Lesson 1Pickup picking: sound choices, power levels, fit typesLearn how pickup sound, power, and build change tone and noise. Compare single-coils, humbuckers, P-90s, check magnet types, and pick fit ways that suit body design and cuts.
Single‑coil vs humbucker behaviorP‑90 characteristics and use casesMagnet types and tonal influencePickup output and dynamic rangePotting, noise, and microphonicsPickguard vs direct body mountingLesson 2Getting parts near and online: real sellers, save money ways, quality looksMake plans for getting parts near and online while holding cost and risk. Find good sellers, check lists, skip fakes, and plan big buys, ship, returns for good builds.
Evaluating major online suppliersWorking with local shops and luthiersSpotting fakes and misrepresented partsReading specs and product listingsBulk orders, shipping, and customsReturn policies and warranty supportLesson 3Neck wood picks: maple, mahogany, multi-piece for strongCompare maple, mahogany, multi-piece neck builds for power, stiff, and feel. Learn how wood lines, layers, and strong options change hold, ring, and long fight against bend.
Quarter‑sawn vs flat‑sawn neck stockMaple necks: tone and durabilityMahogany necks: feel and responseMulti‑piece laminated neck designsCarbon fiber and other reinforcementsNeck weight and instrument balanceLesson 4Wires: pots, caps, switches, jacks, wiring, shield and ground plansStudy guitar wires: pots, caps, switches, jacks, wire setups. Learn value picks, slide work, shield, ground plans to make quiet, sure paths fit to different pickup types.
Pot values, tapers, and quality gradesCapacitance, tone caps, and treble bleedSwitch types and common layoutsOutput jacks and strain reliefGrounding schemes and star groundsShielding methods and noise controlLesson 5Board woods: rosewood, maple, ebony, other ways and getCheck board woods like rosewood, maple, ebony, new others. Compare feel, holes, finish needs, think get, rules, hold under real wet changes.
Rosewood varieties and regulationsMaple fretboards: finish optionsEbony grades, color, and careEngineered and composite boardsHumidity movement and fret sproutEthical and legal sourcing issuesLesson 6Picking tuners, bridges, saddles, fit parts with money/get focusKnow how tuners, bridges, saddles, fit parts change tune hold, ring, fix ease. Compare usual designs, cover options, fast while balance money, get, long sure.
Tuner gear ratios and housing typesLocking vs non‑locking tunersFixed bridges vs tremolo systemsSaddle materials and string contactScrews, bushings, and insertsPlating, corrosion, and maintenanceLesson 7Usual body woods: alder, ash, basswood, mahogany — ways and money thinkLook at alder, ash, basswood, mahogany body woods, compare weight, ring, work ease. Learn how lines, thick, get change sound, finish picks, real money plan for build levels.
Alder: tonal profile and workabilityAsh: swamp vs northern characteristicsBasswood: pros, cons, and costMahogany species and density rangesWeight, balance, and ergonomicsGrain, pores, and finishing behaviorLesson 8Strong rods, nut stuff, fret wire kinds (nickel silver, stainless)Learn how strong rods, nut stuff, fret wire kinds change play, hold, sound. Compare nickel silver and stainless frets, know fit effects, match piece picks to player needs and money.
Single vs dual‑action truss rodsTruss rod materials and profilesNut materials and tonal impactNut slot sizing and string spacingNickel silver vs stainless fret wireFret size, feel, and service life
