Cutting a back contour by hand?

[bifurcation]

Hey all you awesome guitar makers!

I have a cheap Chinese double-neck that is heavy and jabs my ribs while I play.

I was thinking I could kill two birds with one stone, by cutting a relief in the back.

I'm wondering if any of y'all have hand-tool recommendations and and/or advice on how to measure/draw/cut a back contour?

 

[PapaBear]

Dang somebody already cut the headstocks off!

 

[music6000]

Hey all you awesome guitar makers!

I have a cheap Chinese double-neck that is heavy and jabs my ribs while I play.
View attachment 16351
I was thinking I could kill two birds with one stone, by cutting a relief in the back.
View attachment 16352
I'm wondering if any of y'all have hand-tool recommendations and and/or advice on how to measure/draw/cut a back contour?

Mark a curve & Sand away carefully with a 4'' or 5'' 120 grit Flapper Disc on a Grinder.
Dont push to hard or you will burnish tha wood!!!
You will be done in 5 TO 10 MINUTES!!!
Finish off with Dense sponge Sanding block

 

[bifurcation]

Mark a curve & Sand away carefully with a 4'' or 5'' 120 grit Flapper Disc on a Grinder.

Thanks!

 

[HamishR]

You really risk cutting into the bass pickup control cavities. Cutting a tummy cut will not make it much lighter either. Be careful what you do!

 

[Sturdag Lagernathy]

I'd go reeeeaaalll slow with a wood rasp, followed by hand sanding. A disc is great, but without practice it can really screw up a project quick. I'd bet you wouldn't have to remove as much wood as you'd expect..