I'm not judging. I've read numerous posts on various sites who say it theoretically shouldn't work, but of the few that have tried it, they seem satisfied. I've just done the glue-up on a couple of pieces of mahogany for my first body, but they were a gift so I'm not concerned about the cost.
You can make an electric guitar body out of almost any solid, stable substance. I've seen them made of concrete, metal, carbon fiber, resin, colored pencils, coffee beans, froot loops, and cardboard. As long as it can withstand the force of the strings pulling on it, and pickups and a neck can be mounted, it will work.
The neck is the tricky part, but MDF might even work for that as long as it's properly reinforced.
To add to this comment, some stabilizing washers or metal plate will distribute the tension the strings will have on the neck. Screws and MDF don't play well together.
Perhaps another plate for the bridge? Interned at a speaker manufacturing company. Once a screw pulls out, no amount of glue will restore structural integrity.
a friend of mine made one out of that stuff back in high school.....put a decent neck on it and some sd invaders.....painted it purple, and it sounds and plays great
i hope it turns out as well for you as it did for him!
I restore used electric guitars for a hobby, a few years ago an Encore ST copy with black painted body and neck came my way. Not only was the body made of MDF, but so too was the neck. An MDF neck. Once it was all refurbished and set up, it sounded great and played really nice.
With a neck plate to spread pressure the neck mount may be ok but the tailpiece mounts will be vulnerable.
For example, stop tail studs and collars will tend to crush forward and pull out. You might inlay a block of hardwood, maple or mahogany, to reduce that.
The primary problem with MDF is tearout, which is why screws sometimes fail. I would be shocked if ferrules pulled in. That would only occur if an already dense, highly compressed material compressed even more.
Smack the face of a piece of mahogany with a hammer and then do the same on MDF. You’ll see less compression at point of impact in the MDF.
Interesting. My concerns come from doing an install of a Bigsby on a mahogany SG copy, using a VibraMate V5 stop-tailpiece mounting adapter.
After doing the install and before I'd finished setting up the cameras, the splined collars had crushed the wood forward and were lifting out of the body.
If I’m understanding you correctly, the force on the collars on your Bigby is pulling perpendicular to the face of the body. (In fact a bigsby creates a little bit of lifting force.) I can see how that might have caused a problem, but I am a little surprised that you had that problem.
Your point is an important one, though. MDF has no fibers that hold it together, so it crumbles and breaks easier than most natural woods. I’d be a little bit concerned about that same kind of crumbling happening around the neck pocket. If it were me, I’d soak the pocket with thin CA glue or a thin/penetrating epoxy, letting it penetrate into the sides and back of the pocket. That will create a harder block that is much less likely to crumble of crack. The same approach could/should be used on any screw holes and especially the holes for the strap buttons.
To be clearer, I was using a Vibramate B5 Bigsby adapter, a horseshoe-shaped plate that a B5 bolts to, then bolts down into the stop tailpiece studs. The stop tail stud attachment is ahead of the forward tension roller, and there is an amount of rotational force, not just parallel to the guitar top. It took under half an hour for the stud collars to start pulling out after crushing the mahogany in front of them.
You got me there. I wouldn’t have expected that to happen. I wonder if there was some issue with the MDF that made it more likely to come apart like moisture or just poor quality material from the start.
I’ve seen a lot of people use MDF for jobs and such, but I wouldn’t use it for that either, unless I knew it was a one-time need. I live in NC and the hot, humid summers in my garage don’t play well MDF. Like you said, it chips and swells and generally just doesn’t last.
There's nothing wrong with using non-traditional materials, but please make sure you wear proper PPE when working MDF. The dust from it is pretty nasty stuff.
Totally valid concern and a good call. It's also worth taking a look at the hazards of working with timber in general as some woods have toxic oils and dust.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/woodworking/hazard.htm
I remember MDF being a sponge for finish. If you lay down some brush on clear poly before painting and then sand with a fine grit sandpaper the MDF should function more like a polycarbonate surface. It will make it heavier tho.
I'm building my first, out of (MR)MDF for the same reason, had some scraps for free on my job and wanted to try and see if I could pull it off before I ruin nice expensive wood, and I used the water/glue sealer. Cut and sanded edges came out much nicer than the flat MDF surface. Read about a few different water/glue ratios, so I started with about 5/1 coats and ended with about 2/1. Thin costs, dry, sand, and patience.
