The Middle Earth Guitar - One Guitar To Rule Them All | The Great Guitar Build Off 2022

The Great Guitar Build Off 2022 - Scratch Build Category
The final video for my Middle Earth Guitar, inspired by Tolkien’s world of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Here’s the playlist link for the full Middle Earth Guitar series:
• The Middle Earth Guita...
‘Dragon’ fuzz circuit by rnrmf guitarworks
www.rnrmf.com.au
Instagram @rnrmfguitarworks
The Great Guitar Build Off 2022 website:
greatguitarbui...
Teespring/SPRING store for Adair Guitars t-shirts:
my-store-c0662...
I’m part of the Guitar Builders Collective. Check out the talented builders in this group if you would like to join!
guitarbuilders...
Please leave a COMMENT, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the channel. Thanks for watching!
#ggbo22 #ggbo2022 #greatguitarbuildoff2022 #middleearthguitar #lotr #thehobbit #theringsofpower
Arran Adair
Made to be informative and entertaining.
Filmed on an iPhone.
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Check out my playlist from The Great Guitar Build Off 2021 and other guitar builds and series.
The Great Guitar Build Off 2021 - Doctor Who Guitar (The GuiTARDIS) playlist link • Doctor Who Guitar - Gr...
DIY Guitar Jigs, Tools, Tips and Templates playlist link
• DIY Guitar Jigs, Tools...
Harmony Stratotone H44 inspired build playlist link
• Harmony Stratotone Ins...
Minimalist Telecaster build playlist link
• Minimalist Telecaster ...
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[@DJ_Guitars]

If this doesn’t win then there is something seriously wrong with the judges! 😍 the level of detail, the level of finish, the sheer amount of time and patience in this, simply stunning! And as for the videos themselves 👌🏼 I lift my hat and bow to thee!

[@adairguitars]

Very kind of you to say! Glad you have enjoyed the guitar and the videos. I appreciate your comments. 👍

[@spidey4fun]

The details on the back of this build show no short cuts where taken. Pure class here.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks mate, I’ve really enjoyed taking the time to get it how I wanted it. 👍

[@theelectricsexmachine7502]

The only guitar in this year’s GGBO to be nominated for an Oscar 😜 You’ve got yourself a legendary guitar mate 👍 Thoroughly enjoyed the build, well done 👏👏

[@adairguitars]

Thanks mate! I will gladly accept an Oscar for it! 😂

[@randmockguitars4079]

Everything here, from theme, to build, to editing and production are flawless. Congrats man.. As I look at other videos I want to vote for, I keep coming back to this.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks mate, it’s so cool to read your comment. I really enjoyed every aspect of this build. I must say that yours was one of my favourites as well.

[@garyrowbottom6771]

Wow, Great Gods of Gondor, congratulations Arran on winning the scratch build section of GGBO 2022 - absolutely awesome. Your guitar was fabulous and so were your videos. So pleased for you and great to see an Aussie produce such great inspiring work. Well done! I think that was the ending that we were looking for!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Gary! I’m truly humbled by your comments.

[@lexdemonica]

Absolutely incredible. I have seen some vision in a guitar before but this amount of dedication to the story and the craft in one place is enough to make a man's eyes moist. Thank you for sharing this.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Lex. It’s pretty cool reading comments like this. Much appreciated!

[@NoeHervas]

Amazing guitar and video montage, this guitar top is incredible. Congrats

[@adairguitars]

Thanks, the guitar and videos have been fun to make. 👍

[@christophersmith108]

Exquisite-a work of art at every conceivable level. Even the pickups are beautiful, and such a fantastic tone! I don’t see how there could be any better…

[@adairguitars]

Thank you so much!

[@TunguskaGuitars]

CONGRATS!!!! Man, when I saw the final results tonight I was absolutely thrilled! So well deserved! Much respect, my friend!

[@adairguitars]

Very kind of you to say! Still feels very surreal, as there were so many awesome guitars by everyone. Including your own! 👍

[@WoolfordCraftEndeavours]

Awesome stuff, I especially like the distinction between the carving of the letters and the burning in of Smaug and then the jewels.

