Have you ever wanted to create your own unique musical instrument? Look no further than the electric shovel guitar! This extraordinary DIY project combines creativity, craftsmanship, and a touch of eccentricity to produce a one-of-a-kind instrument that is sure to impress both musicians and non-musicians alike.
Made famous by the talented musician and inventor, Yuri Landman, the electric shovel guitar has gained popularity for its unconventional design and distinctive sound. With a few simple tools and materials, you too can embark on this exciting musical adventure and create your very own electric shovel guitar.
The first step in making an electric shovel guitar is, of course, acquiring a shovel. Look for a shovel with a wooden handle, as it will provide better resonance and enhance the sound quality. Once you have your shovel, remove the metal part from the handle, as it will be replaced by the guitar neck. This can be done by carefully cutting or unscrewing the metal part from the handle.
Next, it’s time to construct the guitar neck. You can either use a pre-made guitar neck or create your own from scratch. If you choose to make your own, you will need a solid piece of wood, such as maple or mahogany, and appropriate woodworking tools. Shape the wood into the desired neck shape, ensuring it is smooth and comfortable to hold. Attach the guitar neck to the handle of the shovel using screws or glue, making sure it is securely fastened.
Finally, it’s time to add the electrical components to turn your shovel into a fully functional electric guitar. Install a set of quality pickups, volume and tone controls, and a output jack onto the guitar body. Connect these components to the guitar neck using insulated wires, following a wiring diagram specifically designed for electric guitars.
Once you have completed these steps, your electric shovel guitar is ready to be played! Plug it into your amplifier, adjust the settings to your liking, and strum away. You will be amazed by the unique sound and distinctive tone this extraordinary instrument produces. So, grab your shovel and get ready to rock!
Choosing the Right Shovel
When it comes to making an electric shovel guitar, choosing the right shovel is crucial. The type of shovel you use will greatly affect the sound and playability of your instrument. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a shovel for your guitar:
Size and Length
The size and length of the shovel will influence the overall shape and size of your guitar. It’s important to choose a shovel that fits comfortably in your hands and allows you to reach all the necessary frets while playing. A longer shovel may provide a larger body and more room for customization, while a smaller shovel can be easier to handle.
Material and Weight
The material and weight of the shovel can impact the tone and sustain of your guitar. Shovels are commonly made from steel, aluminum, or wood. Steel shovels tend to produce a brighter and more metallic sound, while aluminum shovels can produce a warmer, smoother tone. Wood shovels are less common but can provide a unique and organic sound. Consider the weight of the shovel as well, as a heavier shovel may produce more sustain but could be more challenging to handle.
| Shovel Type | Tone | Weight | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Bright and metallic | Heavy | Durable, sustain | Can be challenging to handle |
| Aluminum | Warm and smooth | Light | Easy to handle, versatile tone | Less sustain |
| Wood | Unique and organic | Variable | Unique tone, customization | Less durability |
Price and Availability
Consider your budget and the availability of different shovel types in your area. Steel and aluminum shovels are generally more readily available and affordable, while wood shovels may be harder to find and pricier. However, keep in mind that investing in a higher-quality shovel can lead to a better playing experience and sound.
Remember, choosing the right shovel is an important step in creating an electric shovel guitar. By considering factors such as size, material, weight, price, and availability, you can find the perfect shovel to suit your musical needs.
Gathering the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before you can start building an electric shovel guitar, you will need to gather a variety of tools and materials. Here is a list of everything you will need:
| Tools | Materials |
|---|---|
| Screwdriver set | Wooden shovel handle |
| Wire strippers | Electric guitar neck |
| Soldering iron | Electric guitar pickups |
| Drill | Volume and tone controls |
| Saw | Input jack |
| Sandpaper | Bridge |
| Clamps | Strings |
| Paint and brushes | Various screws and bolts |
Once you have gathered all the necessary tools and materials, you will be ready to move on to the next step of the process.
Preparing the Shovel for Conversion
Before you can turn your electric shovel into a guitar, you’ll need to prepare the shovel for conversion. This involves taking some basic steps to ensure the shovel is in good condition and ready for the modifications.
Here are the materials and tools you’ll need:
| 1. Shovel | An old shovel that you’re willing to convert into a guitar. Make sure it’s made of metal and in decent condition. |
| 2. Safety equipment | Wear safety goggles, gloves, and a face mask to protect yourself while working with the shovel. |
| 3. Sandpaper | Get a variety of sandpaper grits (coarse to fine) to remove any rust or paint from the shovel. |
| 4. Wire cutters | You’ll need wire cutters to remove any unnecessary parts from the shovel. |
| 5. Metal primer | Apply a metal primer to the shovel to ensure good adhesion for the paint. |
| 6. Paint | Choose a paint color of your preference to give the shovel a new look. |
Once you have gathered all the materials and tools, you can start preparing the shovel for conversion. Here’s a step-by-step process:
- Inspect the shovel for any damages or rust. If there are any sharp edges or broken parts, use the sandpaper to smooth them out.
