Omnitude Redemption: The Story of My First Guitar Build

The Idea Starts

I first wanted to build my own guitar in 2013 while I was studying at the University of Colorado Denver. At that time, the dream seemed immense and distant—almost unreachable. I lacked the necessary software tools, had no access to proper woodworking equipment, and certainly didn't have the financial resources to invest in such an ambitious project. As a result, the concept remained dormant for several years, quietly simmering in the recesses of my consciousness. During those waiting years, I would occasionally sketch rough design ideas and contemplate potential body shapes and contours, but the path from these abstract imaginings to tangible reality remained frustratingly unclear and seemingly impossible to traverse.

Finding the Right Tools

In 2017, I made a pivotal discovery when I encountered Autodesk Fusion 360. Prior to this breakthrough, my experience had been limited to programs like Maya, 3ds Max and Blender, which I used primarily for animation projects and rendering work, but I had never ventured into the realm of parametric computer-aided design. Fusion 360 unveiled an entirely new universe of possibilities. I actually struggled considerably with Fusion 360 in the beginning. Rather than mastering the software itself, I took an unconventional approach by learning the Python API as a workaround. This alternative path allowed me to create a modest but functional add-in that I named Guitar Engine, specifically designed to automate and streamline the intricate process of fretboard design despite my limited knowledge of the main Fusion 360 interface.

This technical journey unexpectedly propelled me into the realm of community building and networking. I established a Facebook group called Fusion 360 Luthiers as a platform for like-minded enthusiasts. Initially, the group consisted of just a small collection of makers with similar interests, but it quickly expanded as guitar builders from across the globe discovered and joined our digital community. Members actively shared detailed screenshots of their works-in-progress, posed technical questions about modeling techniques, and exchanged valuable notes on their methodologies and outcomes. Witnessing other craftspeople successfully utilizing digital tools for guitar construction provided reassuring validation that I wasn't isolated in my approach, and their collective encouragement and support became a powerful motivational force that propelled me forward in my own building journey.

Solving the Material Problem

During my initial research phase, I came across Richlite—an innovative paper‑and‑resin composite material that boasts a sleek aesthetic appearance, machines with exceptional cleanliness and precision, and demonstrates remarkable durability as both a fretboard and body material for instruments. However, a significant obstacle emerged regarding cost and accessibility. The material was exclusively available in enormous industrial sheets that commanded prices in the thousands of dollars, far exceeding what I could reasonably justify for an experimental first build. To compound the challenge, I was residing in a modest apartment at the time and completely lacked the physical space necessary to establish even a rudimentary workshop. These combined factors made the dream seem increasingly unattainable and pushed the project further into the realm of distant fantasy.

The situation transformed dramatically when I relocated back to Atlanta. There, through persistent networking and research, I discovered a local cutting board manufacturing company that regularly worked with Richlite and, crucially, offered custom cuts in dimensions far more suitable for individual luthiery projects. This lucky finding revolutionized my approach to the project. Suddenly, I could purchase precisely the amount of material required for my specific design needs, which transformed the financial aspect from prohibitively expensive to reasonably affordable and practically achievable. This single discovery represented the critical turning point that bridged the gap between abstract dreaming and concrete action, finally allowing me to transition from perpetual planning to actual implementation.

When Everything Lined Up

By 2019, the various essential elements began synchronizing into a coherent possibility. Through dedicated study and practice, I had acquired sufficient proficiency in computer-aided design to confidently model a complete guitar with all its intricate components. I had successfully established a reliable source for obtaining the specialized material in appropriate quantities. Additionally, I became a member of a well-equipped makerspace located in Decatur, Georgia, which provided access to a professional-grade CNC router—precisely the sophisticated tool I required for the precision cutting aspects of the project. For the first time since conceiving the idea, I was no longer merely engaging in wishful thinking. The necessary skills had been developed, the required tools were accessible, and the material was obtainable. All the previous excuses and obstacles that had prevented progress had effectively been eliminated, leaving a clear path forward toward actual construction.

My Design Approach

From the outset, I deliberately avoided the conventional approach of replicating established classics like Stratocasters or Telecasters. I had virtually no experience in guitar design when I began this journey—I didn't understand proper neck angles, fretboard radiuses, or even basic ergonomics that make guitars comfortable to play. This lack of knowledge forced me to research extensively and learn everything from scratch. I spent countless hours watching YouTube tutorials, reading forum discussions, and studying technical documentation just to understand the fundamental principles of instrument design.

