How to scale up a photo to actual size to make a template?

paulnb57

Folks.....

I'm planning to have a body made for a guitar and have a photo of what I want, is there any way I can scale it up to full size to then tweak, so its not a direct copy and make a template?

FatPete

I would import the photo into a vector graphics program like CorelDraw, Illustrator or Inkscape (which is free), then scale it so it matches up with your measurements. Once it's at the right size, you can draw round it (or trace it if your program has that option) and tweak to your heart's content.

FatPete

What's your starting point guitar? If it's a version of a well-known design there may well be pdf plans out there already.

SteveRobinson

Yes Inkscape had a great bitmap trace function. You can clean up and scale to size fairly easily.

GluedtoMusic

I've done it in Autocad/Sketchup by laying out known measurements first, so if you know you want to copy a standard strat, draw the nut and bridge line 25.5" apart and then scale the image until the nut and bridge in the photo line up with your drawn lines, and then you can trace round the body and tweak as you like.

paulnb57

Thanks folks, looks like a steep learning curve with inkscape...

I'm planning something based on the St Vincent signature (ish) outline with a better headstock amd a couple of twists....

WezV

Most of my replicas have started with an upscaled pic. Usually done in paint I think... nothing fancy

paulnb57

I currently have nothing on the Mac to use, hence looking for suggestions......needs to be easy as I'm a bit of a luddite!

axisus

I often use a postscript pdf blueprint (found online) as a starting point and modify it with adobe illustrator. Easy for me but then I use Adobe software for a living. I'm lucky in that I also have a high quality plotter at work so I can print very accurate full size artwork.

FatPete

@paulnb57 I've done a quick outline/layout that you're welcome to as a pdf, if you're not wanting to do everything yourself. It's not perfect, but should be close enough if you're modifying it anyway.

You could either import it into a vector program to tweak, or get the file printed (100% on A2) at a local print shop for a couple of quid and get your french curves and pencils out!

paulnb57

@FatPete you are a star!
pm sent!

Thank you!

FatPete

It's no problem, I do that sort of thing for fun.

Check your email.

paulnb57

Outstanding! Thanks!