1. Woods:
- Body: The body of an electric guitar is typically made from solid woods, such as mahogany, ash, alder, or basswood. These woods provide the instrument with its resonant tone and sustain characteristics.
- Neck: The neck of an electric guitar is usually made from a single piece of wood, often maple or mahogany. The wood choice influences the neck's strength, flexibility, and playability.
- Fretboard: The fretboard is typically crafted from hardwoods like ebony, rosewood, or maple, which offer smooth playability and contribute to the guitar's overall tone.
2. Metals:
- Bridge: The bridge is usually made of metal, such as brass, steel, or titanium, and serves as an anchor point for the strings. Different bridge designs can impact the guitar's sound and intonation.
- Tailpiece: The tailpiece, if present, is typically made of metal and serves to hold the strings in place at the end of the body.
- Machine Heads: Machine heads or tuning pegs are made of metal, usually chrome or nickel-plated, and are used to tune the strings and maintain proper tension.
- Electronics: Electric guitars incorporate electronic components, such as pickups, potentiometers, and switches. These components are made of various metals like copper, brass, and aluminum.
3. Plastics:
- Pickups: Pickups, which convert string vibrations into electrical signals, often use plastic materials like polycarbonate or ABS plastic for their bobbins and covers.
- Control Knobs: Control knobs for volume, tone, and pickup selection are typically made of plastic materials like acrylic or ABS plastic.
- Switch Tips: Switch tips for pickup selectors and toggle switches are often made of plastic materials for comfort, aesthetics, and durability.
4. Strings:
- Guitar Strings: Electric guitar strings are typically made of steel, either plain or nickel-plated, to produce the desired sound characteristics and playability.
5. Miscellaneous Materials:
- Fingerboard Inlays: Fingerboard inlays, which mark the fret positions, can be made from materials such as mother-of-pearl, abalone, plastic, or wood.
- Finish: Electric guitars are often finished with lacquer, polyurethane, or other protective coatings to enhance their appearance and durability.
- Binding: Binding, which is the material that edges the guitar body and neck, can be made from various materials, such as plastic or wood.
- Hardware: Other hardware components, such as strap buttons, jack plates, and truss rod covers, can be made of various metals or plastics.
The choice of raw materials used in the construction of an electric guitar not only affects its performance but also contributes to its overall aesthetic appeal, making each instrument unique and personalized to the preferences of the musician.