Upcycled Table - Make an Electric Guitar

How to Build a Guitar from a Salvaged Wood Coffee Table

If you have an old coffee table that you don't use anymore, you might be wondering what to do with it. Instead of throwing it away or selling it for cheap, why not turn it into a unique and eco-friendly guitar? Building a guitar from reclaimed wood is not only a great way to recycle and reduce waste, but also a creative and rewarding project that can result in a one-of-a-kind instrument with a lot of character and history.

In this article, we will show you how to build a guitar from a salvaged wood coffee table, using some basic tools and materials. You will need:

1. A salvaged wood coffee table (preferably made of solid wood, not particle board or plywood)
2. A guitar neck (you can buy one online or use an old one from another guitar)
3. A guitar bridge (you can buy one online or use an old one from another guitar)
4. A guitar pickup (you can buy one online or use an old one from another guitar)
5. A guitar jack (you can buy one online or use an old one from another guitar)
6. A guitar strap button (you can buy one online or use an old one from another guitar)
7. Some screws, nuts, washers, and wires
8. A drill, a saw, a chisel, a hammer, a screwdriver, a soldering iron, and some sandpaper
9. Some wood glue, wood filler, and wood stain (optional)

Step 1: Cut the coffee table into a guitar body shape

The first step is to cut the coffee table into a guitar body shape. You can use any shape you like, such as a Stratocaster, a Telecaster, or a Les Paul. You can also create your own shape by drawing it on a piece of paper and tracing it on the coffee table. Use a saw to cut out the shape, and sand the edges until they are smooth.

Step 2: Attach the guitar neck to the body

The next step is to attach the guitar neck to the body. You will need to drill holes in the body for the neck screws and the truss rod adjustment. You will also need to chisel out a cavity for the neck heel to fit snugly into the body. Use wood glue and screws to secure the neck to the body, and make sure it is aligned properly.

Step 3: Install the guitar bridge and pickup

The third step is to install the guitar bridge and pickup. You will need to drill holes in the body for the bridge screws and the pickup wires. You will also need to chisel out cavities for the bridge and the pickup to sit flush with the body. Use screws and washers to attach the bridge and the pickup to the body, and solder the wires to the jack.

Step 4: Finish the guitar

The final step is to finish the guitar. You can leave the wood as it is, or you can apply some wood filler to fill any gaps or cracks. You can also apply some wood stain to give it some color and protect it from moisture. Finally, you can attach the strap button to the body using a screw and a washer.

Congratulations! You have just built your own guitar from a salvaged wood coffee table. Now you can enjoy playing your unique and eco-friendly instrument, or give it as a gift to someone who appreciates music and craftsmanship.

'Rat Bait Guitars is a company based in Devon, UK, that makes hand-built guitars from recycled materials, such as salvaged wood, furniture, fence posts, etc. They also sell guitar parts, both new and used, that are tested for quality and functionality. They have an online shop where you can browse their products and order them via PayPal. They offer free UK shipping and international shipping on request.'

Why not visit our online store and build yourself your own guitar?

Why not visit our on line store and build yourself your own recycled guitar?

We have a selection of new and used spare parts for your vintage guitar, relic guitar or partscaster. Why not visit our online shop and search for that missing part.

All transactions are carried out by PayPal for your convenience and safety. Once payment is received, items are posted within two working days. There is no need to register on this site to purchase goods, just choose what you want and click on the PayPal button, this will take you straight to the payment option.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 30/04/2023
(1) Six unique guitars built from reclaimed wood - All Things Guitar. https://guitar.com/features/artist-rigs/six-guitars-built-from-reclaimed-wood/.
(2) Rat Bait Guitars Made From Recycled Wood | Guitar Parts. https://www.ratbaitguitars.co.uk/.
(3) Custom Guitars from Eco-friendly Salvaged Wood - Unique custom guitars. https://www.tonerevivalguitars.com/blog/salvaged-wood-custom-guitars/.