm particularly impressed with the fretboard inlay.

[@allanhindmarch7323]

Awesome job dude! Love the finish, and it sounds great. You should definitely do more.

[@flateartheffect]

Wow! Nice, amazing creativity!

[@davidguerre6896]

Congrats! Your guitar has been made with love , is beautiful and Unique :) you must be proud! Cheers, David.

[@bryanbrett6037]

Obviously....inlay is his passion! I commend his work with great exuburation!! An inspiration if not an asperation of work well done!! My commendations to you my friend! Hopefully one day my skills can come close you yours. .........I hope! Many Thanks!

[@512banana1]

young brother this is freaking sick! really inspiring video, imma make me 1 real soon!

[@edgardomaldonado3433]

Pura pasión. El resultado final funciona a pesar de las imperfecciones. Vale por el esfuerzo, la constancia y el coraje para meterse de cabeza con un instrumento de muy difícil terminación. Las siguientes resultarán mucho mejor... Felicitaciones!

[@ipsurvivor]

I was blown away that you were going for one of the hardest builds in the known universe for your first build. The inlays are amazing on the fret board and you have a great sounding guitar. Please try other builds if you have the yen for it. You did so many things right. You may want to try some less complicated builds and build up your fundamentals. One thing I would suggest is looking at designs that give you a straighter angle from the nut to the tuners. Gibson 3 and 3 headstocks are infamous for tuning problems from this design flaw. You definitely have what it takes to be a first rate luthier.

[@the_katman2181]

What a great guitar. Well done, man.

[@louarthur7648]

Wow, great work Ash, truly inspirational.

[@thatellipsisguy8984]

Lou Arthur if he finds another Ash, they can call it Phoenix Guitars...

[@captaincabbage1895]

Amazing video, and great product. Amazing job.