Have you ever dreamed of strumming a guitar surrounded by a serene underwater world? YouTuber and luthier Burls Art has turned that dream into a reality with his latest creation: an aquarium guitar. Inspired by the trend of AI-generated designs, Burls Art took on the ambitious challenge of building a six-string instrument that doubles as a functional fish tank.
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
Creating a guitar that’s both playable and watertight presented significant engineering hurdles. Burls Art addressed these challenges by:
- Choosing a durable material: An ultra-thick body shaped like a hybrid between a Gibson Explorer and an Ibanez Iceman provided the necessary strength and durability.
- Using epoxy: Instead of acrylic, this material helped prevent leaks and allowed for a safe 1.5-gallon water capacity.
- Protecting the electronics: A humbucker pickup was shielded from water with acrylic and silicone.
- Reinforcing the structure: Epoxy was applied to the guitar’s walls to ensure the aquarium remained watertight.
Construction and Finishing
The aquarium guitar’s construction process involved:
- Creating a wall mount: A stained birch mount was built for easy display.
- Applying a clear finish: A 2K urethane primer created a protective coating.
- Attaching the neck and fretboard: A classic maple neck and rosewood fretboard were bolted to the body.
- Setting up the aquarium: A substrate was added to the bottom, and plants were arranged to create a thriving underwater ecosystem.
The Final Product
While the aquarium guitar is primarily a functional fish tank, it’s also playable. However, Burls Art notes that its weight and awkward shape can make it challenging to play.
Despite these limitations, the instrument is a unique and impressive piece of craftsmanship that combines the beauty of nature with the power of music.
