Open Source Guitar Resources

Build. Learn. Improve. Share.

At EZO Guitars, we believe great instrument design should be accessible—not hidden behind incomplete drawings, reverse engineering, or expensive trial and error.

The EZO Open Guitar Platform is our commitment to documenting the design process behind modern guitars and basses. From complete instrument platforms to precision routing templates, shop fixtures, and workshop documentation, our goal is simple:

Help builders spend less time guessing and more time building.

Whether you’re cutting your first body with a trim router or programming a CNC machine, these resources are designed to provide accurate reference material backed by real-world testing—not theory.

The Venus de Milo Platform

A Modern Instrument Platform Built in the Open

The Venus de Milo is the flagship project of the EZO Open Guitar Platform.

Rather than recreating another vintage design, the Venus de Milo was developed from the ground up as a modern, ergonomic instrument platform. Every aspect of the design—from body geometry and neck construction to hardware placement and manufacturing workflow—is continually refined through physical prototypes, completed builds, and community feedback.

The platform is designed around several core principles:

  • Modern ergonomics for long playing sessions
  • Straightforward construction using commonly available tools
  • CNC-friendly geometry with printable templates
  • Modular hardware options
  • Complete documentation and revision history
  • Continuous improvement through open development

As new ideas are tested and proven, they become part of future revisions of the platform. Builders can follow that evolution every step of the way.

Templates, Fixtures & Workshop Tools

Designed in the Shop. Proven in the Shop.

Every builder eventually encounters the same problem:

You spend more time making tooling than actually building the guitar.

EZO develops practical workshop tools to eliminate that frustration.

Current and upcoming projects include:

  • Pickup routing templates
  • Neck pocket routing templates
  • Neck drilling guides
  • Headstock drilling fixtures
  • Bridge location templates
  • Radius sanding guides
  • Scale length layout tools
  • Router setup gauges
  • Alignment fixtures
  • CNC reference files
  • Printable workshop jigs

Each tool begins as something we needed ourselves.

If it improves accuracy, repeatability, or saves time in our own shop, there’s a good chance it will eventually become part of the EZO platform.

Many fixtures will be released as free printable files, while production-quality templates manufactured from durable materials will also become available for purchase.

Our goal isn’t to create a catalog full of novelty products.

It’s to create workshop tools you’ll still be using ten years from now.

The GitHub Repository

More Than File Downloads

The EZO GitHub isn’t simply a place to download CAD files.

It’s the living history of every open project.

Every revision documents what changed, why it changed, and how those improvements were discovered during real builds.

Within the repository you’ll find resources such as:

  • CAD models
  • Technical drawings
  • STL files
  • CNC-ready files
  • Build documentation
  • Hardware specifications
  • Revision history
  • Issue tracking
  • Feature roadmaps
  • Future platform development

Builders can follow along as projects evolve, suggest improvements, report issues, and contribute ideas that help strengthen future revisions.

Open design works best when knowledge moves in both directions.

Built Through Iteration

Every design released through EZO is considered a living project.

A successful build teaches us something.

A failed prototype teaches us even more.

Dimensions become more accurate.

Manufacturing methods become more efficient.

Templates become easier to use.

Fixtures become more precise.

Rather than pretending every release is perfect, we publish improvements openly so builders always understand what has changed between revisions.

Good engineering is never static.

It evolves.

Designed for Everyone

Whether you’re…

  • Building your very first guitar
  • A hobbyist working from a garage shop
  • A professional repair technician
  • A CNC enthusiast
  • A school woodworking program
  • A small production builder

…the goal remains the same:

Provide accurate, practical resources that remove uncertainty from the building process.

The more people building quality instruments, the better this craft becomes.

Coming Soon

The EZO Open Guitar Platform continues to grow.

Projects currently under active development include:

  • Venus de Milo Guitar Platform
  • Modern bolt-on guitar platform with complete documentation.
  • Venus de Milo Bass Platform
  • A companion four-string bass platform designed using the same engineering philosophy.
  • Precision Routing Templates
  • Production-quality routing templates manufactured for years of shop use.

Printable Shop Fixtures

3D printable workshop aids for drilling, routing, layout, and repeatable operations.

Complete Builder Documentation

Assembly guides, hardware recommendations, CAD references, manufacturing notes, and revision history.

Community Contributions

As the platform grows, builders will be able to share improvements, suggest features, and help guide future development.