How to Build a Custom Guitar Hero Controller out of Hardwood

Want a customized guitar hero controller that you can design? Well here's complete directions on how.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Drafting

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    Choose a style of guitar that you would like to duplicate.
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    2
    Find a standard guitar hero controller that you can use to donate the electronics from.
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    Measure, Measure, Measure!!! Remove all the internal controls and measure so that your custom controller can use the standard electronics.
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    Create a rough sketch of how you want your guitar to look by using the dimensions obtained from the measurements in the previous step.
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    Use a large piece of paper or cardboard to create a 1:1 template of all the pieces of your guitar.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

The Neck

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    1
    Find a piece of wood that is larger then your template and the desired thickness.
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    2
    Using a pencil, transfer the template onto the piece of wood.
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    Use a band saw or a coping saw to cut the shape out of the piece of wood.
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    Using a router create a pocket-slot for the electronics and wiring.
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    For the faux tuners, anything you think can work will suffice: paint, drill holes, use bolts (stainless steel button head screws were used here).
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    To create the radius on the edges use the router.
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    Sand the piece to the desired finish and shape.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

The Fret Board

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    1
    Find a piece of wood that is larger then your template and the desired thickness.
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    2
    Using a pencil, transfer the template onto the piece of wood.
  3. Image titled Build a Custom Guitar Hero Controller out of Hardwood Step 15
    3
    Use a band saw or coping saw to cut out the shape of the exterior.
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    Drill small pilot holes so that the holes can be cut out easily.
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    5
    Use a jewelers say or a jigsaw to cut out each buttonhole.
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    Sand the piece to the desired finish and shape.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

The Body

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    1
    Find a piece of wood that is larger than your template and the desired thickness.
  2. Image titled Build a Custom Guitar Hero Controller out of Hardwood Step 20
    2
    Using a pencil, transfer the template onto the piece of wood.
  3. Image titled Build a Custom Guitar Hero Controller out of Hardwood Step 21
    3
    Use a band saw or coping saw to cut out the shape of the exterior.
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    4
    Using a router create a pocket-slot for the electronics, wiring and neck attachment.
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    5
    Create the radius on the edges using the router.
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    6
    Sand the piece to the desired finish and shape.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Assembly and Finish

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    Begin by attaching the neck to the body with either wood glue or wood screws.
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    2
    Fasten all of the electronics in place within the neck and body.
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    Place all 5 buttons within the buttonholes.
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    Fasten the fret board to the neck using small wood screws.
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    Apply polyurethane to every surface in which you want the wood to shine.
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    Let the wood dry overnight to ensure a good finish.
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Warnings

  • Using a dust mask is also advisable for the polyurethane and sanding portions of the directions.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Electronics and positioning may vary from game system to game system, especially if you are using a wireless or wired controller.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Always wear safety glasses when working with tools.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Always be extremely careful when using power tools as serious injury can result.*
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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Things You'll Need

Materials

  • Hardwood Pieces of Designated Sizes
  • Old Guitar Hero Controller to donate Electronics
  • Screws
  • Paper
  • Wood Glue


Tools Needed

  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Screwdriver
  • Sandpaper
  • Coping Saw
  • Band Saw (Optional)
  • Router
  • Power Drill and Drill Bits
  • Belt Sander (Optional)
  • Paintbrush
  • Paper Towel
  • Clamps (Optional)

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About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 11 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 32,446 times.
11 votes - 75%
Co-authors: 11
Updated: September 16, 2021
Views: 32,446
Categories: Multi Platform Games
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