LIBRARY TALES
The recent passing of author Melvyn Hiscock coincides with a completely revised and expanded version of his groundbreaking book, Make Your Own Electric Guitar
“The book is a document of the hand-builder, the craftsperson that Melvyn was”
If you were thinking about making an electric guitar back in the late 80s, you probably know of Melvyn Hiscock’s authoritative tome. Originally published in 1986, Make Your Own Electric Guitar has been referenced as an influence by plenty of guitar makers, from Saul Koll to Ola Strandberg. Back then, in pre-internet times, there really wasn’t very much else to browse and Melvyn’s book seemed very contemporary. Donald Brosnac’s books of the late 70s were the best resource we’d had, but they seemed rather, well, American and out of touch by the time Melvyn’s book hit the shelves.
The original 160-page edition now seems more like a notebook in comparison to 2021’s third volume, in larger format, with 304 pages. If it was essential back in the day, today’s version is a document of the handbuilder, the craftsperson that Melvyn was.
Originally inspired by Brian May’s Red Special, Melvyn was drawn to guitar making in his teens, applying to the thenessential London School Of Furniture’s fretted instrument-making course. However, he only got as far as the interview. In the early 80s he moved to London and worked alongside, and then for, Roger Giffin who was already a legend on the UK guitarmaking scene. With help from Roger he started writing his book in 1984, which was published in May 1986. To date, it has sold more than 120,000 copies.
But, by then, Melvyn realised the perilous life of the guitar maker was not for him. He returned to Hampshire and, via a stint in the ‘real job market’, got a day job at Macmillan, providing him with the skills to create his own venture, NBS Publications (as in ‘No Bullshit!’), and the second version of his book appeared in 1998. Of course, he continued to play and build guitars.
In fact, ‘The No Bullshit Guide to Making an Electric Guitar’ might have been a better title: it completely encapsulates this latest book. It makes a home-build seem achievable if you have some access to basic woodworking tools and equipment. Even if you don’t, new chapters on getting the best from a kit-build provide experienced knowledge of the pitfalls, while the sections on fretting and finishing are real foundations of the art. Likewise, the chapters on electrics and setup provide excellent reference for fledgling makers or indeed modders like us. This recent update also considers very current issues and topics in the guitar-making world – from the CITES restrictions of rosewoods through to ‘baked’ maple and stainless-steel frets – all put through Melvyn’s sensible real-world filter. It’s an easy read and hugely educational even if you have no interest in actually building a guitar. Though don’t blame us if after digesting a few chapters you’re inspired to have a go.
In these days of ‘everyone’s an expert’ on the internet, we really need books such as this one that provide sense instead of snake oil: a pure note among all the noise.
Make Your Own Electric Guitar is available now for £39.95 www.melvynhiscock.com