How to Model the Curvy Part of the Body of a Guitar

Better late than never. Almost four years after the original post and three years after I made the video, here it finally is:

The steps you will perform are as follows:

1. Take a couple of reference dimensions to match the scale of the photograph with the real life object it represents. In this  case, it is the overall width and length of the guitar.

2. Draw a rectangle about 3 feet wide and 4 feet high and perform zoom extents. This will give you with a comfortable are to work around.

3. Draw a rectangle that matches the reference dimensions of the guitar.

4. Insert the image. Don't worry about its scale, yet.

5. Use the ALIGN command to both move, rotate and rescale the image so it will fit more closely over the reference rectangle. Adjust the location of the image manually to better fit with the reference.

6. Take advantage of the line of symmetry running through the vertical or longitudinal axis of the guitar. Draw a reference symmetry line.

7. Use the PLINE command to draw the profile of the guitar's sound box, the beautiful curvy shape we want to model.

8. Use the EXTRUDE command to turn this into a solid, 4" high.

9. Use SOLIDEDIT > BODY > SHELL to make the sound box hollow.

10. Create a cylinder and use SUBTRACT command to create the opening.

If I get enough requests, I will create an updated, clearer version.

How to Model a Guitar

One of the most common mistakes beginners make when tackling complex 3d modeling tasks, is wanting to hit a home run, right off the bat. They expect to find a magic command that will get the work done in one shot. That is rarely possible.

Why?

Because they don't try to differentiate between "An Assembly" and "A Part." You might be able to model parts in one shot, if they're simple enough. But that one shot approach will only drive you nuts if you try to apply it to an assembly.

So the first task you should perform for modeling a guitar, or any assembly for that matter, is to make a list of all the parts. Then you can tackle one part at a time.

Here's a preliminary, quick list of the parts of the guitar you will be learning how to model here, from the website...

http://www.igdb.co.uk/pages/beginners/names_of_the_parts_on_a_guitar.htm:

1. Body. The part of the guitar that looks like a beautiful, rounded, female shape.
2. Strap pin.
3. Bridge.
4. Neck.
5. Finger board.
6. Frets.
7. Head stock.
8. Machine Heads and Tuning Pegs (an assembly).
9. Nut
10. Strings (I almost forgot to include this -- fun to do since we can get the diameter dimensions easily).
    

I have a video that I will post ASAP showing you how to perform Step 1: Model the Body.

When you get overwhelmed by a project always remember the key to success is to "Divide & Conquer."

CAD for Architecture

Welcome to the CAD for Architecture Blog, the place to learn and discuss your BIM CAD wishes and questions. Ask and you shall receive help.