How important is the body of a guitar?

[Hamkins]

Hi, on an electric guitar, say I took it all apart, and then went to work on the body with a jigsaw, what effect would that have?

Basically I wanna make my guitar look a bit more interesting than most. Like re-shape it to look like a steinberger or something.

Would that just toally screw it up?

Thanks!

[EADG]

Depends on what exactly you do to it.


As long as you're just reshaping the body and staying away from the hardware and electronics it will still work the same.


The issues will be that the tonal characteristics might change, and it might balance differently (if you take a lot of weight off the body, it might have a neck dive). Also it may be different to hold it while sitting, but that could work out for good or bad.

[Hamkins]

Wow so as long as I leave the wiring etc. in tact, it won't make much of a difference?

[moghes69]

you should also try to keep as much wood as you can around the area inbetween the bridge and neck. if you cut in too much the body might warp a little.

[Peg Dizzler]

I've done this before. It's alot of fun.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/pegdizzler/project.jpg

[Hamkins]

I was thinking that sort of thing, but totally crazy. I mean DEVO would see this monstrosity and scratch their heads.

[naut]

The issues will be that the tonal characteristics might change.

he'd have to cut off a ****-load.

[mnemonic]

I've done this before. It's alot of fun.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m307/pegdizzler/project.jpg

haha, awesome.

have any finished project pics? or is it still in progress.

[PsychoTronn]

i like cool shapes like explorers, flying-Vs and stuff for guitars, but I like just the regular body for bass

[EADG]

he'd have to cut off a ****-load.



Like I said though, he didn't specify exactly how much he was planning to take off.

[Hamkins]

Like I said though, he didn't specify exactly how much he was planning to take off.

It would indded be a **** load.