How to Make a Wooden Guitar Rack for Multiple Instruments
A wooden guitar rack is an excellent way to store multiple instruments safely while keeping them accessible. Whether you’re a musician, collector, or just need an organized way to store your guitars, building your own wooden guitar rack is a cost-effective and rewarding project. In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of building a sturdy, stylish, and functional wooden guitar rack.
Materials and Tools Needed
Materials:
- ¾” plywood or hardwood (oak, maple, or birch for durability)
- 2×4 wood boards (for added strength)
- Soft foam padding or felt (to protect guitar bodies)
- Wood glue
- Screws (1 ½” and 2 ½” wood screws)
- Wood stain or paint (for finishing)
- Rubber tubing (optional, for extra neck support)
Tools:
- Circular saw or table saw
- Jigsaw (for curved cuts)
- Drill with various bits
- Sander or sandpaper (120–220 grit)
- Clamps
- Measuring tape
- Pencil and square
- Wood filler (optional for smooth finishing)
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Wooden Guitar Rack
Step 1: Plan and Measure
Before cutting any wood, decide on the number of guitars you want the rack to hold. Standard guitars are about 13-15 inches wide, so allocate at least 15 inches per guitar slot to ensure they don’t bump into each other.
A good general dimension for a five-guitar rack is:
- Width: 36–40 inches
- Depth: 18 inches
- Height: 30 inches
Adjust the size based on your specific needs. Sketch your design or use woodworking software to visualize the rack before cutting.
Step 2: Cut the Wooden Pieces
Using your measurements, cut the following pieces from your plywood or hardwood:
- Baseboard: This will support the guitar bodies (e.g., 36” x 18”)
- Side Panels (x2): Cut to about 30” high and 18” deep
- Back Support Beam: This will hold the neck rests (cut to match the width of the base)
- Dividers: Small wooden blocks or strips to separate each guitar slot
For curved edges on the side panels, use a jigsaw to create a visually appealing design. Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper.
Step 3: Assemble the Frame
- Attach the Side Panels – Secure the side panels to the baseboard using wood glue and 2 ½” screws. Clamp them in place while drilling for extra stability.
- Install the Back Support Beam – Attach the back support beam about 24” above the base using screws and wood glue.
- Add Guitar Slot Dividers – Space out small wooden dividers along the base to prevent guitars from sliding into each other. These should be about 1” high and covered with foam or felt for added protection.
Step 4: Create the Neck Support
To keep the guitars upright, install a top neck rest:
- Cut a 3” wide strip of wood the same length as the back support beam.
- Drill evenly spaced holes (15” apart) and insert dowels or rubber tubing to create individual neck slots.
- Cover this area with foam padding or felt for extra grip and protection.
Step 5: Sand and Finish
Once assembled, sand all surfaces with 120-grit sandpaper, then smooth it further with 220-grit. Apply wood filler to any gaps or screw holes.
For finishing:
- Apply wood stain to enhance the grain and give it a classic look.
- Use paint for a more customized design.
- Seal with polyurethane for durability.
Step 6: Attach Foam Padding
To protect your guitars, attach foam padding or felt along:
- The base where the guitar bodies rest
- The neck support area
Use wood glue or adhesive spray to secure the padding firmly.
Step 7: Test and Adjust
Before placing your guitars in the rack, test the stability. Ensure that:
- The rack is balanced and does not tip over.
- Guitars fit snugly without too much space between them.
- Padding is properly attached to prevent scratches.
Customization Ideas
- Add casters for easy movement.
- Engrave a logo or initials for a personalized touch.
- Incorporate a storage shelf for picks, straps, or tuners.
Final Thoughts
Building your own wooden guitar rack is a great woodworking project that provides a safe, stylish, and functional way to store multiple instruments. By following this guide, you can create a durable rack that suits your needs and adds a handcrafted touch to your music space.
For more woodworking plans and detailed tutorials, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course here:
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