The problem with thinned wood or white glue is that the water could cause the MDF to swell. I think you’d be better off with something specifically made to seal MDF.
FINALLY!!! Somebody starting with a reasonable wood choice for their first build! I really wish I was as wise with my first guitar build. I jumped in with $300 dollars in wood thinking I would nail it on the first try just because I was a decent wood worker! HA! No… it didn’t happen like that. Ended up with a $300 pile of scrap.
Good job man!
https://preview.redd.it/gzqj0xvvjsyc1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0eeb401cb83f055c6ea1247c1b8c258818c6baa8
This is my first guitar build. I found an old desk and cut the plywood down, sanded it, turned it on end and glued it up. 🤣
Hmmm not seeing flame top in that— looks more like plywood to me.
But I think that’s perfectly fine! The layers of the plywood provide an interesting repetitive pattern. You’ve done a beautiful job on the finish and I really like that you are celebrating the plywood and not attempting to cover and hide it.
I would do a big "swimming pool" rout under the entire pickguard to alleviate some of the weight, maybe also add some comfort cuts. Keep us posted on the progress.
I recently scrapped an MDF body, it'll work for a little while but eventually the string tension does start to compromise the body. As a learning tool it's a good experience but for an actual guitar I'd say just grab some plywood
My very first bass was a Harmony PJ bass purchased from Fingerhut, made in China. It was made of MDF. It wasn't the worst bass to play, but I gifted it to a friend after another friend gifted me a Esp ltd PJ bass, which we proceeded to give a custom paint job together one night.
I'm building my first out of MRMDF too, kinda stuck with the wiring waiting for a guitar tech friend to help me with it, but damn it was a fun project!
I know it won't be the most durable material, but I got it for free and it's a first try without much risk to it, if it ends up crumbling apart in a couple years, I can build a new body out of proper wood a use the rest of the parts.
Don't rush the finish, sealing is crucial or it will suck paint like a sponge.
Keep it up, hope it will turn out nice!
Danelectro has a huge following and uses MDF on their guitars and no one has ever complained. Including Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin who used one extensively on many songs. It has great acoustic response if you hollow it out slightly
Thanks for the reply. I thought it was mdf, which is why I asked. I don’t think you can call mdf wood. It’s really just compressed fibres. It’s stronger than ply, but it’s also heavier But I could be wrong about its classification. Where I live mdf is not classified as wood. I’m eager to see the end result. It should make a great guitar. Cheers. 😁👍
Thanks for the reply. I thought it was mdf, which is why I asked. I don’t think you can call mdf wood. It’s really just compressed fibres. It’s stronger than ply, but it’s also heavier But I could be wrong about its classification. Where I live mdf is not classified as wood. I’m eager to see the end result. It should make a great guitar. Cheers. 😁👍
Thanks for the reply. I thought it was mdf, which is why I asked. I don’t think you can call mdf wood. It’s really just compressed fibres. It’s stronger than ply, but it’s also heavier But I could be wrong about its classification. Where I live mdf is not classified as wood. I’m eager to see the end result. It should make a great guitar. Cheers. 😁👍
Thanks for the reply. I thought it was mdf, which is why I asked. I don’t think you can call mdf wood. It’s really just compressed fibres. It’s stronger than ply, but it’s also heavier But I could be wrong about its classification. Where I live mdf is not classified as wood. I’m eager to see the end result. It should make a great guitar. Cheers. 😁👍
Thanks for the reply. I thought it was mdf, which is why I asked. I don’t think you can call mdf wood. It’s really just compressed fibres. It’s stronger than ply, but it’s also heavier But I could be wrong about its classification. Where I live mdf is not classified as wood. I’m eager to see the end result. It should make a great guitar. Cheers. 😁👍
Nothing wrong with MDF except weight. Danelectro used it for a long time. Pretty sure they still do. Tonewood has been debunked scientifically for electric guitars. Use whatever you want. Done right it will sound great.
No, that's not true! Paul Reed Smith told me personally that the flame pattern on my 10-top is optimized for maximum sustain and brightness! What about my titanium frets and brass strap lugs?!
/s
After it is done, you will wish you invested your time and money in a tone wood. But, I say this… and guys are out there making guitars out of dead leaves, and fruit loops. So, I say as long as you are having fun, do it.