[@adairguitars]

Thank you. Yes, I was very pleased with how the back turned out. 👍

[@oneminutebugs]

Congratulations Arran! Well deserved win!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks! 👍

[@timbeaton5045]

'"Well. I'm Back" he said.' Yep, back with my vote for this year's GGBO!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks for all your comments on my videos Tim! And your vote! 👍

[@timbeaton5045]

@@adairguitars Congratulations!!! Brilliant build, great videos, and a worthy winner! Such a cool instrument, one that I would be proud to own! Here's to the next one, if you will be taking part, although the Doctor Who, and Middle Earth guitars would be hard to top!

[@timbeaton5045]

PS, maybe a Bass as the second volume in a trilogy???

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Tim! There are a few other themed guitars floating around my head as ideas.

[@GerasimosHandmadeGuitars]

Skills and crafanship is amazing!well done sir!!! Congratulations timber and execution are stunning!

[@adairguitars]

Thank you! I’m very happy with how the guitar turned out. 👍

[@ZenLizardTV]

Thank you for sharing your talent and vision. If I ever build a guitar half as nice I’ll consider it a win.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks, it means a lot reading comments like this!

[@jamiebriggs8277]

Absolutely stunning. The attention to detail and the care taken to tie the details back to the story is amazing.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks so much!

[@vorisguitars9287]

Very nicely done. I love the headstock design, and the inlay work

[@adairguitars]

Cheers, I was glad I did those early on, so I could take my time to get them right. 👍

[@koosb8162]

"Excitingly chunky!" And your detail is very fine!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks!

[@Ad_Hoc124]

This is a beautiful guitar- fantastic job on the build and little touches. I could definitely see Gimli wielding this axe

[@adairguitars]

Thanks! I could definitely see it in his hands as well!

[@hughjohnson2674]

Beautiful work, both the guitar and your film making.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Hugh. 👍

[@robertr4193]

They guitar turned out very nice. You have a lot of nice touches in it. The Inlays the carving and the wood burning of the dragon. All in all a very nice build. Well done.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Robert, I appreciate it!

[@cubfanmike]

CONGRATS, on your win! Good judging, this year!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Mike! 👍

[@simonbennett3171]

Absolutely brilliant! I've loved watching this entire series, such brilliant imaginative videos, thank you. I've loved watching this gorgeous guitar coming to life. It is absolutely stunning! The wood you have used is beautiful and the finish is amazing. I'm a huge Tolkien fan as well and I loved how you have brought all of those elements into the guitar. I cannot wait to see what your next project will be.

[@adairguitars]

Wow, it is my pleasure when people enjoy it as much as you have! A few ideas floating around my head for what my next ‘themed’ guitar might be. 👍

[@BumblebeeElectron]

Great recap video… FABULOUS guitar! Congratulations on a beautifully conceived and successfully manifested project. It's a pleasure to watch someone who is both artistic and methodical.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks! It’s very humbling reading comments like this. 👍

[@davefrancis4529]

Fantastic build and great decision opting to carve the back. Good luck in the build off. 👍🏼

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Dave! Yes I was very pleased with the result of the carve on the back. Definitely the right choice! 👍

[@petergrant7332]

Deserves to win this year's scratch build , wonderful craftsmanship and design skills !

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Peter! 👍

[@GarlandStringedInstruments]

Well done indeed Arran - a superb guitar, unbelievably topping the one you made last year😍. I'm in awe of your techniques in design, building and video production!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Chris! Loved your build too. If I ever make an acoustic guitar, I’ll be watching all your videos again!

[@scottblair8625]

Well deserved win sir. Absolutely sublime! Gimmicky but not to the point of nerdy trinket. It at it's heart is still a mean ass guitar that happens to have a story theme. Instead of all the themed entrees that " might" play guitar sounds! Your guitars are always first and foremost beautiful guitars.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Scott. My goal was really to have the theme elements ‘hidden’ unless people knew (or watched the video). I’m so pleased how it turned out. 👍

[@dnizy]

I'm only about half-way through the scratch build videos so far, and there are lots of amazing guitars in the competition this year, but it's hard to imagine anything topping this. The guitar is stunning. Everything from the materials to small details like the carved script and gems in the cavity plate are spot on. It perfectly fits the Middle Earth theme in an elegant way whist not resorting to gimmicks. Probably helps that I'm a huge Tolkien fan since I 1st read the Hobbit as a kid. I'm a sucker for unusual electronics and you even have that here. Loving that fuzz switch. It all sounds great too. I'd love to see a future video where you go into the electronics in it, like what you did with that free-way switch and the fuzz switch etc. To top it off, you have some of the best, most fun and entertaining videos in the competition! Great work Arran!!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks, it’s very humbling to read this. I will do some more sound demos at some stage - in fact that’s something I’d like to do for all my guitars. I’m glad so many people are enjoying it!

