Forums

Challenged to build a short 6 string CBG

Posted by Dan Sleep on January 31, 2010 at 12:10pm in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion
I have a friend who has challenged me (sort of) to build a 6 string CBG that is short enough to fit in the saddlebag of his Honda Goldwing motorcycle. I measured and it looks like the maximum length that might fit is 22 inches. If he is taking it on the road, then the acoustics become more important since he is not likely to be taking an amp along, but he might, so I guess I would have to electrify it.

I am doing the math to see if I could fit just a full octave on the fingerboard and keep it inside the 22in maximum length. I also thought about making it a headless neck and putting some kind of tuner on the tail end, but I have no experience with that type of setup, so I am not sure that is an option.

Anybody got any suggestions or comments?

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

Join Cigar Box Nation

Email me when people reply –
Follow

Replies

  • Bluesdog February 1, 2010 at 7:47am
    "The lapstick", i don't know the exact scale on it but that's basicly a shortened headless travel guitar wich could give you some cool idea's on how to go about your build.

    lapstick_red_chrome_rosewood.jpg


    If i look at this picture and estimate how big it is compared to the guy holding it i'd say it's in about the same targetarea as your build.

    cimg1396.jpg

    Allthough i do think you are going to need some real heavy string's if you want to stay in the guitar-range, this link could help you decide a stringauge for your build and the actual pitch you want it to be tuned to http://www.mcdonaldstrings.com/stringxxiii.html

    You could use a normal set of string's but then you have to raise the pitch of the intire tunning.
  • ChickenboneJohn February 1, 2010 at 3:10am
    That's Uke territory..your scale length is going to be very short on that overall length, even if you manage to do something radical with the head and tuners.

    Normally I wouldn't go less than 22 inches for the scale with a guitar, tho' I have got at nylon strung kid's guitar at 17 inch scale length and an Aria kid's steel string at 19 inch scale, but they are a real compromise in terms of string gauge and getting them to play in tune.
  • Michael Gajeski February 1, 2010 at 1:59am
    look at the tuners that they use on the uncle bob guitars. That should help you out. I have also seen these travel guitars called lapsticks that are basically the scale of a normal guitar from the 5th fret on.
    Uncle Bob Project
    lapstick
  • Dan Sleep February 1, 2010 at 12:05am
    I took a look at Fergus' stuff, and that gives me some ideas.
  • Roosterman January 31, 2010 at 2:38pm
    Id be convincing him that Ukelele might be a better option!! lol
    Have a look at Fergus Morris's page for inspiration. Clever young chap put the tuners in the cigar box rather than on the headstock....
This reply was deleted.