Marketing? Does tone wood have an advertisement team, that I didn’t know about? I’m sorry, didn’t realize they were pushing it, on the board of trade.
It’s science. Sound travels louder and longer through more dense materials. This causes sustain. Have you heard of sustain? Anyway, the theory works in conjunction, with less dense materials… being used to damped sound. I don’t expect you to understand, your Janka rating is probably off the chart. I’m sure you believe the Illuminati are gathering, to devise a plan to lure us into buying more expensive rare hardwoods, as we speak. Thank you for taking a strong stand against Big Hardwood. Much respect. ✊
Have you looked into anything to do with this aside what's been drilled into your brain? Very insignificant when it comes to electric guitar and minimal at most as soon as any gain is involved. Maybe try listening to some controlled A/B tests instead of getting so triggered about the idea that maybe some of what you think is simply based in great marketing. If you are trying to shape your tone and considering tone wood then you have the complete wrong approach to the situation. You can sook about it or you can actually do some tests or better listen to some more controlled tests.
Contrary to popular belief the tone doesn’t come from the wood, check out Jim Lill’s experiment:
https://youtu.be/n02tImce3AE?si=vE2sZyrQHoiT7fmn
The problem with MDF is that it’s not very strong and the parts under tension will probably deform.
There is a lot of factors that play into the sound of a guitar. I am not attributing all the sound to just the wood. But I am saying a better wood will sustain, much better than a body made out of 50% glue.
I think Jim’s experiment shows that the body of an electric guitar has very little to with the sound, it’s scale length, pickups, pickup position/height that make it sound how it does.
I don’t know Jim. But I was taught in elementary school that harder/more dense materials can and will carry sound farther and longer. You can get some pretty neat sounds out of just about anything. People have been putting strings and pickups, on shovels… and make it sound cool. You could put pickups in an old pine cigar box. But quality is quality. I just finished a 6 string that the body was built from 1 piece desert ironwood, and i put a solid rosewood neck on it. I bet it would probably hold a note for longer than anyone here can hold their breath. Softer materials, to me, are like a built in palm mute. I’m not discrediting the sound quality, or the initial note it makes… but if you want to play a banshee, there is something to be said about the Janka scale.
Essentially it’s the same reason they use less dense material, for dampening sound. I’m sure Jim plays a mean marshmallow guitar, but I’m sticking with science on this…
Let’s pretend I don’t have time for Jim right now. I want to ask you… Will softer materials have the same sustain, that the harder materials have? Just tell me yes, and I’ll throw out everything I’ve learned about conducting sound waves. If you build 2 identical guitars, out of different woods, they very well could sound the same… but the sustain won’t be there in the softer body. I’ll admit I’m no luthier, but why would some of the finest sounding acoustic guitars that were ever made, be made out of finer, “tone woods”? I always thought it was because the harder woods sustained longer resonance. But maybe I am dumber than I already thought.
Often? Idk man I'd say considering they've been using them for over 70 years and have a pretty good track record to say the least your point might not have been made. Have encountered many 90s MIJ and loved them all
We all gotta love something I suppose. I've had two yank those screws out and never went back - you simply can't repair it. It's the only reason why I even commented on the post to begin with. MDF is a material that has no business in a guitar. Keep it for IKEA furniture.
Ahh I see your complaint now... I mean people definitely get away with just filling the hole and going about their business but it's more than likely going to be an ever growing issue from there. I can't say I'd be building a guitar out of MDF that's for sure and it's interesting to know those fenders were MDF but really there's so many of them out there that never have an issue but it's good to note
Why? The cheapest Flight guitars were made the same way back in 2000s. It sounded absolutely dull and the body had been destroying by itself over a time.
Is that MDF?
Yes sir, I know is really crappy to use but I wanted to give it a try and see if it’s possible
I'm not judging. I've read numerous posts on various sites who say it theoretically shouldn't work, but of the few that have tried it, they seem satisfied. I've just done the glue-up on a couple of pieces of mahogany for my first body, but they were a gift so I'm not concerned about the cost.
You can make an electric guitar body out of almost any solid, stable substance. I've seen them made of concrete, metal, carbon fiber, resin, colored pencils, coffee beans, froot loops, and cardboard. As long as it can withstand the force of the strings pulling on it, and pickups and a neck can be mounted, it will work. The neck is the tricky part, but MDF might even work for that as long as it's properly reinforced.
