Is that an all wood box? I have a paper covered one about that size that I really want to use, but am worried about it's structural integrity. I know I will have to stiffen/beef it up. I am just trying to figure out options and way to do effectively before I start.
No, it's an old paper covered box from Florida, probably 1960s. However, it's got a big chunk of solid oak in it. The pickup mounts directly on the oak, it's through-strung and the bridge and tail piece are supported from inside. The neck is screwed/glued to the oak plank. So, it's basically a solid-body bass that has a cigar box wrapped round it.
How does she sound? I am thinking for my build I am gonna have to pretty much do the same (fit the box around a solid piece, or have an oak plank through the middle of the box that the neck and bridge bolt to). Thanks for the reply.
It sounds OK, and would be better with a decent bass player I suspect. I did a quick vid of it here, played through a Fender Bronco 40. Thanks for your interest :-)
I made this cardboard box 3 string upright bass about a month ago and I love it! Not a cigar box, but still sounds incredibly full. I find the upright style to be a lot of fun for blues, bluegrass, rock and roll, pretty much any style of playing.
What kind of strings are you using? I'm considering building a bass and thought I might try to get some Kala u-bass strings. But it looks like there are other alternatives. More info, please!
P.S. A cardboard box? Brilliant!
Dog House > Busyhands SlimMarch 23, 2013 at 7:18pm
Slim, they're just weedwacker wire with an aluminum clamp at the bottom loops. A lot cheaper than buying strings and seem to pretty durable once they set in with the tension. Let me know if you want more info that I used for construction.
jamie bark > Busyhands SlimMarch 20, 2013 at 10:04pm
I just finished my first 2 string bass and used an old wine box that held 3 bottles... decent acoustic sound, embedded a piezo disc in the bridge and it sounds great plugged in. Big box= big sound...
Replies
I made a 3-string with an oak neck, no truss rod. It sounds great and is holding up well. I may try a scavenged neck 4-stringer next time.
Is that an all wood box? I have a paper covered one about that size that I really want to use, but am worried about it's structural integrity. I know I will have to stiffen/beef it up. I am just trying to figure out options and way to do effectively before I start.
No, it's an old paper covered box from Florida, probably 1960s. However, it's got a big chunk of solid oak in it. The pickup mounts directly on the oak, it's through-strung and the bridge and tail piece are supported from inside. The neck is screwed/glued to the oak plank. So, it's basically a solid-body bass that has a cigar box wrapped round it.
How does she sound? I am thinking for my build I am gonna have to pretty much do the same (fit the box around a solid piece, or have an oak plank through the middle of the box that the neck and bridge bolt to). Thanks for the reply.
It sounds OK, and would be better with a decent bass player I suspect. I did a quick vid of it here, played through a Fender Bronco 40. Thanks for your interest :-)
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/video/digly-bass
I made this cardboard box 3 string upright bass about a month ago and I love it! Not a cigar box, but still sounds incredibly full. I find the upright style to be a lot of fun for blues, bluegrass, rock and roll, pretty much any style of playing.
What kind of strings are you using? I'm considering building a bass and thought I might try to get some Kala u-bass strings. But it looks like there are other alternatives. More info, please!
P.S. A cardboard box? Brilliant!
Slim, they're just weedwacker wire with an aluminum clamp at the bottom loops. A lot cheaper than buying strings and seem to pretty durable once they set in with the tension. Let me know if you want more info that I used for construction.
I just finished my first 2 string bass and used an old wine box that held 3 bottles... decent acoustic sound, embedded a piezo disc in the bridge and it sounds great plugged in. Big box= big sound...
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