- Remove any unnecessary parts from the shovel using wire cutters. This could include the handle or any other attachments that are in the way.
- Use sandpaper to thoroughly clean the surface of the shovel. This will help the paint adhere better.
- Apply a metal primer to the shovel according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Let it dry completely.
- Once the primer is dry, apply the paint color of your choice. You may need to apply multiple coats for a smooth finish.
- Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next steps of converting the shovel into a guitar.
By properly preparing the shovel for conversion, you’ll ensure that the final electric shovel guitar is sturdy, visually appealing, and ready to be played. Take your time and enjoy the process!
Installing the Guitar Components
Before you can start playing your electric shovel guitar, you need to install the necessary components. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Neck and Fretboard
Begin by attaching the neck to the body of the shovel. Ensure that the neck is properly aligned with the body and secure it with screws or bolts. Next, place the fretboard on top of the neck and align it with the fret markers. Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to secure the fretboard to the neck. Make sure it is firmly in place.
2. Pickups
Now it’s time to install the pickups. Place the pickups in the designated pickup cavities on the body of the shovel. Make sure they are positioned correctly and facing the appropriate direction. Use screws or bolts to secure the pickups in place. Connect the wiring of the pickups to the control knobs or switch using soldering iron and solder.
3. Bridge and Tailpiece
Attach the bridge to the body of the shovel near the base of the neck. Ensure that the strings can pass over the bridge and have enough clearance to vibrate freely. Secure the bridge with screws or bolts. Next, install the tailpiece at the opposite end of the body. Again, make sure it is securely attached to the shovel.
4. Tuning Pegs
Finally, attach the tuning pegs to the headstock of the shovel. Insert the end of each string through the corresponding hole in the peg and tighten it. Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to secure the strings in place. Repeat this step for all the strings.
Once you have completed these steps, you are ready to tune your electric shovel guitar and start playing. Enjoy the unique sound and creativity that this DIY project brings!
Wiring and Testing the Electric Shovel Guitar
Once you have gathered all the necessary components for your electric shovel guitar, it’s time to wire everything up and test it out. This process involves connecting the pickups, controls, and output jack, and making sure everything functions as intended.
Wiring the Pickups
Start by identifying the hot and ground wires of each pickup. The hot wire is usually the one with a layer of insulation or a different color. Once you have identified the wires, solder the hot wire of each pickup to the corresponding lug on the volume potentiometer. Be sure to follow a wiring diagram specific to your guitar’s pickups and controls.
Next, solder a short wire from the volume potentiometer’s output lug to the input lug of the tone potentiometer. This will allow you to control the tone of your guitar. Finally, solder a wire from the tone potentiometer’s output lug to the center lug of the output jack.
Testing the Circuit
Before fully assembling the guitar, it’s important to test the circuit to ensure everything is working correctly. Start by connecting your guitar to an amplifier or audio interface using a 1/4-inch instrument cable. Turn on the amplifier or interface and set the volume to a low level.
Strum the strings of the guitar and listen for any sound coming through the amplifier or headphones. Use the volume and tone controls to adjust the output and tone of the guitar. If you hear any unwanted noise, buzzing, or no sound at all, double-check your wiring connections and troubleshoot any issues.
| Problem | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| No sound | Check all wiring connections and ensure they are secure. |
| Unwanted noise or buzzing | Make sure all grounds are properly connected and check for any loose wires. |
| Low output | Ensure all connections are soldered correctly and the volume potentiometer is functioning properly. |
Once you have confirmed that the circuit is working correctly and there are no issues with the sound or controls, you can proceed with the final assembly of your electric shovel guitar. Enjoy experimenting and playing with your unique creation!
Customizing and Fine-Tuning the Guitar
Once you have made your electric shovel guitar, you may want to customize and fine-tune it to fit your personal preferences and playing style. Here are some tips and ideas to help you get started:
- Choose the right strings: Experiment with different types and gauges of strings to find the sound and feel that you prefer. Lighter gauge strings are easier to bend, while heavier gauge strings provide a fuller sound.
- Adjust the action: The action refers to the height of the strings from the fretboard. Lowering the action can make it easier to play, but be careful not to lower it too much as it can cause buzzing.
- Intonation: Check the intonation of your guitar by playing a harmonic at the 12th fret and comparing it to the fretted note. If they are not in tune, adjust the bridge saddle position to correct it.
- Pickup height: The height of the pickups can greatly affect the tone of your guitar. Experiment with raising or lowering the pickups to find the sweet spot for the sound you want.
- Electronics upgrade: Consider upgrading the electronics of your guitar, such as the pots, switches, and capacitors. This can improve the overall tone and playability of the instrument.
- Decorate your guitar: Customize the look of your guitar by adding paint, stickers, or other decorative elements. Let your creativity shine and make your guitar truly unique!
Remember, the process of customizing and fine-tuning your guitar is all about experimentation and finding what works best for you. Have fun exploring different options and don’t be afraid to make changes until you are satisfied with the sound and feel of your electric shovel guitar!