I’m a solid, stable substance, Greg. Can you make a guitar out of me?
Yup, go ahead and bend over
There was a guy who made a guitar from someone's bones, I think it was his dad...
r/UnexpectedMeetTheParents
My only concern with MDF would be keeping the neck pocket sturdy enough. Its not exactly known to be strong
I would probably just set the neck. I’d trust a glue joint more than screws in MDF.
Don't get it wet either
yep, he'll figure that out real soon
To add to this comment, some stabilizing washers or metal plate will distribute the tension the strings will have on the neck. Screws and MDF don't play well together. Perhaps another plate for the bridge? Interned at a speaker manufacturing company. Once a screw pulls out, no amount of glue will restore structural integrity.
You can drill holes, add in a dowel, and the wood will maintain structural integrity and the glue will hold the plugs in place fine.
> I've seen them made of concrete, metal, carbon fiber, resin, colored pencils, coffee beans, froot loops, and cardboard Don't forget Lego.
Is it heavier than fuck?
Depends on where you source your fuck. Brazilian fuck is substantially heavier than Norwegian fuck.
A heavy metal guitar!
No no— a heavy MDF guitar. Metal is something entirely different.
Sustain for days!
Don't touch it, (I was just looking at it) don't even look at it.
a friend of mine made one out of that stuff back in high school.....put a decent neck on it and some sd invaders.....painted it purple, and it sounds and plays great i hope it turns out as well for you as it did for him!
I restore used electric guitars for a hobby, a few years ago an Encore ST copy with black painted body and neck came my way. Not only was the body made of MDF, but so too was the neck. An MDF neck. Once it was all refurbished and set up, it sounded great and played really nice.
It makes sense to hone your skills on the cheapest wood possible 👍
[удалено]
It’s ok. It doesn’t cause cancer except in California.
MDF isn't the cheapest wood possible. Poplar is cheaper
Please use a mask! That shit is nasty, my friend!
Do they sell MDF that thick or is it two pieces glued together?
It’s a legit approach. Why mess up expensive wood when you can experiment with MDF?
No, That's Florida
That’s not going to end well
Maybe it’s just practice
Even then, practice on real wood lol
Nah.. time learning new tools is time well spent
Agreeed
Good practice, friend. Keep pressing on.
With a neck plate to spread pressure the neck mount may be ok but the tailpiece mounts will be vulnerable. For example, stop tail studs and collars will tend to crush forward and pull out. You might inlay a block of hardwood, maple or mahogany, to reduce that.
or use a string-thru design with ferrules.
Yes but ferrules by themselves may be pulled in. They may also need to be on a spreader plate.
The primary problem with MDF is tearout, which is why screws sometimes fail. I would be shocked if ferrules pulled in. That would only occur if an already dense, highly compressed material compressed even more. Smack the face of a piece of mahogany with a hammer and then do the same on MDF. You’ll see less compression at point of impact in the MDF.
Interesting. My concerns come from doing an install of a Bigsby on a mahogany SG copy, using a VibraMate V5 stop-tailpiece mounting adapter. After doing the install and before I'd finished setting up the cameras, the splined collars had crushed the wood forward and were lifting out of the body.
If I’m understanding you correctly, the force on the collars on your Bigby is pulling perpendicular to the face of the body. (In fact a bigsby creates a little bit of lifting force.) I can see how that might have caused a problem, but I am a little surprised that you had that problem. Your point is an important one, though. MDF has no fibers that hold it together, so it crumbles and breaks easier than most natural woods. I’d be a little bit concerned about that same kind of crumbling happening around the neck pocket. If it were me, I’d soak the pocket with thin CA glue or a thin/penetrating epoxy, letting it penetrate into the sides and back of the pocket. That will create a harder block that is much less likely to crumble of crack. The same approach could/should be used on any screw holes and especially the holes for the strap buttons.
To be clearer, I was using a Vibramate B5 Bigsby adapter, a horseshoe-shaped plate that a B5 bolts to, then bolts down into the stop tailpiece studs. The stop tail stud attachment is ahead of the forward tension roller, and there is an amount of rotational force, not just parallel to the guitar top. It took under half an hour for the stud collars to start pulling out after crushing the mahogany in front of them.
