How Are Laser Marking Systems Used for Laser Engraving Guitars?

As we’ve discussed in many of our past articles, laser engraving is suited for a wide range of applications, with the process being the ideal way to mark diverse materials and products. The music world is yet another industry that relies on laser engraving systems, with both business owners, hobbyists and bands alike producing personal messages, eye-catching designs, serialization and much more on musical instruments and accessories.

Every musician tells a story with their music, and with laser engraved guitar bodies their instruments can, too. Let’s take a look at laser engraving guitars and other components and all the benefits that engraving can provide.

Which Laser Engraving Systems Are Ideal for Laser Engraving Guitars?

When you’re looking to begin laser engraving, the first step is to assess the materials you will be working with to determine which type of system will best suit your needs. Depending on a given application and its materials, either MOPA fiber lasers, CO₂ lasers, or UV lasers will be the best choice.

Guitars, both acoustic and electric, are primarily made from wood, with options found for poplar, walnut, basswood, maple, spruce, holly, Agathis, ash, alder, and mahogany. This is because wood provides excellent resonance for the sound produced by guitars, and is generally unmatched when compared to other materials.

Due to this composition, if you are looking to laser engrave guitar bodies, a CO₂ laser marking system is the ideal choice. This is because these systems feature a laser that operates at a higher wavelength, making them suited for more delicate materials, such as wood.

Other areas of a guitar can get a bit more complicated, however. CO₂ lasers are able to mark on plastic, such as that found in tuning knobs, sound adjustment knobs on electric guitars, and pickguards. CO₂ lasers, however, are not suitable for marking on metals, such as the nickel or stainless steel found on a guitar’s frets. To mark on any metal surfaces, you would want to utilize a MOPA fiber laser, equipment that is also able to mark on plastic. MOPA fiber lasers are too powerful to mark on wood, however, which is why CO₂ lasers are needed to produce laser engraved guitar bodies. For the less common carbon fiber guitar bodies, MOPA fiber lasers would be ideal.

Our line of CO₂ and MOPA fiber laser systems includes the following units.

CO₂ Laser Systems

MOPA Fiber Laser Systems

What Are Some Applications for Laser Engraving Guitar Bodies and Other Components

When it comes to laser engraving, the sky really is the limit, as you can engrave virtually anything you can think of. On the production side of things, laser engraving is often used to supply the following key information, assisting with traceability, part identification, and anti-counterfeiting measures:

Part numbers
2D codes
Bar codes

Data codes
Serial numbers
Logos and branding information

For hobbyists and musicians, or for companies looking to appeal to these groups, laser engraving also excels at personalization, helping to make musical instruments one of a kind. Common applications include engraving:

Band names and logos
Personal messages and slogans
Lyrics and album titles
Intricate designs

All of these applications are modifiable within the laser marking software that comes standard with TYKMA Electrox units, giving you full control of your finished designs.

What Other Musical Instruments and Accessories Can Be Laser Marked and Engraved

Whether you are working with a CO₂ laser or a MOPA fiber laser, you will be able to mark on a wide variety of products. Consult our post linked above for a breakdown on applicable materials for each type of laser system, but some applications include marking on:

Brass instruments
Woodwind instruments
Stringed instruments
Piano bodies and keys
Drum kits

Hard guitar cases and other cases
Speakers and sound equipment
Microphones and stands
Vinyl records

What Are the Benefits of Creating a Laser Engraved Guitar Body?

Along with the traceability and anti-counterfeiting measures mentioned above, as well as the myriad possibilities for personalization, our systems for laser engraving guitars can deliver the following advantages:

Permanent, high-quality marks that won’t fade or peel
Precision and repeatability
Low operation costs
Faster output times than other marking methodologies
No consumables used
Machine lifespan of 100,000 hours

Plus, our team is always on hand to help! We can provide machine setup, laser safety training, repair services, troubleshooting, onsite preventative maintenance, and more. Our customer service also includes a 24/7 technical support line available 365 days a year.

Looking to Start Laser Engraving Guitars? Contact Us

If you have guitars or other musical instruments that could use clear, precise marks that will last, contact the team at TYKMA Electrox today. We’ll assess your needs and find the perfect system for you.