Building your own guitar can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering a deep connection to your instrument and a unique sense of accomplishment. However, before you embark on this journey, it’s crucial to understand the Guitar Cost involved. Many aspiring luthiers wonder if building a guitar is actually cheaper than buying one. Let’s break down the expenses to give you a clearer picture.
One way to analyze the financial aspect is to categorize the total project cost into tools and materials. For a realistic view of the immediate outlay, it’s helpful to focus solely on the materials purchased specifically for the build, especially if you, like many, already have a collection of general tools. Considering tools as separate investments makes sense, as they are reusable for numerous projects beyond just one guitar. This approach also softens the initial financial impact, as you’re not factoring in potentially significant tool costs into the immediate “guitar cost.”
Below is an itemized list representing the materials needed for a guitar build, offering a detailed example of what expenses to expect. Please note that these prices are approximate and from early 2012, so current costs may vary.
| Qty | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3/16″ x 48″ Steel Rod | $4.00 |
| 1 | Bleached White Bone Nut Blank | $4.82 |
| 1 | Bleached White Bone Saddle Blank | $8.27 |
| 1 | Fretboard Finishing Oil | $12.95 |
| 1 | Guitar Strings | $23.45 |
| 1 | Guitarmaking: Tradition and Technology | $26.40 |
| 12 | Laminated Wood Purfling (b/w/b ) – 2 ft | $28.20 |
| 1 | Mahogany Back and Sides Unbent | $89.49 |
| 10 | Mahogany Reverse Guitar Kerfing | $29.80 |
| 3 | Medium Fretwire – 2 ft | $9.51 |
| 1 | Nitrocellulose Spraying Lacquer – 1 quart | $25.86 |
| 2 | Pearl and Abalone Inlay Blanks | $57.80 |
| 12 | Pearl Dots | $7.80 |
| 2 | Polishing Compound | $34.68 |
| 1 | Rosewood Guitar Bridge Blank | $5.98 |
| 1 | Schaller M-6 Mini Guitar Machines | $66.24 |
| 10 | Side Pearl Dots | $5.53 |
| 2 | Sipo Mahogany Neck Blank | $52.90 |
| 1 | Sitka Spruce Soundboard – Grade AA | $20.38 |
| 1 | Soundhole Rosette – Black/White Herringbone | $9.44 |
| 1 | Tusq Bridge Pins | $18.49 |
| 4 | Uncarved Guitar Braces | $22.12 |
| 1 | Unslotted Rosewood Fingerboard | $16.60 |
| Total $580.71 |
|---|
Upon reviewing these material costs, totaling approximately $580 in 2012, it becomes evident that purchasing a high-quality factory-made guitar for a similar price point is entirely feasible. Therefore, if your primary goal is to acquire a nice guitar economically, building one yourself might not be the most direct route to saving money.
However, the true value of building a guitar transcends mere financial considerations. The project offers an unparalleled learning experience, the satisfaction of crafting something beautiful with your own hands, and the creation of a unique instrument imbued with personal significance. Furthermore, the material expenses are typically spread out over the duration of the project, which can span several months, making the financial outlay more manageable over time. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your priorities: if it’s about the journey of creation and the deep connection to your instrument, then the “guitar cost” is a worthwhile investment in a truly amazing endeavor.