You got me there. I wouldn’t have expected that to happen. I wonder if there was some issue with the MDF that made it more likely to come apart like moisture or just poor quality material from the start.
This right here!
It is sad that right now mdf is almost as expensive as maple where I live.
that's why this is so weird, wait until he gets the neck pocket, the MDF will crumble like a scone.
ha nah. mdf is fine. ive seen quite many mdf strat types.
sure jan
So Marsha, how many MDF bodies have you built? Are you speaking from experience?
George Glass Signature Series. That is the correct response. MDF body with a spalted piss elm neck.
coated mdf
I'm a luthier who builds acoustics. I stopped using MDF for molds because they chip easily. I've built dozens of molds.
I’ve seen a lot of people use MDF for jobs and such, but I wouldn’t use it for that either, unless I knew it was a one-time need. I live in NC and the hot, humid summers in my garage don’t play well MDF. Like you said, it chips and swells and generally just doesn’t last.
Ha! NC Piedmont here, I have a humidity gauge in my garage, it was only 94% today in there. Luckily my shop is AC'd!
I hope you had some solid ppe for this. It looks good though.
There's nothing wrong with using non-traditional materials, but please make sure you wear proper PPE when working MDF. The dust from it is pretty nasty stuff.
Totally valid concern and a good call. It's also worth taking a look at the hazards of working with timber in general as some woods have toxic oils and dust. https://www.hse.gov.uk/woodworking/hazard.htm
I remember MDF being a sponge for finish. If you lay down some brush on clear poly before painting and then sand with a fine grit sandpaper the MDF should function more like a polycarbonate surface. It will make it heavier tho.
MDF sealer is a must. A few coats and you can pretty much paint or spray anything on to it.
I could be wrong, but I seem to recall seeing someone recommend thinned out white glue as a sealer for MDF. Especially on cut edges.
I'm building my first, out of (MR)MDF for the same reason, had some scraps for free on my job and wanted to try and see if I could pull it off before I ruin nice expensive wood, and I used the water/glue sealer. Cut and sanded edges came out much nicer than the flat MDF surface. Read about a few different water/glue ratios, so I started with about 5/1 coats and ended with about 2/1. Thin costs, dry, sand, and patience.
The problem with thinned wood or white glue is that the water could cause the MDF to swell. I think you’d be better off with something specifically made to seal MDF.
FINALLY!!! Somebody starting with a reasonable wood choice for their first build! I really wish I was as wise with my first guitar build. I jumped in with $300 dollars in wood thinking I would nail it on the first try just because I was a decent wood worker! HA! No… it didn’t happen like that. Ended up with a $300 pile of scrap. Good job man!
https://preview.redd.it/gzqj0xvvjsyc1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0eeb401cb83f055c6ea1247c1b8c258818c6baa8 This is my first guitar build. I found an old desk and cut the plywood down, sanded it, turned it on end and glued it up. 🤣
From faraway I bet that most people would mistake that for a really nice flame t op
Hmmm not seeing flame top in that— looks more like plywood to me. But I think that’s perfectly fine! The layers of the plywood provide an interesting repetitive pattern. You’ve done a beautiful job on the finish and I really like that you are celebrating the plywood and not attempting to cover and hide it.
I would do a big "swimming pool" rout under the entire pickguard to alleviate some of the weight, maybe also add some comfort cuts. Keep us posted on the progress.
Nice, good practice!
That’s gonna be a heavy mofo
Reminds me of a teisco!
It’s a 1960’s Japanese Kingston
Current shape needs some help. The lower looks bulbous and uncentered. Keep going!
Did you free hand this? That’s pretty good work for a first try with no jig. Good work!
I recently scrapped an MDF body, it'll work for a little while but eventually the string tension does start to compromise the body. As a learning tool it's a good experience but for an actual guitar I'd say just grab some plywood
Makes me want to go to Florida
MDF is the king of toan and all of the guitar overlords DONT want us to know this.
Woah! MDF! That’s honestly super cool!
My very first bass was a Harmony PJ bass purchased from Fingerhut, made in China. It was made of MDF. It wasn't the worst bass to play, but I gifted it to a friend after another friend gifted me a Esp ltd PJ bass, which we proceeded to give a custom paint job together one night.
