Listen to the latest SIGNAL PATH podcast with EMILY WOLFE, a Texan guitarist known for her blistering blues-rock chops now seeking to explore her more polished pop sensibilities.

Think you know your guitar? Try making one! Whether you’re hoping to become the next Stradivarius or simply craft a custom Stratocaster, building a guitar can teach you a lot about your instrument.

In this article, we cover several solutions to help keep volume down, retain great tone, and save your hearing (possibly even your sanity) in the process.