Photos: World's first hollow concrete guitar is surprisingly playable

Rob Scallon and Mike from Modustrial Maker have successfully created the world’s first semi-hollow body concrete guitar, modeled after a Gibson ES335. Unlike earlier concrete guitars that were heavy and solid, this instrument features 3/8-inch thick walls and weighs under 20 pounds, making it surprisingly playable. The build showcased exceptional precision, achieving perfect intonation without any post-build adjustments. The guitar’s body was engineered to prevent cracking by using a self-leveling concrete mix with plasticizers, reinforced with glass fiber scrim, PVA fibers, and embedded wood components. CNC-machined and 3D-printed molds ensured accurate neck alignment, while careful wet sanding preserved the integrity of the thin concrete walls. The construction process was challenging due to the quick curing time of concrete and the material’s properties, requiring meticulous machining and finishing. The project cost about $400, including hardware, electronics, and a Schecter neck. The finished guitar functions well as a musical instrument, with no fret