SAU Students Turn Blocks of Wood into One-of-a-Kind Instruments

Update, July 2026: the class did it again. See this year's ten builds, the exhibit, and the live jam.

source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p159412544

Now, the results are featured at SAU’s Electric Guitar Exhibit, where each guitar stands as a unique reflection of its builder’s vision and effort.

source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p159412544/h2cb0c953#h3d05e215

They’re playable works of art that reflect the creativity and dedication of every student builder.

How These Guitars Came to Life

This remarkable project took place within the Department of Art & Design at Southern Arkansas University, as part of ART 4073 – Guitar Building, a hands-on course offered in Spring 2025.

Over 17 weeks, students in the class explored a complete creative process, from research and sketching to woodworking and final assembly, transforming blocks of wood into fully playable, one-of-a-kind electric guitars.

Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p159412544/h2cb0c953#h3cc1bde3

Each student moved through five key stages:

1. History & Research – learning about the evolution of electric guitars and iconic designs.

2. Ideation & Design – sketching concepts and translating them into working plans.

3. Building – using tools like bandsaws, sanders, rasps, and routers to shape their guitar bodies and necks.

4. Finishing – applying sanding, sealer, and paint or stain to create a custom finish.

5. Setup – wiring, installing hardware, and adjusting the action for playability.

As the exhibit poster proudly states, this class wasn’t just about building guitars: it was about creative ownership, craftsmanship, and expression. Every student walked away with a playable instrument they designed and built themselves, and every guitar tells a story.

Meet the One-of-a-Kind Guitars

From bold colors and creative shapes to classic finishes and detailed craftsmanship, each student’s guitar reflects their personal style and the skills they gained through the semester. What started as identical blocks of wood became completely unique, one-of-a-kind instruments, each telling its own story.

Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p159412544/h2cb0c953#h3de471aa

“Gobstopper” by Emily Stanich

Emily Stanich’s guitar, playfully named “Gobstopper”, brings together bold asymmetry, eye-catching color, and a perfectly balanced blend of metal and pop. That oversized pickguard, dramatic contours, and confident pink-and-silver finish make this piece stand out instantly.

Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p250553311/h2a457187#h2a457187

It’s a brilliant example of how creative vision meets hands-on skill. Emily’s build shows that guitars don’t have to follow the rules to be beautiful or playable. Fantastic work!

“The Fabricator” by Lakken Caffey

Lakken Caffey’s guitar, “The Fabricator,” blends creativity, craftsmanship, and a strong sense of personal style. Inspired by fabric patterns, Lakken wrapped her guitar in plaid, creating a totally original look that stands out in the most unexpected way.

Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p250553311/h2a457187#h3e568e5e

The shape is sharp and modern, with an offset body and matching plaid headstock. Beyond its eye-catching finish, this guitar was clearly built with attention to every detail, from the clean wiring to the thoughtfully applied controls.

Lakken’s build is a perfect example of how a guitar can reflect more than just musical taste: it can reflect identity. This is a bold, expressive piece that’s sure to turn heads.

“The Astronaut” by William Ashcraft

William Ashcraft’s guitar, “The Astronaut,” is sleek, clean, and ready for lift-off. With a smooth black-and-silver burst finish and a classic silhouette, this build blends traditional design with a space-age vibe.

Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p250553311/h2a457187#h2017b82f

What makes this guitar especially impressive is its subtle confidence: nothing flashy, just well-executed craftsmanship and tasteful styling. From the smooth contouring to the carefully placed hardware, William’s build is a testament to mastering the fundamentals.

A grounded build with a nod to the cosmos, The Astronaut is proof that sometimes less really is more.

“Alma Cósmica” by Rory Lowther

Rory Lowther’s guitar, “Alma Cósmica” (Spanish for “Cosmic Soul”), is a sleek and soulful build that finds beauty in simplicity. With its deep black finish, minimalist Tele-style body, and subtle curves, this instrument feels grounded yet refined.

Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p250553311/h2a457187#h386a1a0a

The name evokes something vast and spiritual, and Rory’s choice of design reflects that concept with understated elegance. The crisp layout, clean wiring, and carefully shaped body show a clear attention to detail and functionality.

Alma Cósmica is a guitar with gravity, a quiet confidence that speaks volumes without saying too much.

“Lucifer” by Lilly Smutz

Lilly Smutz’s creation, “Lucifer,” is as fiery as its name suggests. With a bright blue finish and hand-painted flames, this guitar is full of energy and personality. The design grabs attention immediately: it’s bold, loud, and unapologetically cool.

Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p250553311/h2a457187#h33ebd86b

But there’s more to this build than just style. Lilly put in serious effort learning the tools and techniques required to bring her vision to life, from shaping the body to nailing the paintwork. The finished result? A guitar that looks like it belongs on stage.

Lucifer is a perfect example of fearless design and strong execution, truly a standout piece in the exhibit.

“Belle” by Gavin Nussey

Gavin Nussey’s guitar, “Belle,” lives up to its name with bold gothic flair. This matte-black build features a dramatic double-horn cutaway that gives it a fierce, bat-winged silhouette, perfect for anyone looking to make a statement on stage.

Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p250553311/h2a457187#h2f8f5275

Despite its intense look, Gavin focused on precision throughout the process, from the clean lines and solid hardware placement to the subtle elegance of its all-black finish. It’s a guitar that demands attention without overcomplicating the message.

Belle combines metal aesthetics with refined craftsmanship, a dark beauty with attitude and edge.

“Glitoris” by Lilly Henry

Lilly Henry’s guitar, “Glitoris,” is a fearless expression of style and voice. With its sculpted flame-like body shape, candy-pink gradient finish, and heart-shaped pickguard, this build is loud, proud, and full of attitude.

Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p250553311/h2a457187#h22c7eae2

What makes Lilly’s guitar especially cool is how playfully it blends bold design with serious build quality. From the shaped contours and dual pickguard pieces to the thoughtful pink-to-natural fade on the headstock, every detail shows care and creativity.

It’s playful. It’s powerful. And it’s a perfect example of how guitars can say just as much visually as they do sonically.

“The Daydreamer” by Mtende Moyo

Mtende Moyo’s “The Daydreamer” is a stunning fusion of fine art and lutherie. With a dreamlike, abstract painting wrapped across its wild, custom-cut body, this guitar feels more like a living canvas than an instrument. Every angle invites a closer look.

Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p250553311/h2a457187#h3055d507

The swirling, cosmic brushwork and bold asymmetry give this piece a sense of movement and mystery. Mtende didn’t just build a guitar: he told a story through color, shape, and texture.

The Daydreamer is a bold reminder that the guitar can be more than a tool: it can be a deeply personal and imaginative work of art.

“Icarus” by Allison Parker

Allison Parker’s “Icarus” is a breathtaking combination of sculpture and storytelling. Inspired by the myth of Icarus, this guitar takes flight with custom-cut, winged extensions and layered feather details that wrap around the body like armor and art.

Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p250553311/h2a457187#h264727fb

The crisp white finish with gold trim gives it a celestial elegance, while the blue accents scattered across the wings evoke motion and air. It’s both delicate and daring, much like its mythological namesake.

Allison turned a block of wood into a soaring, imaginative piece of art. Icarus is not just a guitar: it’s a statement.

“Scintilla” by Monet Coppersmith

“Scintilla” is a showstopper bass with an electrifying presence. With its sharp, aggressive body design and shimmery green-blue finish, this build looks like it could be wielded by a cosmic warrior.

The attention to detail is exceptional, from the mirrored claw-like lower horn to the layered paint effects that glimmer under the light. The custom headstock shape carries the theme through perfectly, creating visual harmony from top to bottom.

Monet’s bass proves that powerful design and precise craftsmanship can absolutely coexist. Scintilla is fierce, refined, and ready to rumble.

“Hope” by Alyzia Devereaux

Alyzia Devereaux’s guitar, “Hope,” is a joyful tribute to self-expression and nostalgia. With a soft pink finish, red fretboard dot inlays, and a custom Hello Kitty graphic, it delivers pure personality in every detail.

Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p250553311/h2a457187#h31b3dc9f

Despite its playful look, Hope is a serious build, with a classic Strat-style setup, clean control layout, and a polished finish that reflects the time and effort put into getting it just right. The matching headstock and bow detail complete the cohesive theme.

Alyzia’s guitar is bright, bold, and unapologetically fun, a perfect example of how personal meaning and technical skill can come together to make something truly unique.

“The Amoeba” by Madeline Reynolds

Madeline Reynolds’ guitar, “The Amoeba,” is a swirling burst of creativity and bold design. With its marbled purple finish and organically flowing body shape, this build breaks all the rules in the best way possible.

Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p250553311/h2a457187#h30e55d14

Every curve feels intentional, almost fluid, and the psychedelic finish perfectly complements the theme. The matching headstock and minimalist hardware layout keep the look balanced while letting the wild body and finish speak for themselves.

Madeline’s work shows that guitars don’t have to be traditional to be beautiful: they just have to be you. The Amoeba is vibrant, expressive, and undeniably original.

“Leto” by Gabrielle Nelson

Gabrielle Nelson’s “Leto” is a gorgeous tribute to natural beauty and storytelling through design. Rather than masking the wood, Gabrielle leaned into its warmth, letting the grain shine through while adding carved illustrations of feather, birds, and a wolf.

Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p250553311/h2a457187#h245bea64

The simplicity of the finish is what makes it powerful: no flashy colors or over-the-top shaping. Just a clear respect for the material and a thoughtful, artistic touch that’s personal and meaningful.

Leto is a stunning reminder that sometimes the most powerful statements come from restraint, care, and quiet confidence.

Untitled Build by Jonathan Parker

Jonathan Parker’s guitar may look simple at first glance, but its clean, classic Telecaster-inspired design is a masterclass in restraint and precision. With its natural finish, black pickguard, and traditional hardware layout, this guitar feels timeless, and totally road-ready.

Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p250553311/h2a457187#h26c18381

Jonathan focused on doing the fundamentals well: a tight neck pocket, clean electronics, and smooth sanding throughout. The result is a sleek, well-balanced instrument that looks and plays like it could’ve come straight off a pro luthier’s bench.

Sometimes, excellence lies in simplicity, and Jonathan’s guitar absolutely nails it.

“The BUG!!” by Jade Dillard

Jade Dillard’s “The BUG!!” is as striking as its name. With a jagged, insect-inspired body shape and a matte green finish, this guitar looks like it crawled straight out of a sci-fi world. It’s aggressive, angular, and undeniably cool.

Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p250553311/h2a457187#h3171f6e5

Despite the unconventional silhouette, the build is clean and intentional. The sharp contours are matched by a crisp paint job and a well-balanced layout that still feels totally playable. The custom-cut headstock and matching green hues tie the whole theme together beautifully.

The BUG!! is a perfect blend of bold design and solid lutherie, a reminder that guitars can be weird, wild, and still wonderfully functional.

A Celebration of Creativity and Craft

This exhibit was more than just a showcase of student work: it was a celebration of imagination, patience, and the power of hands-on learning. From bold artistic statements to refined traditional builds, every guitar reflected the unique vision and voice of its creator.

Source: https://photos.saumag.edu/p250553311/h2a457187#h32374db1

While not all these students may go on to build more guitars, they will undoubtedly continue creating, designing, and shaping the world around them in new and meaningful ways.

To the students of ART 4073, we wish you all the best in your future projects and creative pursuits. Your work here is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when craft meets passion.

We’d also like to give a special thank you to Nathan Lambert, who generously helped us cover this inspiring project by providing photos, updates, and feedback throughout the process.