Have you ever wanted to try your hand at making your own musical instrument? Look no further than your garden shed or garage! In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a unique and unconventional guitar using a simple shovel. With a little bit of creativity and some handy tools, you’ll be strumming your own homemade tunes in no time.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you can start turning a regular shovel into a guitar, you’ll need a few supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A sturdy metal shovel
- A saw for cutting the shovel handle
- Sandpaper for smoothing the cut edges
- A drill and screws for attaching the guitar strings
- Guitar strings
- A tuner to help you tune the strings
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary materials, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Shovel
The first thing you’ll want to do is cut off the handle of the shovel using a saw. Make sure to leave enough of the handle intact so that it can act as the neck of your guitar. Once you’ve cut off the excess, use sandpaper to smooth the cut edges and create a comfortable surface for playing.
Step 3: Install the Guitar Strings
Next, you’ll need to drill holes into the shovel neck where the guitar strings will be attached. Make sure to space the holes evenly and in the correct order for tuning the strings. Once the holes are drilled, insert the guitar strings and secure them with screws.
Step 4: Tune Your Homemade Shovel Guitar
Using a tuner, tune your guitar strings to the desired pitch. This may take a bit of trial and error, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to get the perfect sound.
Now that you’ve completed all the steps, you can strum away on your homemade shovel guitar. Remember, this unique instrument is not only a fun project but also a great conversation piece. So gather your friends, start a band, and show off your DIY skills with your one-of-a-kind shovel guitar!
Step-by-Step Guide on Making a Guitar Out of a Shovel
Guitars can be made from various objects, and one unique option is to create a guitar out of a shovel. This DIY project requires some basic tools and materials, but the end result is a one-of-a-kind instrument. Follow the step-by-step guide below to make your own guitar out of a shovel.
Materials You Will Need:
- A shovel
- A saw
- Sandpaper
- A drill
- Screws
- A guitar neck
- Guitar strings
- A bridge
- Electronic pickups
- A guitar strap
Step 1: Prepare the Shovel
Start by removing the handle from the shovel using a saw. This will leave you with a flat surface to work with. Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges and create a playing surface. Make sure the shovel head is clean and free from any debris.
Step 2: Attach the Guitar Neck
Using a drill, create holes in the shovel head where the guitar neck will be attached. Line up the holes with the pre-drilled holes in the guitar neck. Secure the neck to the shovel head using screws. Make sure the neck is firmly attached and aligned correctly with the playing surface.
Step 3: Install the Bridge
Measure and mark the placement of the bridge on the shovel head. Use a drill to create holes for the bridge screws. Attach the bridge securely to the shovel head using screws. The bridge will hold the guitar strings in place and provide support for the neck.
Step 4: Attach the Pickups
If you want your shovel guitar to be electric, you will need to install electronic pickups. Measure and mark the placement of the pickups on the shovel head. Use a drill to create holes and mount the pickups securely. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for wiring the pickups to the guitar’s output jack.
Step 5: String and Tune the Guitar
Attach the guitar strings to the bridge and stretch them along the length of the guitar neck. Wind the strings around the tuning pegs at the top of the guitar neck. Use a tuner to tune the guitar strings to the desired pitch. Make any necessary adjustments to the string tension to ensure proper tuning.
Step 6: Play and Enjoy
Once your guitar is assembled and tuned, it’s time to start playing and enjoying your unique creation. Experiment with various chords and techniques to explore the unique sound and character of your shovel guitar.
Remember, making a guitar out of a shovel is a creative DIY project that requires some skill and patience. Have fun throughout the process, and don’t be afraid to make modifications or add personal touches to make your guitar truly your own.
Materials and Tools Required for Making a Shovel Guitar
Creating a guitar out of a shovel may seem like a daunting task, but with the right materials and tools, it can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Here is a list of what you will need:
Materials:
- A shovel with a wooden handle: Choose a shovel with a sturdy wooden handle to create the body of the guitar.
- Guitar neck: You can purchase a pre-made guitar neck or repurpose an old guitar neck.
- Guitar strings: Choose the type of strings you prefer based on your playing style and musical genre.
- Bridge and tailpiece: These components will help anchor the strings and adjust their tension.
- Electronics: If you want to make an electric shovel guitar, you will need pickups, pots, and a jack.
- Nuts and bolts: These will be used to secure the neck and other components to the shovel.
- Paint or finish: Decide on a paint color or finish to customize the appearance of your shovel guitar.
Tools:
- Screwdriver: Use a screwdriver to remove the handle from the shovel and attach the guitar neck.
- Saw: You may need a saw to cut the shovel handle to the desired length.
- Drill: A drill will be useful for creating holes to attach the neck, bridge, tailpiece, and other components.
- Files or sandpaper: These will help you shape and smooth the shovel handle and other parts.
- Soldering iron: If you are making an electric shovel guitar, you will need a soldering iron to connect the electronics.
- Paintbrushes or spray guns: Depending on your chosen method, you will need brushes or spray guns for applying paint or finish.
With these materials and tools in hand, you are well-equipped to start making your own unique shovel guitar. Remember to take safety precautions and enjoy the creative process!
