Lesson 1Pickup selection: voicing choices, output levels, and mounting typesLearn how pickup sound style, power level, and build change tone and noise. Compare single-coils, humbuckers, and P-90s, check magnet types, and pick mount ways that fit your 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 2Sourcing parts locally and online: realistic suppliers, cost-saving alternatives, and quality checksBuild plans for getting parts near home and online while watching cost and risk. Spot good sellers, check ads, dodge fakes, and plan big buys, shipping, and returns for good builds in Uganda.
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 choices: maple, mahogany, multi-piece necks for stabilityCompare maple, mahogany, and multi-bit neck builds for strength, stiffness, and feel. Learn how wood lines, layers, and support picks change steadiness, ring, and long fight against bending.
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 4Electronics: pots, caps, switches, jacks, wiring, shielding and grounding strategiesStudy guitar wires: pots, caps, switches, jacks, and wire setups. Learn value picks, slide ways, shielding, and ground plans so you can make quiet, strong circuits for different pickups.
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 5Fretboard woods: rosewood, maple, ebony, alternatives and availabilityCheck fretboard woods like rosewood, maple, ebony, and new choices. Compare feel, holes, and finish needs, while thinking about getting, rules, and steadiness in real wetness changes in Uganda.
Rosewood varieties and regulationsMaple fretboards: finish optionsEbony grades, color, and careEngineered and composite boardsHumidity movement and fret sproutEthical and legal sourcing issuesLesson 6Selecting tuners, bridges, saddles, and mounting hardware with cost/availability focusKnow how tuners, bridges, saddles, and mount bits change tune steadiness, ring, and fix ease. Compare usual designs, cover picks, and fasteners while balancing cost, get ease, and long trust.
Tuner gear ratios and housing typesLocking vs non‑locking tunersFixed bridges vs tremolo systemsSaddle materials and string contactScrews, bushings, and insertsPlating, corrosion, and maintenanceLesson 7Common tonewoods for bodies: alder, ash, basswood, mahogany — characteristics and budget considerationsLook at alder, ash, basswood, and mahogany body woods, comparing weight, ring, and work ease. Learn how lines, thickness, and get change sound, finish picks, and real money plans 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 8Truss rods, nut materials, and fret wire types (nickel silver, stainless)Learn how truss rods, nut bits, and fret wire types change play ease, steadiness, and tone. Compare nickel silver and steel frets, know fit effects, and match 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
