The "Checkered Past" Guitar

Ducktivity provided by hbomb76

Everyone needs a single-pickup, rowdy, rough and rude "Junior-esque" guitar lying around to beat on...I just wanted mine to look a little gawdier than most. I contemplated many odd finishes till a roll of the checkered black-n-white Duck Tape screamed at me from the store display, and I knew what my throwaround hotrod stage guitar would look like at last. Perfect for car show gigs, or to play mini-chess on...

Skill Level

Intermediate

Approximate Crafting Time

2 Hours & 15 Minutes

Supplies and Tools

1 Roll checkered Duck Tape
1 razor blade
1 el-cheapo electric guitar
1 Roll checkered Duck Tape
1 razor blade
1 el-cheapo electric guitar

Directions

Step 1

Remove strings and hardware from the electric guitar, and clean the guitar's finish with warm cloth, then rub down with rubbing alcohol to remove any troublesome residue.

Step 2

Starting in the middle, apply tape to the full length of the body, matching the checkered pattern as best as possible. You may have to trim the edge of one side to get an "even" looking pattern if that's important to you.

Step 3

Once you're at the edges, trim the excess along the body's perimeter with the razor, and make sure the edges are rubbed down firmly in place. Repeat the process for the rear surface of the guitar, if you are doing the back.

Step 4

Starting at the strap-button hole on the butt-end of the guitar, cover the body's edge and then trim any excess hanging off. Firmly rub the piece in place.

Step 5

If you choose to do the headstock as I did, it's the same process, although MUCH smaller and faster to complete.

Step 6

Reinstall all your hardware and restring the guitar.

Step 7

Take it onstage and listen to all the compliments made about your unique (and now durable and water-tight) guitar, which otherwise was nothing to write home about.