Guitar AMP PROJECT combines with guitar stand for space savings - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2024, 04:44:49 am
content: My project started with just a simple ideaand that was to save a little bit of space, in a normally packed bedroom.Combining an amp with the guitar stand might only save about one square foot, but in many cases it's for use in a teenager's cramped room.I'll need to design the controls for a small side access (so that the guitar won't be laying against the volume and tone controls).

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2024, 05:31:37 am
content: Another aspect of this project, is the guitar mods; needed to convert to 5-string baritone tuning, on the STRAT style makeup.This also helps with expanded string spacing ..that will be 25% larger, and easier on my fat fingers.For that mod I will be eliminating the '3rd string' and moving a couple of string saddles. The 2nd string has its saddle moved over, by 25% while the next, the 3rd, will need to be moved by 1/2 more spacing. Then, the next string will be effectively moved by 3/4 spacing, or better seen as moved 25% from the 4th string normal position. Of course, the tuning keys and instrument 'nut' get changes, at the tuner end of the guitar neck.

author: Andy Chee
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2024, 05:35:07 am
content: How about a guitarcasethat has a built in speaker & amplifier & batteries?

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2024, 06:02:09 am
content: The utility case having practice AMP and speaker has been around, for a long time.In my preference, the AMP would be like a simplified version of the Fender Princeton Reverb, with small panel for controls Volume, Tone Bass, Treble, plus Reverb.

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2024, 06:07:09 am
content: https://altarstands.com/is one existing solution. I don't really like the looks, but it seems functional and works with any amplifier you already have.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2024, 04:06:14 pm
content: Right now, I wish to show the basics on the 3-D design, using the square cross-section wood pieces, in configuration resembling typical metal guitar stands.Those wooden poles help visualize the overall package, especially as I'm wanting to include a 'Bass Port' partially using the existing shapes.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2024, 04:45:52 pm
content: Staying in the 3-D layout ideas, photo shows a more complete, with the shorter pieces for the points of rest, of generally a guitar end curve shape. Electric or acoustic guitar variations of shape are O.K. as long as the full curve isn't having support...just the two small points of contact for resting the low edge.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2024, 05:11:23 pm
content: This sideways view shows the upper, 5 inch speaker, along with a simplified view of the lower conduit for porting the back acoustic wave from speaker, by way of expanding port outlet.One main problem; while this side view is good, it does not take into account that this acoustic 'horn' output shape needs to be the whole way across, meaning that the point-like supports, for guitar bottom, are only two points. The solution, (I think, so far), is to simply use a curve, concave upwards, so the port output horn can be a simple continuous surface.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2024, 05:28:39 pm
content: Taking a slightly wider shot, the lighter color pole would be the piece for the guitar stand, that goes up near the tuner end, with 'U' shaped rest, for end of guitar neck (tuner end).That wood, by the way, purchased as Indonesian yard stakes, is square poles, looksike a Mahogony or other tight grain hardwood. I'm curious what kind of wood ? Is that Indonesian hardwood might be an exotic and endangered tree species ?

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2024, 05:50:06 pm
content: Now, a photo of the STRAT style guitar's bridge, with that blue pen included to indicate the usual 4th string ('D' note). The 4th string saddle is removed; that allows then the nearby saddle can be shifted over, by the 25 % needed. That is, meaning 25 % of whatever string spacing had been, originally.That same location, indicated by the Xtra blue pen placed, will also allow the 3rd string's saddle to be shifted over, by 1/2 of original spacing, and, in a line-up, allowing room for the sideways shift, relocating the 2nd string, over by 25% (towards the center of saddle blocks assembly.)I will need to drill, and TAP those 3 string saddle mounts. You can see, also, in the photo, the threaded hole, where the guitar' vibrato arm gets attached. That function, aided by 3 springs, in the typical Fender Stratocaster configuration.I think that the vibrato assembly and string saddles are perhaps my biggest problem area ..not sure if that end assembly is hardened metal ().

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2024, 06:03:20 pm
content: Doing the mods on tuner end of neck, it's fairly easy to get the neck head configured for 5 strings.The '4th' string tuner is taken off. The first string (high 'E), producing a line-up of 4 of the strings (reconfigured to the larger spacing), while the guitar's high string, now, will have tuner on the LOWER edge, of the neck head.So, you've got 4 tuners on upper edge, and the 5th tuner on the lower head edge.The new slots needed, in the string NUT, are simply machined into the nylon piece accurately

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2024, 06:09:46 pm
content: I like that wooden stand in your reply #6 better than the metal "altarstands.com" device I shared! But I am not convinced that it's a good idea to make the amp a permanent part of the stand. How about a tilted-back stand which supports both, the guitar and (on a bottom shelf) the amp, but still lets you take out the amp if you want to carry it elsewhere? Tilt-back stands for amps are a thing, for better sound radiation into the room.Before you take a hacksaw to the guitar: What is your plan for the pickups?! Wouldn't you need to change their spacing as well, so they sit directly under each string again?

