1st Carvin Kit Project

I decided that it would fun and rewarding to build a guitar.  I am not an expert, nor do I have all the needed equipment to build from scratch, so I decided that a kit would be the best way to go.  After researching what guitar I would like to own next, I decided on Carvin. Their kits are "made to order" with the same wood and CNC machines they use to make their production guitars, right here in California!  I was able to customize it to fit my needs and desires.  I was able to pick the kind of wood for the body; neck, and fingerboard.  I also was able to pick the fingerboard radius and the size and type of frets.

So here is what I picked:
Body: Alder  -  Neck: Maple -  Fingerboard: Ebony - Inlays: Abalone diamond shaped - Radius: 10 inch - Frets: Medium/Stainless Steel
Pickups: Two Humbuckers - Switching control: 5way switch for full and single coil options.

I really enjoyed building this project, from subtlety reshaping the body, to sanding and finishing, and installing and adjusting all the hardware and electronic components.

Here are some pics!

 

OK... Now that it is all here I should prepare for the build!

I decided to make the cutaway a little deeper for better access to the higher frets so 

I devised a custom sanding block using a paint can.

As I checked the clearance in the control cavity for the volume control, I noticed that I were ever to have to replace it as I did on my other guitar I would require additional clearance if I want to put in a full size (quarter size) potentiometer.  So I got out my router and removed a little extra wood from the side of the control cavity.

Just enough room now.

Belly Cut

I also did a little extra deep sanding of belly cut area for extra comfort.

Finished sanding. Now ready to start finishing...

All cleaned up and ready for finishing

Wiping the body down with a little mineral spirits really brings out the grain.  

So now I will start applying the tung oil finish.

 

Finished

Copper foil shielding

This was really a fun project!  

If you are interested, check out the Carvin website.

They make some great guitars! 

Be careful... You might just buy something.

http://www.carvinguitars.com/kits/