During this formative period, I possessed limited knowledge about boutique guitar builders and their innovative approaches, which paradoxically proved advantageous as it meant I wasn't constrained by traditional design paradigms or established conventions in lutherie. Instead, I sought inspiration from an entirely different field: automotive design. I was particularly captivated by the aesthetic language of high-performance sports cars, with their harmonious integration of crisp, defined edges alongside flowing, organic curves. The distinctive shoulder lines, functional ventilation features, and sophisticated layered surface treatments found in automotive design became the fundamental visual vocabulary that informed and shaped the aesthetic direction of my guitar design.

It was only later in my journey that I discovered innovative companies like Aristides, renowned for their forward-thinking composite instruments with futuristic aesthetics, and Relish Guitars, who pioneered modular designs featuring interchangeable body plates for unprecedented customization. The headless, ergonomically optimized models from Strandberg also captured my imagination with their revolutionary approach to player comfort and performance. Discovering these progressive manufacturers provided welcome reassurance that my unconventional design direction wasn't completely misaligned with emerging trends in instrument building. It confirmed that other innovative builders were already actively exploring similar conceptual territories, pushing the boundaries of guitar design in parallel directions that resonated with my own design philosophy.

Working Inside Real Limits

What initially appeared as limitations surprisingly transformed into creative advantages throughout the design process. My material supplier offered a restricted selection, stocking up to only 0.5" black Richlite sheets and 1" tan Richlite sheets. This presented a significant challenge, as traditional electric guitar bodies typically measure between 1.75–2" in overall thickness. This material constraint meant constructing a conventional single-piece body was physically impossible given the available stock. Rather than abandoning the project, I reconceptualized the design to incorporate a layered body construction approach: utilizing the tan Richlite as the substantial central core and bottom surface, complemented by black Richlite panel as the top surface. What began as a supply limitation unexpectedly endowed the instrument with a distinctive visual signature through its contrasting layers, while simultaneously pushing me toward innovative problem-solving strategies that I might never have explored under less restrictive circumstances.

Learning the CNC

In the early months of 2019, I commenced my practical education on the CNC router available at the community makerspace. Fortuitously, another member of the facility was simultaneously engaged in guitar-building projects, and his generously shared expertise and cautionary advice helped me navigate around numerous potential pitfalls and technical errors. Due to the communal nature of the equipment and high demand from other members, my allocated machine time was strictly limited and precious. This time constraint imposed a necessary discipline, compelling me to approach each session with meticulous preparation and carefully considered planning.

I implemented a methodical learning approach, first practicing the creation and execution of toolpaths on inexpensive MDF before risking the valuable Richlite material. Before initiating each working session, I performed comprehensive machine calibration procedures to ensure optimal accuracy. I obsessively reviewed and refined critical parameters including feed rates, spindle speeds, and cutting tool selection, analyzing each aspect repeatedly to minimize the possibility of errors. The substantial financial investment in the Richlite material made experimentation and learning through failure prohibitively expensive. By the time my specially ordered materials finally arrived, I experienced a mixture of nervousness and confidence—apprehensive about the high stakes involved, yet reasonably prepared through diligent practice and thorough preparation for the actual production process.

The Phoenix Attempt

Late March 2019 marked a significant milestone in my guitar-building journey. I had optimistically named this initial design the "Phoenix," inspired by my father's suggestion. The name created a meaningful parallel between Richlite's recycled paper material that would rise like a phoenix to create something new and beautiful. The early stages progressed remarkably well—the complex body panels were successfully cut with precision and clean edges, instilling a growing confidence that perhaps I had mastered the necessary techniques more quickly than expected. This initial success bolstered my optimism as I prepared to machine the most critical component: the neck.

The neck cutting operation began promisingly, with multiple progressive machining passes completing successfully, bringing me tantalizingly close to completion. I was one final cutting pass away from having a finished neck when catastrophe struck without warning. The router bit slipped from its secure position—a failure that could have resulted from insufficient tightening of the collet that holds the bit, or perhaps from excessive cutting forces generated by an overly aggressive cutting parameter. The consequences were immediate and devastating: the untethered bit veered uncontrollably from its programmed path and carved a destructive gash directly through the heart of the nearly-completed neck blank. In a matter of seconds, countless hours of meticulous preparation and expensive, specially-ordered material were irreparably destroyed before my eyes.

