In tough economic times, resourceful citizens have always found ways to save scarce dollars. Some grow their own fruits and vegetables, others take up biking or carpooling to work. And at least one southern Minnesotan faced with a pricey aspiration decided to build his own electric guitar.

At rock concert in early November 2007, New Ulm native Shawn Hagen fell in love with a performer’s Gibson SG guitar. The only problem was that particular electric guitar make and model had a price tag upward of $1400, a hefty bill for a high school senior saving for college.

So Hagen, who had some brief experiences with woodworking, decided to make one on his own.

“I took it step by step,” he explained, “I didn’t worry about the final product so much. I just worried about the problems at hand.”

While it’s easy to purchase parts for an electric guitar, such as pick-ups (which communicate the sound created by the strings to the amplifier), most builders start with a kit or pre-built frame, according to guitar aficionado and Rhapsody Music employee Tim Lien.

“It happens, but not often do people build it from scratch,” he said.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the wood used in a guitar, even an electric guitar, is one of the most important components affecting the instrument’s sound and feel.

“Harder woods sustain a sound, softer woods dampen sound,” Lien explained.

For the body of his creation, Hagen decided on cherry wood.

“I don’t think of myself as a woodworker,” he said, but added “I know the way wood acts.”

The process was slow, and Hagen said he never got a how-to guide or instruction booklet. Instead he felt out most of the steps, one by one. And after countless hours over a period of months, the instrument began to resemble a final product.

“As you cut out the shape, you start to get goosebumps,” Hagen said.

Despite the time and dedication, Lien argued that the process is well worth it.

“It’s a big learning experience,” he said. “You’re going to learn a lot more about the instrument than if you were to just buy one.”

Now that it’s finally complete, Hagen doesn’t mince words when it comes to his custom-built instrument.