How To Make An Acoustic Guitar Display Case


This was a fun project. I made two versions of plans. Here I will show you the acoustic version. At the end of this post you can watch a fun assembly video and download both SketchUp files and plans (larger images). My cost for this project was $98. You will need the following:

  • Three 72″x12″ project panels. Paint grade usually has more knots in it, which is what I like. Just pine or spruce panels glued up. I buy mine from Lowes.
  • Two yards black felt.
  • 38″x14″ or larger piece of acrylic (plexiglass).
  • Thumb tacks.
  • Less than one quart Amber Shellac.
  • Less than one quart Denatured Alcohol. (click here for my amber shellac pine finishing instructions)
  • Less than one quart lacquer.
  • 24″x48″ piece of 1/4″ plywood.
  • 1 can spray adhesive.
  • 16 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws

Acoustic Guitar Display Case

Step 1

Cut all of your parts and glue some felt on one side of the back panel.

Acoustic Guitar Display CaseAcoustic Guitar Display Case Acoustic Guitar Display CaseStep 2

Cut dados in all 4 sides of the case according to the diagram. Attach felt to interior of dados with spray adhesive. Make sure you cut off the top and bottom 3/4″ from the side pieces to allow a proper joint with the horizontal pieces. Also cut 4 pocket holes on each side of your horizontal pieces. Make the holes on the top of the top piece and the bottom of the bottom piece.

Acoustic Guitar Display Case Acoustic Guitar Display CaseStep 3

Assemble case and back panel.

Acoustic Guitar Display CaseStep 4

Attach base to bottom of case.

Acoustic Guitar Display CaseStep 5

Attach french cleat to back of cabinet. Make sure you place the wider side away from the back panel.

Acoustic Guitar Display CaseStep 6

Attach the crown to the top of the case. Then use scrap blocks as glue blocks to add support.

Step 7

Construct the door. I used half lap joinery on mine. Then route a rabbet on the inside face to accept the acrylic panel (plexiglass). Here’s a quick tip for holding the acrylic in the frame.

Acoustic Guitar Display CaseStep 8

Attach the door to the cabinet with your chosen hinges. I chose a pair of 1-1/2″ x 5/8″ hinges and mortised both the cabinet and door. Then locate and install the guitar holder bracket. It is easy to locate with the case laying on it’s back. Attach it from behind with screws (see video for an example).

Acoustic Guitar Display CaseStep 9

Attach handle and magnetic latch.Acoustic Guitar Display Case Acoustic Guitar Display Case Acoustic Guitar Display Case Acoustic Guitar Display Case

Downloads: