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Back to the CBG Shop for Something New

Hey friends. Been a long time since I've posted. I never stopped playing my guitars and have been a regular at Caffe Lena. Going back to the PA CBG Fest last weekend was a reawakening with seeing old friends and meeting some new ones. Most of all, listening to some inspired performers play their stuff on Friday night and Saturday before I had to make the drive back home.

Today I went out to the shop and started something. I mentioned to Shane trying to make a tricone Sawzall resonator so here's a possible start and maybe an alternate. Chime in with your thoughts.

Mock up of box with standard 6" tricone resonators. Not big enough to fit as compact as on a standard guitar, but I think workable.

This is a pie plate I got from The York Emporium then I hammered it into a resonator so what was the bottom of the plate is flush with the rim. Stretched a little too much near the original stamping so a few tears under where the biscuit would sit.

Last, I think this is the neck. It is a 100 year old fence post I was making knife-style slides out of, but decided to see if I could get a full neck ripped out of it. It is very hard to tell for sure, but a forester thinks it is American chestnut. Still a ton of work to do on it, but I think it's going to work. It's 48" long and plenty wide enough for 3 strings, but maybe even 5, because that's my thing.

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Permalink Reply by Grandpa on August 30, 2017 at 2:01pm

Glad to see you're back, Eric. Seems like it's been a couple of years. Sawzall project sounds like a good build. Happy tricon'in. Post pics when you get it done. Or along the way.

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on August 30, 2017 at 2:54pm

It has been a good there years while I completed my masters degree and started teaching. Felt good to start a new guitar today.

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Permalink Reply by Jim Morris on August 30, 2017 at 2:07pm

Cool ideas Eric. Great talking with you in York. The Baker Bros. still want their pie plate returned!

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on August 30, 2017 at 2:55pm

Great seeing you again too.

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on August 31, 2017 at 4:23am

Welcome back Eric. Congratulation on completing your Masters. A big investment in time, but worth it.

I love the fence post. It fits right in with the Sawzall theme. Keep the photos coming. Solving the spider design will be a challenge.

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on August 31, 2017 at 5:20am

Thanks Tom T. Instead of using standard tricone resonators, I might get 3 quart size paint tin lids and see how they fit. I'll have to make a custom bridge and saddle. I might have to go make some friends in the Tech department at school. Likely one or more of my new students will be in one of those classes. We also have a Maker Space club, but I think they focus more on electronics and 3D printing.

I'm really excited to work on the neck. I think I will be home alone this weekend so I can dedicate some quiet time thinking and working on that.

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on August 31, 2017 at 6:03am

I think the paint lids hold a lot of promise, especially in a tri setup. You may need some friends in the fabrication shop for that bridge/saddle. But, it would sure look cool when completed.

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on August 31, 2017 at 6:25am

Pretty sure that's the way I'm going to go. It'll save me about $45 in cost and fit better.

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on August 31, 2017 at 12:00pm

I think with the right pressure on the lids, they will vibrate very well. Three lids should certainly produce some volume. Great concept. Keep us in the loop.

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on August 31, 2017 at 12:27pm

Yup. Can't wait to work on it this weekend. I'll have to look up that old tarnishing method video I did about 4 years ago and check on the technique for the paint can lids. Make some changes for a tricone, maybe. Haha.

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Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on August 31, 2017 at 5:44pm

Well, now you've decided on paint lids. Lemme toss another idea at you: cut down Folgers coffee tins. You basically get 3 tubular resonating chambers.

Orrrrr...go really wild, and TUNE the reso response by using a Folgers can for the bass side, and two different diameter cans for the treble side. Think toms versus kick on a drum kit...