[@Tabazan]

Fantastic . . very enjoyable to watch the progress on this build

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Marc, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it!

[@runabout76]

Beautiful work. I am in awe!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks!

[@larsgrapeguitars]

This one went right in my soul.. Great build!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks mate, it was definitely a fun one to do! 👍

[@rayrayokmusic]

Wow. Just wow. I absolutely love it. Best of the best. ❤

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Ray! To say I’m happy with it too is an understatement. 👍

[@ncc74656m]

Genuinely amazing build, I'm more than a bit jealous.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks so much!

[@MadamCoyote]

This may be the most incredible guitar ever built! I am so in love with it.

[@adairguitars]

Thank you, I’m in love with it too!

[@you2vertigo]

What a beautiful instrument....wow 😊

[@adairguitars]

Thanks again!

[@chrischesters8922]

Stunning guitar and production. Well done and good luck 👍

[@adairguitars]

Cheers, I’m very happy with how it turned out! 👍

[@garyrowbottom6771]

That is great work Arran, on the guitar and the videos. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole journey. Good luck in the comp. Even without all the cool Lord of the Rings touches, this is one lovely guitar shape and beautiful wood. Keep up the good work, look forward to seeing more from you.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Gary. I’ve really enjoyed the journey as well. 👍

[@skintguitars6289]

The theme tying it all together is killer. And all the lovely touches. All of them are coherent with the theme. And the video to present it all. I was completely absorbed while watching it. Well done!

[@adairguitars]

Cheers, I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed it! 👍

[@matt69cp]

Just stunning Arran! Love the video production. That guitar is gorgeous! Congratulations on another amazing build!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Matt! It’s great to have it finally finished and to be able to play it.

[@DevilAndSons]

Need I say your attention to detail is outstanding. Great work on the video too, in fact the whole series.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Daniel. It was quite enjoyable taking my time to get the details right.

[@davidweier]

The guitar looks beautiful and sounds great. Love the story to this build made for a very different video to watch and enjoy seeing it come together!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks David. I do enjoy trying to make each video series a bit different. 👍

[@richardfoskett8903]

Wow! Amazing guitar, great film!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Richard!

[@christophertodd6405]

Beautiful.

[@richsackett3423]

Oh. A heavy hardtail Stratocaster-style guitar. Revolutionary.

[@gothridercreations]

Amazing job mate, love every part of this guitar!!! I feel really honoured to get a chance to build along side true artists like yourself 😀

[@adairguitars]

Thanks, very flattering of you to say! I think we are all in pretty good company though.

[@DrRockter5150]

I gotta tell ya... I've enjoyed watching this build's entire series. The vision and imagination needed for this guitar is amazing. And can we give props to the incredible production of this series?!!? Can't wait to see what the next build has in store. Well done. The Middle Earth Guitar has my vote this year!

[@adairguitars]

Cheers, very kind of you to say! Already been thinking about future themed builds. 🤔👍

[@struttmusic487]

Beautiful work

[@adairguitars]

Thanks! 👍

[@realitystudioscustomshop]

what a contender, great concept vid and guitar, you knocked ity out of the park dude

[@adairguitars]

Cheers! Very kind of you to say! 👍

[@CornerstoneCrafty]

Yours has definitely been one of my favourite builds of this year's GGBO. Absolutely stunning piece of work; love it. 👍

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Colin! I’m very pleased how it turned out. 👍

[@EricJanOud]

Awesome! All of it! The design, the execution, the filming, the story, the sound (I like the dragon fuzz addition :) ) You've got my vote, if and when it comes to that!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Eric, very kind of you to say!

[@barracudafighter79]

Beautiful guitar

[@adairguitars]

Thanks!

[@IPGuitars]

Such a beautiful guitar😍

[@adairguitars]

Thank you! 👍

[@skintguitars6289]

Congratulations on the amazing win!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks! 👍

[@bryantespada659]

Congratulations On the GGBO win!

[@adairguitars]

Thank you!

