So you just received your sweet new set of router templates and you’re ready to start making your new guitar. If you’re not quite sure where to start, then this project video is for you.

When I build my Hayley Guitars, I work off templates that I have created for my instruments. My templates are probably very similar to the ones you have, so your process will be almost the same as mine.

The very first thing I highly recommend you do is to get some good quality 1/2″ MDF and make an exact copy of your templates. Do this before you ever use them to make a guitar. You should set the original templates aside and use the copies. This way, there is no chance of damaging your original templates that you spent your hard earned dollar on. Trust me on this, don’t skip this step.

Here’s one of my first guitar building videos where during the process, I made a copy of the template.

With the template copied, you are ready to choose the material and start building your instrument. The key word here is YOUR. You get to choose what type of wood you want to use. Don’t get too caught up in the internet arguments on what species is the best. Choose what you want and go with it.

Follow along in the video as I cover all of your next steps. Your process of making the body blank may be a bit different than mine depending on what you choose for wood but once you have the blank glued up, it will be almost the exact same.

If you’ve ever wanted to build your own guitar, go for it. Don’t wait. Its such a rewarding feeling when you get to play on the guitar that you made yourself.

— Affiliate Links to Products Used —
Titebond 2 Wood Glue – https://amzn.to/2KhxqIL
Bessey Parallel Clamp – https://amzn.to/34kXH3z
Rikon 10″ Bandsaw – https://amzn.to/3aFrHIl
12″ Combination Square – https://amzn.to/3aFrHIl
Forstner Bit Set (imperial sizes) – https://amzn.to/2EhJF7O

Here are some other videos you might find helpful.