Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on November 26, 2011 at 2:54am

Here is a post asking for similar information:

 

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/forum/topics/six-string-builds-any-di...

 

There is also a group dedicated to 6 string models:

 

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/6stringcigarboxguitars

 

 

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Permalink Reply by PapaSimone on November 27, 2011 at 6:24am

Thanks Dan,
Seems a bit intimidating. I might start by up-cycling an old guitar.

Dan Sleep said:

Here is a post asking for similar information:

 

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/forum/topics/six-string-builds-any-di...

 

There is also a group dedicated to 6 string models:

 

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/6stringcigarboxguitars

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Shawn on November 27, 2011 at 4:29pm

Just go for it. It's like a 4string just a touch wider. If you have mastered 3 and 4 it's basically the same steps. Are you going for slab head stock ( Fender) or angled like a Gibson?

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Permalink Reply by atkinson traveler on January 19, 2012 at 9:32am

Hey

I have only built two CG's and both are 6 string form recycled guitar necks. The biggest difference and consideration is the additional pressure the 6 strings put on the CG parts. Especially if you want to use open tunings.

One of my CGs wanted to separate from where it joined the neck stick ( running the length of the CG), even after I put a  2.5 bolt into it, and you can see the neck is bowed in open e.

The other had no neck issues but over time the tail piece tried to crush the box. I fixed it by reinforcing it with some light bracing similar to that found in a wooden acoustic guitar.

I was able to resolve both problems and the CG's sound great. But I was surprised at the amount of pressure the strings put on it.

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Permalink Reply by Keni Lee Burgess on January 19, 2012 at 12:10pm

If you are not going to install a truss rod (although you should consider it), make the neck very thick and clubby like the early 1930 guitars. You need a lot of wood to prevent bowing. Not having a truss rod makes dialing in the intonation very tricky.

Nuts are usually 1 3/4" or 1 7/8" wide on 6 string guitars.

Enjoy your build, Keni Lee   

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Permalink Reply by the anonymous pick on January 19, 2012 at 9:25pm

bezdez has a sweet    mapel neck  for 9$   .  with truss channel the  you can use or not  ,   has no  fretboard  .

ive used  them before.  one   i  put a yard stick  over the  truss channel , once a  leather belt   on a slide guitar ..  and one i even  used the  trus channel  to run  the   cord  to  the volume and controls  in the headstock .  ;-)

these are  vintage  german  stock . hers a link. (they are in canada )

 http://www.ebay.com/itm/MAPLE-SHADOW-GUITAR-NECK-MADE-GERMANY-/4002...

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Permalink Reply by PapaSimone on January 20, 2012 at 2:14am

My new plan is to go for 5 strings ala Keith Richards.  Any suggestions on the strings for a 5 string in open G?  Hey Keni,  I don't suppose you  could teach some 5 string Rolling Stones?

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Permalink Reply by Keni Lee Burgess on January 20, 2012 at 7:13am

Keith Richards 5 string guitar is simply 6 string guitar Open G Tuning (DGDgbd) with the low D removed. He wanted the first tone G (tonic) to be the first string he hits with his pick.

See CD 2 (6 string Open G tuning / DGDgbd) or CD 5 (4 string Open G tuning / Dgbd). Either way will work.

Add or remove a string.

The movable chord method I teach on CD 6 (ADf#) is here in the full tuning D(ADf#)ad. Key of D.

If you want to play in the key of G, Dgb tuning, it is here too in the full tuning DG(Dgb)d.

Traditional Bluegrass banjo tuning is gDgbd. Open G tuning! Same moveable chord method.

Musically...it really is a small World after all.

Enjoy your practice.     

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