[@caponemakesstuff]

Great work! Love the theme. The ring inscription on the back are very well done. Kind of wish they were in front but I get your reasoning. Awesome videos too!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks mate! Yeah, I was still tempted to the carving in the front, but I think it would have been lost in all the figuring. 👍

[@afterlifeguitars]

Can't wait to watch this 🤩🤘

[@adairguitars]

I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

[@lordhytro]

Masterfully done Arran! The instrument is superb.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks, I appreciate your comments!

[@grahamnunn8998]

Absolutely gorgeous. I wonder if you may be a tiny bit insane and for that I applaud you. As a showcase for what you can do, this is a masterpiece.

[@bhartissimo]

The guitar looks beautiful and it sounds good! Great work with the entire build (pickups included). And on top of all that, you weaved the build into a en epic story. Love it!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Bart! I'm certainly going to enjoy playing it. I'll be using it for a gig in a few weeks to give it a good test run!

[@valdirmaciel5300]

Congratulations from Brazil , your job is a very inspiration for me.

[@adairguitars]

Thank you! I’m very pleased you’re inspired. 👍

[@j.boogie1646]

That is a beautiful guitar , best of luck !!!

[@adairguitars]

Thank you! 👍

[@TommySG1]

This is just an amazing build, If I played this it would be with kid gloves on however it would most probably be that wall hanger you just sit and stare at for hours on end 🤙

[@adairguitars]

Thanks! I have definitely spent a bit of time staring at it, but I’ll be giving it a good test run at a gig soon!

[@minotaurguitars]

You made a beautiful guitar. Love the body shape, that top is beautiful, and your fine details are great. Well done.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks, I appreciate it! 👍

[@christoddheartogold]

Just friggin AWESOME, Arran! The guitar looks beautiful, sounds GREAT, and I agree with the "Oscar" comment below - your videos are as epic as Peter Jackson's!! You certainly have my vote for best scratch build. I can't wait to see what awesome geeky idea you'll do next year!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Chris, I appreciate it! Already have a few theme ideas rattling around my head for the next themed build!

[@ravencroftguitars]

Perfection. From the build to the story references to the cinematography. Absolutely flawless. The rest of us might as well pack it in lol. This one has my vote, no question.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Cade! I’m very happy how it turned out. I really do have as much fun with the videos as I do building. You can probably tell! 😂👍

[@georgecaplan11]

This video is so exceptionally good. Imagine being inspired by Tolkien to build a guitar. Even the detail of the Elvish on the back of the guitar. Smaug on the back plate. Mt Doom with the red light reference. Swamp ash from the dead marshes? Very inspirational and well done. Is the twelve fret marker - Gandalf? More respect for the source material than Rings of Power. Also did you know that the character Adar in Rings of Power is like a rogue evil elf. But nothing evil about this guitar. Just don’t throw it into the fires of Mt Doom.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks so much for the comments! The 12th fret inlay is Tolkien’s monogram. The guitar is definitely safe from any fire!

[@ARE.1974]

The easter eggs in this build are epic.

[@adairguitars]

Glad you spotted them all. 👍

[@azzalsop]

Wow, absolute credit to you mate , well done ……. Sounds great too that fuzz 👌🏼

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Aaron! It’s been so much fun creating it! 👍

[@lucentguitars]

What an awesome journey to be a part of! Looks fantastic!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks for coming on the journey with me!

[@TheGangsterOfBoats]

Absolutely outstanding! This build series has been a joy to watch from start to finish. The level of production is top notch, and so is the finished instrument. Fantastic work!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks, I’m very pleased that it’s all finished and now I can just enjoy playing it! 👍

great job on the video and I really like the body shape

[@adairguitars]

Thank you!

[@jurgenzoller4407]

arran, you have knocked it out of the park on this build..conceptually just unreal. I really expect a top 10 for you.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Jurgs! It’s a bit surreal that it’s all finished now and mostly matches the ideas that I first had. 👍

[@timdone1902]

I love the way that you develop your theme and build a wonderful production around it. Everything has relevance. So many great ideas have been incorporated into this guitar which turned beautifully. A real pleasure to watch and learn. Thank you.

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Tim. There were quite a few other ideas I had, but I’m very pleased how it turned out. 👍

[@jamesjohanson5675]

this is a marvelous build.. but I'd throw in one humbucker to rule them all

[@adairguitars]

Thanks! That thought has occurred to me as well.

