Forums

Bone or plywood for string guide?

Posted by Ducati Scotty on March 27, 2018 at 7:02pm in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion

I've been considering using a notched piece of bone or plywood for a string guide on my guitars.  I like to use a zero fret, so I don't need a real bone nut, just a notched piece to hold the strings at the right spots.

I was thinking I could use either a piece of the 1/8" aircraft hobby plywood I have or get some bone bridge blanks and use them.

I'm guessing the bone would look a bit nicer and maybe last a bit longer, but is it really worth the trouble?  Please, let me know your thoughts.  And if you have recommendations for other materials, please let me know!

Thanks,

Scott

You need to be a member of Cigar Box Nation to add comments!

Join Cigar Box Nation

Tags: guide, string
Email me when people reply –
Follow

Replies

  • Titch the Clown April 10, 2018 at 6:47am

    Plastic chopsticks. 

    • Ducati Scotty > Titch the Clown April 10, 2018 at 9:37am

      Genius!  I should have thought of it myself.  I used one a few months ago to replace a lost nut on a cheap ukulele my friends had. 

      • Ducati Scotty > Ducati Scotty April 10, 2018 at 4:54pm

        I picked up a pack of 20 for $4 at lunch time. :)

        • john mackay > Ducati Scotty April 14, 2018 at 9:18am

          where from??

          • Ducati Scotty > john mackay April 25, 2018 at 1:23pm

            H Mart, a Kroean grocery store nearby.

  • John Sawyer April 7, 2018 at 11:51am

    I typically use a piece of hardwood, scraps from my fretboards.  (Like the oak one posted earlier).  I would not use plywood, as it might splinter and fall apart...

  • Ducati Scotty April 5, 2018 at 6:54pm

    https://youtu.be/pqACuI144UI

    But you you told me about it first, Grandpa ;)

  • Grandpa March 30, 2018 at 6:57pm

    Scott, I'm with ya. I've spent some time trying to "fine finish" some cbg's, and in the end they didn't play a lick better with all of the 1000 grit sanding! I , to, prefer a rustic look, and have been able to gather up some "junk" to use for builds, either as components or adornments (I don't do much adornin', though). Rattle can finishes are where I go, in paint and poly. I appreciate the beautiful instruments that many post photos of, but I just don't want to spend the time. Each builder gets to choose his road, and end product. A good player is much preferred to a finely finished wall hanger. Good playin' gits are where it's at. If you're keepin' or sellin', it really has to play well.

  • Grandpa March 30, 2018 at 3:39pm
    DS, as you can see, my headstocks are fairly simple..straight wood with wings. Should work with more detailed headstocks with appropriate planning. Happy building!
    • Ducati Scotty > Grandpa March 30, 2018 at 4:10pm

      Planning?!?  We're supposed to be planning?!?!?  Aww man, I've been doing it all wrong! ;)

      I really like your idea, and your simple headstocks.  Less is more, I like CBGs that are a bit rustic.  I can appreciate a really finely finished instrument and the skill to create one is to be highly respected.  But in CBGs, as with most things in my life, once they look mostly ok and function, I'm done and I skip the fine polishing.  I'll wash my car from time to time but I'm never gonna wax it.

      I was showing a guitar I built for one friend to another; he's next on the list to get one.  We were looking at things and I mentioned how I had some ideas but didn't want it to be too fancy.  I asked what he wanted in his guitar.  He said, "As long as it sounds and plays like this, I don't care about anything else."  I think he and I are on the same page.

      Scott

This reply was deleted.