Hey everyone at 122Nord. We’re all about using our tools to help make your ideas real. We cut and engrave stuff for all kinds of projects, but some of our favorite jobs come from guitar builders and tinkerers.
If you’re building a guitar from scratch, fixing up an old classic, or just dreaming up a custom mod, using a CNC router can be a total game-changer. It’s like having a super steady hand that never gets tired. Let’s talk about how we can help you make parts that fit right and look sharp.
Why your guitar build might need a CNC
Building a guitar is a mix of feel and measurements. The wood needs to resonate, the neck needs to be just right, and all the parts have to line up. Getting those measurements perfect by hand is tough. That’s where we come in.
CNC machining uses a computer-guided bit to cut material exactly how you design it. For guitar parts, this means you can stop worrying about small mistakes and focus on the fun stuff—like how it’s going to play and sound.
What parts can you make with us?
1. Headstocks & truss rod covers
The headstock is your guitar’s face. With our CNC routers, you can:
- Nail the shape: Whether you want a classic look or something totally new, we can cut it cleanly.
- Get the holes right: Every hole for your tuning machines will be drilled exactly where it needs to be for smooth string alignment.
- Add your mark: Use our laser engraver to burn your logo or a cool design right onto the headstock or a custom pickguard.
2. Guitar bodies
The body defines an electric guitar. We can help with:
- Clean cavities: We’ll cut the pockets for your pickups, electronics, and tremolo so everything drops in without a fuss.
- Comfy contours: Replicate a favorite body style or try out a new one with smooth, even curves.
- Try new materials: We don’t just work with wood. Ask us about cutting bodies from composites or other materials for a different vibe.
3. Necks & fretboards
This is where the magic happens for playability.
- Fret slots: We can cut the slots for your frets with spot-on accuracy, which is huge for good intonation.
- Fancy inlays: Want custom shapes in your fretboard? We can rout out the pockets for them or use the laser to etch designs directly onto the board.
- Make a matching set: Building a few guitars? We can make sure all the necks feel the same.
4. Pickguards, control plates, & more
These are the perfect parts for a custom touch.
- Pickguards: We can make them from wood, acrylic, or metal, with all the cutouts you need.
- Backplates: Create a cool control cavity cover from brass or aluminum and have us laser-engrave it with your info.
- Hardware: For those really custom builds, we can even help machine unique bridges or tailpieces from metal.
Why Work with 122Nord?
- It fits: We make sure the parts you get match your design, so you spend less time fixing and more time building.
- We work with your materials: Wood, plastic, metal—chances are, we can cut it. Just ask.
- One or one hundred: Need a single custom control plate? Or fifty body blanks? We can do both.
- Looks matter: Combine our cutting for the structure with our laser for the style. Add detailed designs, labels, or artwork to make your guitar truly one-of-a-kind.
Sound good? Let’s make something.
Using a CNC doesn’t take the craft out of guitar building—it takes the guesswork out. It lets you focus on the setup, the finish, and the feel, knowing the bones of your instrument are solid.
We’d love to help with your next project.
Ready to get started?
Have a design file? Or just a sketch on a napkin? Get in touch with us and let’s figure it out together. Let’s build a guitar that plays as good as it looks.
122Nord – Your local workshop for big ideas.