The emotional impact of this failure was profound and overwhelming. With a heavy heart, I methodically packed away my tools, thoroughly cleaned the machine to leave it in proper condition for the next user, and departed the makerspace in complete silence, unable to verbalize my disappointment. The experience felt comparable to genuine heartbreak—as though months of passionate effort, learning, and anticipation had been rendered worthless in an instant. The psychological weight of the setback was so severe that for several months afterward, I couldn't bring myself to even contemplate reinitiating the project, as the memory of that catastrophic moment remained too painful to confront.

The Redemption Build

After allowing myself sufficient time to process the disappointment and regain perspective, I made the pivotal decision to attempt the project once more. For this second iteration, I deliberately simplified the design concept, creating a more straightforward sandwich‑style body construction that drew inspiration from Relish Guitar’s Mary and Strandberg's Boden approach to instrument building. This revised design incorporated fewer individual layers and connection points, thereby reducing the number of critical operations and minimizing the potential failure points throughout the manufacturing process. I carefully ordered fresh materials and, drawing from my previous experience, methodically developed comprehensive contingency plans for every critical stage of the building process.

During the Labor Day weekend of 2019, I made a bold commitment to the redemption build by walking into the makerspace with a simple determination: "I'm not leaving until it's finished." What began as an open-ended session evolved into an intensive 25-hour marathon at the CNC machine. Throughout this extended period, I encountered various minor challenges—certain cuts deviated slightly from their intended paths, and unexpected material behaviors necessitated real-time problem-solving—but I continuously adapted my approach, implemented immediate corrections for emerging issues, and maintained steady progress despite these obstacles. By the conclusion of this extended and exhausting session, I emerged from the makerspace carrying a completely machined guitar body—an achievement that represented not just a physical object, but a profound personal redemption following my earlier devastating failure.

Assembly and First Play

The assembly process presented its own unique set of challenges and learning opportunities. During final measurement, I discovered that the scale length—the critical dimension from the nut to the bridge that determines proper string tension and intonation—had inadvertently been produced slightly shorter than the standard 25.5" I had intended in my design. Fortunately, since all other elements of the guitar's architecture remained proportionally consistent with this slightly altered scale, I was able to adapt by carefully adjusting the bridge position to compensate for the dimensional variance, thereby preserving accurate intonation across the entire fingerboard despite the initial measurement discrepancy.

For the electronic components, I strategically selected EMG pickups specifically because of their convenient plug‑and‑play wiring system. This deliberate choice eliminated the need for complex soldering operations involving multiple connections between various electronic components, which would have introduced another potential failure point into the project. The sole soldering operation required—connecting the instrument's input jack—presented an opportunity for family collaboration. My father, with years of electronics experience, assisted with this critical connection. This collaborative moment transformed what had been a solitary personal project into something more meaningful—a shared experience and intergenerational memory that added emotional significance beyond the physical construction itself.

The transformative moment arrived when I finally installed the strings and tentatively played the inaugural chord on my completed instrument. The sound resonated throughout the room with surprising fullness and clarity. Though I could identify various imperfections in the construction and finish, there was an indescribable satisfaction in hearing musical tones emanating from something I had created from raw materials with my own hands. That profound moment of realization—that I had successfully built a functioning musical instrument—created a memory of accomplishment and validation that I know will remain vivid and meaningful throughout my lifetime.

Honest Review

In the spirit of complete transparency and self-assessment, I must acknowledge that the finished instrument fell considerably short of professional standards in several respects. The fretwork exhibited noticeable inconsistencies that resulted in buzzing notes at certain positions along the fingerboard. The edge finishing lacked the refined smoothness and precision typically found in commercially produced instruments. Furthermore, when calculating the total investment in materials, tools, and facility access fees, the project ultimately cost significantly more than purchasing an equivalent quality instrument from an established manufacturer.

However, these objective shortcomings seemed entirely inconsequential when measured against the profound personal significance of the achievement. I had successfully designed and constructed a fully functional guitar capable of producing music—a concrete manifestation of what had once been merely an abstract ambition. I christened the instrument The Omnitude Redemption, a name that reflected both its unique design characteristics and the personal journey of persistence it represented. While it objectively ranked as the most expensive yet technically "inferior" guitar in my collection when judged by conventional standards, it simultaneously held the position of most treasured possession among my instruments. This apparent contradiction was easily reconciled by the fact that its true value transcended its physical properties—it stood as a tangible symbol of perseverance through adversity and the rewarding completion of a challenging creative journey.

