When using a Strat style hardtail bridge,is the string tension and tone different (better,worse or indifferent) when stringing through the box to the bottom of the box or stringing straight to the bridge backplate? I know there's more work involved i
Read more…Hi, I just got back to working on this fine old guitar, late 1950s. I started it 30 years ago.....can't rush these things. Haha.
taff
Since my work on the 12 String Canjo, I been learning a lot about course String instruments and I must say Its all quite interesting, but I am finding little to nothing for Cigar Boxes, Canios, etc, except for the occasional mandolin, my 12 String an
Read more…I have been playing with spinning my own resonator cones on my lathe. I have had good luck with paint can lids and have tried copper, with some success. Copper has a steeper learning curve. If you have a lathe and want to try it, I have a video I w
Read more…Another Guitar Story.
The Pacific. D18 circa 2014.
As with many of the guitars I build this one is to commemorate something special in the owner’s life.
This guitars name The Pacific, it is not only a name of a gold mine in my district, as are all my gu
Hi, I'm really new at this but love the idea.
Anyway I've watched a ton of videos and I wonder why the fret board is always, it seems, a separate piece of would glued to the neck?
If the neck is hardwood and the fret board is hard wood why the layer
Read more…Hit on an idea today I wanted to share. I was finishing a build and was looking in my hardware drawer for something to make a bridge. Then it hit ne. I had a box of assorted wooden craft beads. I found a smooth steel rod opened up the holes in the be
Read more…Here's a link to my 5-part step-by-step series on YouTube. Hey, what can I say; I'm chatty. And thorough :-)
You can link to subsequent parts from the first one. Hope it's helpful!
Shaping CBG Necks By Hand - Part 1: Intro & Micro-planing
Read more…Hi Team,
I see the thread about the "One Puff" amp and it has me thinking. Is there a kit getting around for this, or is there a very low watt tube amp kit around?
I want to build a small valve amp, but if I need to I may go solid state. but I think
Read more…Coming a bit late, been back to work, been busy, but here are the last of my holiday builds; 6 over 2 days and 26 overall.
Due to the tins I have used and the length of the necks I prepared for each of them, I ended up with a variety of instruments.
Read more…The Helen Songer Parlor guitar.
The Guitar
This guitar story has an unusual start and an incredibly sad ending. This guitar is called the Hellen Songer, at the request of the customer. The sides are New Guinee Rosewood, and the back is Walnut cut fro
Starting a new build. Will be a 3 string 25,5'' scale. Now the question is which wil be the best for playing slow blues?
I have to choose between:
1. doubble rail cheapo asian pickup
2.humbucker
3. single coil asian pick-up
4. imitation p90
Any advis
Read more…Hi All, Has anyone built a canjo using one of the C.B.Gitty "Spirits Cans" yet? I think they looked cool so I ordered a few of these cans for my Cub Scout Den. So I did not buy the pre-built ones. Instead I want the scouts to build them from scratc
Read more…Wanting to put a finish on this box that will work on the labels too. Looking for satin not a glossy shine.
What do you suggest and should I do it before I build the guitar or after? Does it matter?
Read more…A Bunch of Banjos.
Here are some banjos I have built and finished this year.
A Minstrel Banjo – Cigar Box style Banjo - Wood Top Banjo – Parlor banjo built using a Ceiling Down Light [LED] and a rebuilt mandolin banjo with Cedar top. Now my lacquer
Hi folks. I may be using the wrong search terms, but I can't seem to find any info on this.
Does anyone have advice or methods they use to install fret markers on fretboards that are purchased with frets installed? Burning/branding is of course under
Read more…I’ve purchased a preamplifier which I intend to use externally for several piezo builds. I’ll eventually mount it in a wooden box but in the meantime I’m making use of a small cardboard box. I’ve removed the piezo rod and wired it’s cable to a 1/4 in
Read more…Hi just testing the posting of a photo. I hope it works.
Taff
Looking good so far....pushes add button and holds breath..........
Does your Biscuit Bridge cone seem to be lacking something?
I have found a radical approach to the 6 inch resonator cone in a cigar box guitar. Back in 1933 the Schireson Brother developed a new bridge system called the Flywheel bridge. Even though i
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