This DIY guitar stand is a perfect beginner build. You only need a few inexpensive tools, a jigsaw and a drill, to build this stand. I designed the stand to fit most electric guitars, acoustic guitars, and banjos, but you could print the template at a smaller size to work with ukuleles and violins.

Make sure to check out the build video above for more details!

Step 1: Gather Materials & Tools

As I said, this is a pretty basic build tools-wise. The project can be built from one 2 foot long 1x12, as long as you layout the pieces correctly. The other materials I used are below.

DIY Guitar Stand Materials:

1 x 12, roughly 2 feet long
Brass hinge : http://amzn.to/2kOHPzs
Felt strips : http://amzn.to/2llLfr1
Leather cord : http://amzn.to/2kJapSY
Finish of your choice (I used Waterlox)

Tools Used On DIY Guitar Stand Project:

Dewalt 20V Max Impact Driver : http://amzn.to/1QxJD7w
SawStop PCS 1.75-HP Professional Cabinet Saw : http://amzn.to/2aqqRyn
Laguna 14|12 Bandsaw : http://amzn.to/2kDBhBu
Shapeoko XL CNC : http://bit.ly/shapeokoXL

Step 2: (Optional) Engrave Quote Onto Guitar Stand Using CNC Router

I have access to some pretty cool tools, including a CNC, so I tricked out my stand by engraving one of my favorite quotes onto the sides of the stand. This is obviously completely optional.

Step 3: Attach Template Using Spray Adhesive

Next, I attached my template to one side of the stand using spray adhesive. You can download this template for free on my website here: https://craftedworkshop.com/build-diy-guitar-stand-rack-free-template/

One tip here: apply spray adhesive to the paper and to the wood, then let it dry for a few minutes before attaching them. Doing this will make the paper template a LOT easier to remove later.

Step 4: Cut Shape Using Bandsaw / Jigsaw & Drill Relief Hole for Router Bit

I cut one side of the stand to shape using my bandsaw, but you could definitely use a jigsaw for this. Follow the line as closely as you can, and take it slow so you get a clean cut.

I also drilled a hole in the side of the stand. This is kind of optional, the reason I drilled this is so the flush trim bit on my router (used on an upcoming step) can get into this tight corner. If you're just going to be cutting both halves out and skipping the router, you can skip this step too.

Step 5: Refine Guitar Stand Shape Using Oscillating Belt Sander

Next, I refined the shape of the stand using my oscillating spindle sander. If you don't have one of these, you can just use sandpaper and files instead.

Step 6: Rough Cut Other Half of Stand & Flush Trim Using the Router

To get the other half to size, I traced the first half onto the second half, rough cut the shape at my bandsaw, stuck the two halves together using double sided tape, then used a flush trim bit on my router to flush them up.

If you don't have a router, you could just cut the other half to final size, stick the pieces together, then use sandpaper and files to get them to the same size.

Step 7: (Optional) Fill Letters With Epoxy Resin

Here's another optional step. I filled my engraved letters with ArtResin epoxy, just to make them pop a little.

Step 8: Install Hinge, Drill Holes for Cord & Roundover Edges

Next, I installed the hinge on the inside of the two halves of the stand. I used an 1 ½" brass hinge. Another tip: when using brass screws, they're going to want to strip out on you. I applied a little paste wax to help with that.

I also drilled the hole for the cord, which will set the width of the stand. You want the hole to go through both halves of the stand here. Just use whatever size drill bit so that you can thread your cord through.

I also rounded over all of the edges with an ⅛" radius roundover bit on my router. If you don't have a router, you can just do this with sandpaper.

Step 9: Apply Finish

Next, I applied finish, Waterlox in my case. This stuff looks outstanding on Walnut (the type of wood I used).

Step 10: Install Felt Bumpers

I added some peel-and-stick felt pads to the stand where the instrument will come into contact with it. You probably shouldn't use rubber pads here, since some rubbers can interact with nitrocellulose finishes on some instruments.

Step 11: Set Width Using Cord

The last step is to thread your cord through the holes and tie a knot on each end. This sets the width of the stand. This width will be determined based on your particular instrument.

Step 12: Enjoy Your Stand!

Hope you guys enjoyed this simple project. If you'd like to check out more of my stuff, browse some of my woodworking projects on my website, and also get subscribed to my YouTube channel while you're at it. Thanks!