What I Learned

This comprehensive building experience imparted knowledge far exceeding the mere technical aspects of instrument construction. It provided profound lessons on how to:

• Methodically deconstruct seemingly overwhelming projects into sequential, manageable components that can be addressed individually with focused attention.
• Develop disciplined preparation routines and implement thorough verification procedures before committing to critical operations with expensive materials or limited resources.
• Cultivate resilience by anticipating potential failures, accepting their occasional inevitability, and developing strategic recovery approaches rather than abandoning challenging pursuits.
• Minimize risk through systematic prototyping and testing using economical substitute materials before committing valuable resources to final production processes.
• Exercise patience by adopting conservative approaches with multiple lighter machining passes rather than aggressive cutting strategies, recognizing that methodical progress ultimately produces superior results while minimizing catastrophic failures.

These fundamental principles and methodologies transferred directly into subsequent endeavors, particularly The Parametric Guitar Project and various other creative initiatives I've undertaken since completing this first instrument. The comprehensive skill foundation established through this initial build—encompassing computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, CNC machining techniques, material selection considerations, and systematic problem-solving approaches—has provided an invaluable framework that continues to inform and enhance all my subsequent creative and technical pursuits.

For Your First Build

Based on my experience, I can offer these essential insights for anyone contemplating their first instrument-building project:

• Start before you feel fully prepared. Perpetually waiting for ideal conditions or complete knowledge only postpones the practical learning process that comes through direct engagement and occasional failure.
• Embrace limitations as creative catalysts. Rather than viewing constraints as obstacles, recognize how they can actually focus your creativity and lead to innovative solutions you might not otherwise discover.
• Anticipate inevitable setbacks by developing contingency strategies. Thorough preparation and alternative approaches for critical processes can salvage projects when unexpected complications arise.
• Prioritize completion above perfection. Regardless of intermediate challenges or compromises required, seeing a project through to functional completion provides the most comprehensive and valuable educational experience.

While my first guitar may objectively represent the lowest technical quality among my instruments, it holds immeasurable value for what it revealed about my capabilities and potential. That fundamental self-knowledge—the experiential understanding of what one can accomplish through persistence despite obstacles—ultimately proves far more valuable than achieving perfect craftsmanship on an initial attempt.

Present Day Reflections

As I reflect back across the six years that have elapsed since completing the Omnitude Redemption, I can clearly recognize the substantial growth in my technical abilities across multiple disciplines including computer-aided design, CNC programming and operation, traditional woodworking techniques, and specialized lutherie skills. This foundation has enabled me to establish more ambitious initiatives such as The Parametric Guitar Project, through which I now document my evolving methodologies and provide educational resources to help others navigate their own instrument-building journeys. That inaugural build continues to hold significance not because of its objective qualities as a musical instrument, but rather for what it symbolizes in my personal development as a maker and creator.

Despite my growth as a guitar builder, I remain committed to using Richlite in my future builds. The material's unique properties—its durability, stability, and environmental benefits—continue to align with my design philosophy. While I've explored other sustainable materials, I intend to incorporate Richlite into upcoming projects, refining my techniques to better leverage its distinctive characteristics. Interestingly, the Omnitude Redemption may stand as the first and potentially only fully recycled paper guitar, giving it another layer of historical significance in my journey as an instrument builder.

When examining the guitar in its current state, I can readily observe the accumulated wear patterns, minor structural issues that have developed over time, and various design decisions that my current knowledge and experience would approach differently. However, these imperfections are overshadowed by the instrument's enduring significance as tangible evidence that a first-time builder can successfully create an instrument that remains playable, functional, and inspirational years after its completion. This reality is visually evident: an instrument that continues to exist and function despite its flaws and imperfections, serving as a powerful reminder that the initial step of simply beginning represents the most crucial element in any creative journey.

If I were to undertake the project again with my current knowledge and skills, I would implement numerous technical improvements—approaching the critical fretwork with more sophisticated techniques, selecting higher-quality hardware components for improved performance and longevity, and incorporating more refined ergonomic considerations into the body design for enhanced player comfort. However, the single aspect I would steadfastly preserve is my commitment to completing the project despite encountering obstacles. That fundamental determination to persist through challenges and achieve a functional result ultimately constituted the true achievement and provided the most valuable lesson from the entire experience.