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2024, 06:25:23 pm
content: Oh yeah ! The PICKUPS spacing ! Due to moderate memory probs, I had considered the changed string spacing....but then forgot ! Oh well,...I'm not the production manager / Engineer. (Lol; at least I'm not working on AIRCRAFT design !).Photo shows the easy shifts of string location. The key is that the original string saddle in the middle of the line-up, has been removed. The tuners and strings to either side, are then moved into that void.The tuner head shape is modified / shortened.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2024, 10:11:53 pm
content: Photo shows a fairly good summary of the complete package. The lower portion of the 'front' has the port, bringing out the back wave of sound from the speaker, a common bass enhancing construction.The AMP control panel features a Fender Music style,...although here the panel is split into 2 levels, for the typical Volume controls, etc. Hopefully can include a spring reverb (1 control knob).

author: CaptDon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2024, 06:09:39 pm
content: Your final image offers me nothing over my conventional 3 legged stand with my R20 amp sitting beside or behind it. As for a 5 string mod of a 6 string guitar, can't see the point of that either. There are many different guitar neck styles to chose from, some very skinny and some very wide. I have seen some folks with very fat fingers still play well on a standard neck. If you are a dedicated player with the caloused finger tips that look like they were burned in a fire then you should be able to play well and fat fingers are no excuse. You probably need to improve your hand position so your fingers strike the fretboard at closer to a 90 degree angle. If you showed up for an audition with a 5 string modified guitar due to finger size then you better play like Joe Satriani if you want serious consideration. Maybe consider modifying a conventional amp to tilt back and attach some sort of two pronged flip out holder to the lower front of the amp to rest the base of the guitar on. Know how to pick out a guitar player in a crowd? The belt buckle is between the left loops and not centered and the finger tips are hard as rocks and look burned. Show him or her a P.R.S. Custom or a Martin and watch them pull a pick out of their pocket or wallet.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2024, 06:46:19 pm
content: Another feature my buddy does with his homemade guitar amps is add a power strip, for other things/people in the band want to plug in. Very handy.As well he adds a long line cord like 10-20' so he doesn't need an extension cord either.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2024, 11:38:45 pm
content: CaptDon, thanks, I see what you mean, where a guitar player would move their belt bike to an unusual off-center position, on the waist.Interesting in a surprise way: Any of the old-school criminal investigators sometimes use some arcane fact like a belt worn different, (as part of some inquiry.At least the TV investigators.I can imagine Lt. Columbo, police investigator asking:"This guy's belt is in the middle, but he is a musician? ". - Suspecting that somebody had dressed (the guitarist) AFTER the murder.

author: CaptDon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2024, 02:26:16 am
content: Columbo is one of my favorites!! I like the one where the shoes are tied incorrectly. I think Martin Landau played a double role in that one. Cheers mate, I'll be playing some Praise & Worship music in the morning. We have some great church bands in the area and most of us also play in various styles of classic rock bands. Sadly most of the local bands could use a 4 hour class on setting up and correctly using a P.A. system. They all have the 'smiley face' on their E.Q.'s and the horrible 15" woofer with tweeter horn cabinets that I hate so much. The woofer goes to mush over 500Hz and the horn won't go lower than 2KHz so the vocals sound like shit and then they dial in that smiley face E.Q.!!! Barf!!!! Can't understand a single word they sing!!! Great talent ruined by a horrible sound system. Then there are the jokers with the 'stick' system set up behind the band using the sticks as a monitor and front of house at the same time....YUCK!!! I have a separate monitor cabinet and mix for each member and the band has no clue what the F.O.H. sounds like because it's in front of them. Lesson learned, monitors NEVER sound like front of house nor does the stage.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2024, 05:04:51 am
content: Ahh, Lt. Columbo. One of my recent interest phases is criminal deception, and detection, and the investigator's notice, of things out of place. Or, things missing, that should be present.One of our old roommates had been raised by a distant relative; I (discreetly) had taken notice that (she) had neglected to open a new Christmas card...the thing just sat there for a couple weeks. (One could then surmise that there wasn't any affection, there.)One thing I need to try, is fingering a unison pair of notes, by way of some bizarre fingering.Haven't quite got it, but idea is using thumb up high, and a finger stretching way way down.That way you've got a unison pair, in unconventional expression.(Ref. Third Stone from the Sun).

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2024, 05:24:14 am
content: Quote from: RJSV on October 20, 2024, 05:04:51 amThat's doable, barely, up above the 12th fret. Nowhere lower unless you have some kind of alien hands ...