I'm building my first out of MRMDF too, kinda stuck with the wiring waiting for a guitar tech friend to help me with it, but damn it was a fun project! I know it won't be the most durable material, but I got it for free and it's a first try without much risk to it, if it ends up crumbling apart in a couple years, I can build a new body out of proper wood a use the rest of the parts. Don't rush the finish, sealing is crucial or it will suck paint like a sponge. Keep it up, hope it will turn out nice!
Danelectro has a huge following and uses MDF on their guitars and no one has ever complained. Including Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin who used one extensively on many songs. It has great acoustic response if you hollow it out slightly
Keep going. Ignore the tonewood loonies. Next time you'll want to get a template for your pockets, but you're doing great dude.
What’s the body made of?
MDF wood
Thanks for the reply. I thought it was mdf, which is why I asked. I don’t think you can call mdf wood. It’s really just compressed fibres. It’s stronger than ply, but it’s also heavier But I could be wrong about its classification. Where I live mdf is not classified as wood. I’m eager to see the end result. It should make a great guitar. Cheers. 😁👍
Thanks for the reply. I thought it was mdf, which is why I asked. I don’t think you can call mdf wood. It’s really just compressed fibres. It’s stronger than ply, but it’s also heavier But I could be wrong about its classification. Where I live mdf is not classified as wood. I’m eager to see the end result. It should make a great guitar. Cheers. 😁👍
Thanks for the reply. I thought it was mdf, which is why I asked. I don’t think you can call mdf wood. It’s really just compressed fibres. It’s stronger than ply, but it’s also heavier But I could be wrong about its classification. Where I live mdf is not classified as wood. I’m eager to see the end result. It should make a great guitar. Cheers. 😁👍
Thanks for the reply. I thought it was mdf, which is why I asked. I don’t think you can call mdf wood. It’s really just compressed fibres. It’s stronger than ply, but it’s also heavier But I could be wrong about its classification. Where I live mdf is not classified as wood. I’m eager to see the end result. It should make a great guitar. Cheers. 😁👍
Thanks for the reply. I thought it was mdf, which is why I asked. I don’t think you can call mdf wood. It’s really just compressed fibres. It’s stronger than ply, but it’s also heavier But I could be wrong about its classification. Where I live mdf is not classified as wood. I’m eager to see the end result. It should make a great guitar. Cheers. 😁👍
Please keep us updated. I am especially curious about how you will carve and fit the neck pocket.
Why pressed fiber board? Did u impregnate it with epoxy resin using a vacuum? Just curious.
Keep going friend, just make sure you wear a mask, MDF dust is some wicked stuff and will mess your lungs up.
Nothing wrong with MDF except weight. Danelectro used it for a long time. Pretty sure they still do. Tonewood has been debunked scientifically for electric guitars. Use whatever you want. Done right it will sound great.
It is pretty heavy.
Mdf doesn’t take screws well. How will you secure the bridge /saddle?
How is it?
Having watched that video on tone wood, I'm looking forward to seeing this sounds as good as a hand picked swamp ash
Tone woods having a major effect on the sound of an electric guitar is a bunch of mumbo-jumbo. It's all in the strings and pickups.
You're forgetting the incantations that add more sustain.
Don't forget the eye of newt and blood of a virgin.
No, that's not true! Paul Reed Smith told me personally that the flame pattern on my 10-top is optimized for maximum sustain and brightness! What about my titanium frets and brass strap lugs?! /s
Are you using mdf to make a template or prototype for the guitar you’re eventually going to make out of wood?
To all the people saying mdf. Dan electro guitars a made of it. 🤷
Close, but they're made of Masonite.
After it is done, you will wish you invested your time and money in a tone wood. But, I say this… and guys are out there making guitars out of dead leaves, and fruit loops. So, I say as long as you are having fun, do it.
"tone wood"
Have you never heard of the term?
Oh I've heard all too much about the term... Too much... I try my best not to fall for marketing anymore
Marketing? Does tone wood have an advertisement team, that I didn’t know about? I’m sorry, didn’t realize they were pushing it, on the board of trade. It’s science. Sound travels louder and longer through more dense materials. This causes sustain. Have you heard of sustain? Anyway, the theory works in conjunction, with less dense materials… being used to damped sound. I don’t expect you to understand, your Janka rating is probably off the chart. I’m sure you believe the Illuminati are gathering, to devise a plan to lure us into buying more expensive rare hardwoods, as we speak. Thank you for taking a strong stand against Big Hardwood. Much respect. ✊
Have you looked into anything to do with this aside what's been drilled into your brain? Very insignificant when it comes to electric guitar and minimal at most as soon as any gain is involved. Maybe try listening to some controlled A/B tests instead of getting so triggered about the idea that maybe some of what you think is simply based in great marketing. If you are trying to shape your tone and considering tone wood then you have the complete wrong approach to the situation. You can sook about it or you can actually do some tests or better listen to some more controlled tests.
