Dazed Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 This is a feeler before I do any serious damage! I'm curious if it's possible to change the shape of an acoustic body. Basically to make it slightly or a lot more ergonomic. I'm thinking of reducing the depth from top to back of the body only. Ideally not just a size reduction but giving it some contouring. A bit like the Taylor /klein models that have a back that narrows towards the upper rear bout, to reduce the stretched out feeling of putting your arm around a bath tub to play it. Is that even possible? I have an old unsuspecting knackered acoustic ready to experiment on but I suppose each instrument is different in terms of construction and bracing etc. Any pointers or advice would be welcomed and appreciated ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3below Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 Eminently possible. Just depends on your guitar building / woodworking / finishing skills. As a minimum you will probably need some new kerfing. Enjoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyjr1515 Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 Not for the faint-hearted but yes-ish. To keep the same basic shape but simply thinner, then yes. Basically, take the back off, mark the sides with a line at the desired depth equidistant from the back edge. Cut it with a japanese pull saw or similar (eg FatMax). Add some kerfing, glue the back back on To change the shape, more tricky - you would probably need to take all the braces off the back and reapply new braces cut in the correct profile to assist the back to bend to the desired shape...and you would need to work out what shape to cut the sides too...not easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost_Bass Posted July 31, 2015 Share Posted July 31, 2015 If you're skilled at woodwork then i would say that almost everything is possible. If you only have amateur-level skills and don't own the proper tools for the job then i would advise you to take the bass to a good luthier, he'll know what to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dazed Posted August 9, 2015 Author Share Posted August 9, 2015 Thanks for the advice folks. I've dabbled with guitars before, stripping, refinishing sanding reshaping bodies but never gone to this stage. I have lots of woodworking tools available but not anything specialised for luthiery! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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