[@GarlandStringedInstruments]

Absolutely awesome, Arran! - the timber is to die for, your woodworking is precise and beautifully executed, the design is great, you do the whole package, making the pickups and all, and your video production is just in a class by itself... I couldn't see how you could top last year's amazing build, but you did, and then some: many congratulations!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Chris! I actually had the beginnings of the idea for this one at the end of last year and everything has really fallen into place. Finding the top certainly set the direction for some of the ideas and components.

[@BoneheadGuitars]

Absolutely gorgeous

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Scott, I’m very happy and relieved that it turned out the way it did. 👍

[@BoneheadGuitars]

I'm sure! It's incredible.

[@Doug-Niven]

Stunning work. Your attention to detail is nothing short of amazing. Beautiful instrument and top quality video. Very inspirational. Thank you.

[@adairguitars]

Thank you! It’s been a fun one to do and I appreciate your comments!

[@Tzuau78]

So good man! Love the guitar, the build process and the story. Really good job all round. Thanks for the effort!

[@adairguitars]

Cheers, glad you have enjoyed it!

[@hamercalif]

The video is the way more interesting than the result itself.

[@knightyyz]

Stunning guitar! Good luck with the voting!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks! 👍

[@TornelliGuitars]

This is an awesome build Arran, and one of the best tops I’ve seen, well done! 👍

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Gio! It was very exciting getting the finish on the top after months of waiting and working with it.

[@TroodosPoolGuy]

Only one word to describe both the guitar and the videos, EPIC!

[@adairguitars]

Cheers!

[@johnvandevelden7524]

Sometimes when you look at something, you might say that you really like it but might change this or that a little. Well I certainly can’t say that about your beautiful creation! Amazing craftsmanship and great storytelling.👏🏼👍🏼✌🏼

[@adairguitars]

Thanks John, I really appreciate it! 👍

[@garyolley1833]

Precious ❤

[@adairguitars]

It sure is! Thanks! 👍

[@piotrkarel]

wow! What a craftsmanship! Love it

[@adairguitars]

Thanks, glad you love it!

[@SweetTGuitars]

Awesome work brother. Killer video as well. This is one of my favorites this year. ✌️

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Todd! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it! 👍

[@harugrin]

Amazing guitar my friend! I believe that Mr. Tolkien would be pleased. Peace and long life! 🖖

[@adairguitars]

Thanks! I’m very pleased how it’s turned out!

[@anuallaf]

Amazing build, production and everything else. 👍

[@adairguitars]

Thanks heaps! 👍

[@calbrockocat8728]

Beautiful guitar and a super entertaining build to watch. Congratulations on a job super well done!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks heaps! 👍

[@rauschguitars]

Nice edit for a great looking guitar! Well done!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks, I appreciate it! 👍

[@chrisjbnz]

wow! awesome production and amazing guitar

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Chris! Glad your have enjoyed it. 👍

[@jaydosmate3345]

Great video mate this guitar looks like an absolute beastie keep up the great work👏👏👌👌👍👍🤙🤙

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Jaydos! I’m looking forward to my next build already! 👍

[@projiepaul]

Stunning work!!!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks!

[@michaeltrojanek9392]

Truly an extremely inspiring build. I love the rosewood top (I have been trying to get my hands on one for quite some time but without luck so far). Congratulations on the awesome work and fingers crossed for the voting!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Michael! I got my red rosewood from guitartimbers.com in Australia.

[@michaeltrojanek9392]

@@adairguitars Thanks a lot for the tip!

[@greganderson8374]

That is an incredibly beautiful guitar! The craftmanship is superb, and I love the theme. Three cheers for the Dragon Fuzz!!! Now when is middle breakfast?

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Greg! It’s always time for another breakfast! 😂

[@psnaith1]

Very well done!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks!

[@johnlagneau2414]

Bravo! I love it!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks!

[@edadpops1709]

From concept to completion worthy very worthy

[@adairguitars]

Cheers, I appreciate it!

[@gajapi]

Winner!

[@adairguitars]

Thanks!

[@rnrmfguitarworks]

Amazing work, and stoked to contribute! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@adairguitars]

Thanks Stu! The fuzz sound is exactly what I was hoping it to be. You’re a legend! 🤟