Preparing the Shovel for Guitar Construction
Before you can start turning a shovel into a guitar, there are a few key steps you need to follow to prepare the shovel for the conversion process.
1. Choose a Suitable Shovel
First and foremost, you’ll need to select a shovel that is suitable for the guitar construction. Look for a shovel with a sturdy handle and a metal blade that is in good condition. It’s important to choose a shovel that has a long enough handle and a blade width that will allow for proper string spacing and easy playability.
2. Remove the Blade
Next, you’ll need to remove the blade from the shovel handle. This can usually be done by unscrewing or unbolting the blade from the handle. Make sure to keep track of any screws or bolts that are removed, as you will need them later in the construction process.
Once the blade is removed, inspect the handle for any rough spots or splinters. Use sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections and ensure that the handle is comfortable to hold.
3. Determine Neck Placement
Now it’s time to determine the placement of the guitar neck on the shovel handle. Measure from the bottom of the handle, and mark the desired location. Remember to take into account any additional space needed for the guitar’s bridge and body.
Once you have determined the neck placement, carefully cut a slot on the top of the shovel handle using a saw or another suitable cutting tool. Take your time and make sure the slot is wide enough to securely hold the neck in place.
With these steps complete, you are now ready to move on to the next phase of guitar construction – attaching the neck to the shovel handle. Make sure to follow the remaining steps carefully to ensure a successful outcome.
Building the Guitar Neck and Body Using the Shovel
Once you have chosen a shovel that is suitable for your guitar project, it’s time to transform it into a functional instrument. The neck and body of the guitar will be built using various parts of the shovel, ensuring its unique and rustic appearance.
Creating the Neck
The neck of the guitar will be made using the handle of the shovel. Start by removing any excess materials from the handle and sanding it down to a smooth surface. You may also want to shape the handle to your desired guitar neck profile.
Next, mark the positions for the frets on the handle. You can use a ruler to measure and mark the fret positions accurately. After marking the positions, use a fret saw to cut slots for the frets. Make sure the slots are deep enough to hold the frets securely.
Once the fret slots are cut, install the fret wire into the slots. Use a small hammer to gently tap the frets into the slots, ensuring they are flush with the surface of the handle. Trim any excess fret wire with a pair of wire cutters and file the edges smooth.
Constructing the Body
The body of the guitar will be made using the metal part of the shovel. Start by cutting off the metal portion of the shovel head, leaving enough space for the neck to be attached. Sand down the edges of the metal to remove any sharp edges.
Next, attach the neck to the body of the shovel using screws or bolts. Make sure the neck is securely fastened to the body to ensure stability. You may also want to reinforce the connection by using epoxy or wood glue.
After attaching the neck, you can proceed to add the remaining guitar components such as the bridge, pickups, and tuning pegs. These can be sourced from a guitar kit or salvaged from old guitars.
To enhance the appearance of the guitar, you can customize the body by painting or applying a finish of your choice. This will give your guitar a unique and personalized look.
| Materials Needed: | Tools Required: |
|---|---|
| – Shovel | – Saw |
| – Fret wire | – Hammer |
| – Screws or bolts | – Wire cutters |
| – Epoxy or wood glue | – Sandpaper |
| – Guitar components | – Paint or finish |
Finishing the Shovel Guitar and Testing its Sound
Once you have completed the construction of your shovel guitar, it’s time to give it a finishing touch and see how it sounds. Follow these steps to make sure your guitar looks good and sounds great:
1. Sanding and Smoothing
Start by sanding down the entire surface of the shovel guitar. This will help remove any rough edges or imperfections. Use a medium-grit sandpaper to get a smooth finish. Be sure to pay extra attention to the neck of the guitar, as it should be comfortable to hold.
2. Staining or Painting
Next, choose whether you want to stain or paint your shovel guitar. Staining gives the guitar a rustic and natural look, while painting allows for more creativity and customization. Apply several thin coats of your chosen finish, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next one. Use a paintbrush or a sponge brush for an even application.
3. Adding a Sealant
To protect your guitar from moisture and wear, apply a sealant after the stain or paint has fully dried. Choose a clear or tinted varnish or polyurethane for this step. Use a brush to apply the sealant, and let it dry completely between coats. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time and number of coats needed.
4. Installing the Tuning Pegs and Strings
Once the finish has dried, install the tuning pegs on the headstock of your shovel guitar. Use a drill to create small pilot holes before screwing in the pegs. Then, attach the strings to the tuning pegs and tighten them gradually. Use a guitar tuner to ensure each string is in tune.
5. Testing the Sound
Once you have secured the strings and tuned them, it’s time to test the sound of your shovel guitar. Plug it into an amplifier or use it acoustically to see how it sounds. Experiment with different playing techniques, such as strumming, picking, and sliding, to get a better understanding of its capabilities.
Remember that the sound of your shovel guitar will depend on various factors, including the materials used, the construction, and your playing style. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments or modifications to achieve the desired sound.
Congratulations! You have successfully finished making a guitar out of a shovel. Now, you can enjoy playing your unique and one-of-a-kind instrument.
