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Modifying an acoustic bass guitar


Dazed
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This is a feeler before I do any serious
damage! :lol:

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 !

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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.

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  • 2 weeks later...

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!

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