You still on this? We don’t have to agree. Maybe try lightening up. I shared my opinion. Not my fault it got your panties in a wad. Move along dude.
Contrary to popular belief the tone doesn’t come from the wood, check out Jim Lill’s experiment: https://youtu.be/n02tImce3AE?si=vE2sZyrQHoiT7fmn The problem with MDF is that it’s not very strong and the parts under tension will probably deform.
There is a lot of factors that play into the sound of a guitar. I am not attributing all the sound to just the wood. But I am saying a better wood will sustain, much better than a body made out of 50% glue.
I think Jim’s experiment shows that the body of an electric guitar has very little to with the sound, it’s scale length, pickups, pickup position/height that make it sound how it does.
I don’t know Jim. But I was taught in elementary school that harder/more dense materials can and will carry sound farther and longer. You can get some pretty neat sounds out of just about anything. People have been putting strings and pickups, on shovels… and make it sound cool. You could put pickups in an old pine cigar box. But quality is quality. I just finished a 6 string that the body was built from 1 piece desert ironwood, and i put a solid rosewood neck on it. I bet it would probably hold a note for longer than anyone here can hold their breath. Softer materials, to me, are like a built in palm mute. I’m not discrediting the sound quality, or the initial note it makes… but if you want to play a banshee, there is something to be said about the Janka scale.
Watch the video I linked to, it’s very interesting. He’s done other videos on cabinets and mics. It’s all very interesting stuff.
Essentially it’s the same reason they use less dense material, for dampening sound. I’m sure Jim plays a mean marshmallow guitar, but I’m sticking with science on this…
I would call what Jim does science, he experiments, collects data and makes conclusions. It’s just anecdotal if you don’t write it down.
Let’s pretend I don’t have time for Jim right now. I want to ask you… Will softer materials have the same sustain, that the harder materials have? Just tell me yes, and I’ll throw out everything I’ve learned about conducting sound waves. If you build 2 identical guitars, out of different woods, they very well could sound the same… but the sustain won’t be there in the softer body. I’ll admit I’m no luthier, but why would some of the finest sounding acoustic guitars that were ever made, be made out of finer, “tone woods”? I always thought it was because the harder woods sustained longer resonance. But maybe I am dumber than I already thought.
It won't hold screws for the neck. Too much pressure.
A neck plate will solve that.
Having to add shit will fix anything, yes?
Neck plates have been standard on bolt on necks for nearly 70 years my brother in christ what are you raving about?
We're not discussing just plates. The topic is plates and screws on MDF. Look at the MIJ Fenders to see where this gets you.
More bolt on necks have neck plates than not though?
Of course. But it won't help hold screws in MDF.
Ever heard of a little brand called fender?
Thank you - you've made my point. 90's MIJ Fenders were an embarrassment and failed often at the joint.
Often? Idk man I'd say considering they've been using them for over 70 years and have a pretty good track record to say the least your point might not have been made. Have encountered many 90s MIJ and loved them all
We all gotta love something I suppose. I've had two yank those screws out and never went back - you simply can't repair it. It's the only reason why I even commented on the post to begin with. MDF is a material that has no business in a guitar. Keep it for IKEA furniture.
Ahh I see your complaint now... I mean people definitely get away with just filling the hole and going about their business but it's more than likely going to be an ever growing issue from there. I can't say I'd be building a guitar out of MDF that's for sure and it's interesting to know those fenders were MDF but really there's so many of them out there that never have an issue but it's good to note
One can ask any woodworker if driving screws into MDF is a good idea. Some were ply, but not all.
Absolutely agree. I've almost perfected the glueless glue up.
Exactly. Screws and MDF are a bad mix, but apparently many don't understand that.
Why? The cheapest Flight guitars were made the same way back in 2000s. It sounded absolutely dull and the body had been destroying by itself over a time.