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How To Build A Killer Machine

Making an electric guitar is a combination of power tools — assembly line techniques— craftsmanship. Selected aged wood is cut from blank stock into the general shape of necks and bodies, then handsanded to actual shape. Here a workman sands a neck.

December 1, 1973
Guitar Arnie

PLAY IT LOUD

by

Guitar Arnie

How To Build A Killer Machine

How They Do It At Fender

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Making an electric guitar is a combination of power tools — assembly line techniques— craftsmanship. Selected aged wood is cut from blank stock into the general shape of necks and bodies, then handsanded to actual shape. Here a workman sands a neck.

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The final step to prepare the neck is the insertion of the metal fret bars. This is done by hand as a fret not evenly placed can cause buzzing and improper fretting and action.

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While the neck is being finished, the body of the guitar must go through a similar process. If a color finish is going to be put on the guitar — as opposed to natural finish — it is spray painted in several coating operations. Then power buffers and rubbers are used with a special finishing compound to give the guitar a high gloss and insure that die finish will femain on the guitar through whatever rough handling it may get.

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