Hey, everyone ...
I'm thinking of building a (non-kit -- although the Gitty G-Bass kit does look fun) two-string cigar box bass.
All of the builds and plans I've noticed run the neck through the box, but I'm thinking of going with the "neck on top" and a flying bridge of some kind. Anyone have an opinion on that? Is there some reason I'm missing why it's a bad idea?
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I think the real question here is... why only 2 strings?
If you don't do at least 3 you're really missing out on a lot of great bass lines. : )
I can't speak for anyone else, but I have two reasons:
First, construction considerations. Three or four stings is going to put a lot more tension on the neck than two, and I'm already thinking about how to keep a neck without e.g. an internal metal truss rod or whatever from bowing (one reason I'm thinking "neck on top" is so that I don't have to worry about bracing the resonating box too).
Secondly, I expect that since CB Gitty has their own two-string "G Bass" kit out, they'll be publishing tabs, etc. for music on a two-string bass at some point.
On guitar, I've found it very worthwhile to play a three-string CBG versus a six-string standard guitar. Because I have fewer strings to keep track of, I find myself doing more with them.
It's been decades since I played bass, and back then it wasn't a real problem because it was very simple country gospel stuff; I didn't have to be Flea or Geddy Lee. But I suspect I'd find myself doing more with less on that instrument, too.
FYI --- To save money , warp worry , and intimidation , ... you can make a 2 or 3 string short scale bass. 25 OR 25.5 inch scale and use number .60 and.52 ETC.. strings from a special set of “ ghs boomers “ or drop d tuning guitar strings . and they still fit regular guitar tuner holes . Combined a forward pup placement , it’s a sweet lil bass . and since it’s all “guitar” parts , it can easily be converted to a “regular guitar string” equipped 2 or 3 stringer. I have made a few like this .
easy peasy lemon squeezy. ;-) AND AS YOU CAN SEE . SOUNDS VERY BASS-Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7miRgfydVtQ&version=3&hl=en...
AND
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwRnRyjfdAA
Thanks for the advice -- nice instruments! I hadn't got around to asking anyone for string advice yet, but something that will fit a regular guitar tuner would be ideal. I had been thinking in terms of a 30" scale, but upping it to three strings on a 25" would give me quite a bit of range.
:-D
If you look at the difference between a violin and a double bass then you will see the difference in the size of the resonator needed for bass Vs trebble instruments. You need a big box for a big sound with a bass instrument.
Yes, I'm planning on probably going electric for that reason. On the other hand, I recently found an old sheet-metal pan (with lid) that's maybe twice as long, twice as wide, and twice as deep as a standard cigar box. I'm planning to do SOMETHING with it, but don't know if it would work for a bass. I expect big buzzing/vibrating res from any kind of stringing on it.
Hi, with respect to Pick, I thought Thomas said that he was going to have the bridge straddle the neck and sit on the top, so I thought that by adding a mass to the top as well would dampen the tops response some. May be not as noticeable in a CBG.
I was not sure how to explain this but having just tried it [and you guy's can to] it was very evident that adding mass to the soundboard will change its output.
Eg: I got one of my soundboards- cigar box size - and tapped it as if tuning it and I get a nice musical note/tone that rings. When I fitted a simulated neck {mass} to the top and tapped it I found that the ringing tone gone, the board had a higher note but was not musical, more of a thud with no sustain. The top did not resonate so well.
I know what Pick is referring to, correct me if I'm wrong, that adding mass can improve the sound or make it louder, but the mass is not normally added to the soundboard itself. It can be added the peghead and the neck as suggested and even as lead slugs in the body, but my understanding is that this is done to direct or concentrate string vibrations into the top, and not soaked up elswhere.
Resting the instrument against a mass like a table or door can also add to the response.
I got the best sound in my dulcimers when the necks [that had nut and bridge sitting on them were made as shown here. The parts that touch the top were also hollow inside.
Something else to try, Ha ha.
Taff
""but the mass is not normally added to the soundboard itself. It can be added the peghead and the neck as suggested and even as lead slugs in the body, but my understanding is that this is done to direct or concentrate string vibrations into the top, and not soaked up elswhere".....
In theory , If the neck is attached to the soundboard , anything (done properly and within reason) attached anywhere can be adding resonating mass. (in some cases). it can also diminish it in some spots .
Again , not saying you are "wrong" , just saying the acoustic guitar school rules , are not always relevant with cbgs in some situations . not to mention with the addition of a mag pickup, etc.. .
Just as it must be said it is not "wrong" to attach things to a guitar body in some cases .
Many have built what has become known as "the uncle crow style ." (neck on top.) and you can see detailed 3 string process here.https://cigarboxnation.com/forum/topics/easy-to-build-cigar-box-gui...
As for "killing sound or resonance" . , in this case the neck IS the bridge , and you may be surprised at the great quality of sound you get . In fact , even with through necks , many glue the neck right to the inside of the lid . and many folks prefer this method and agree it sounds better than leaving a space . (I have even seen long time builders who swore by leaving a space and not touching the lid , switch to attaching the neck right to the box lid after trying it once . . I myself always glue the neck in as one solid piece and the whole thing resonates better in my view . and there are many considerations etc .. ie: if it is electric with a mag pickup . it really doesn't matter . . and wood type , thickness , etc etc , all come into play . Then consider spooning , lid warp , shrunk space rattle , etc etc over time also .
There are 2 camps in this theory , as you can see here .
https://cigarboxnation.com/forum/topics/neck-touching-inside-of-box...
you can pick your own side.
This is not to say Taff is wrong here , his key word was "can" kill....." . but it CAN also add to resonance , by adding mass . look at some of the guitar sustain parts for sale , long metal straps to add to the neck etc etc . The logic can favor both and disagree with both , because you really are dealing with something other than a large deep body Acoustic guitar . a small narrow body may be better to go the other way . old school "rules " do not apply here . As Taff says , ... "experimenting is invaluable". try both and see what works for you .
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