#1 resource for Cigar Box Guitars, Free Plans, How-To, Parts & More!
Fretting about my frets: Spiraling wire around neck?
My first build is a banjo ukulele based on a rectangular cookie tin. I want to fret it, because I want to use this instrument to learn to play the uke.
I originally planned to do zip tie frets, but my test runs reveal that they are wide, don't lie flat, and are just plain ugly. I've read some threads on CBN about fret alternatives, and given several ideas some thought. I don't want to buy fret wire because I'm cheap. :-)
I have some 18ga wire, and I'm thinking about spiraling it around the neck. I'd make V-shaped grooves on either side of the fingerboard at the proper position, so the wire would lie flat across the board, but would run diagonally across the back of the neck to the next fret.
Has anyone tried something like this? I can't imagine I'm the first to think of it. Pros? Cons?
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Karl G. Siewert on
-
Thank you all for your advice and suggestions. I've completed my uke (well, almost. Need to build a taller bridge) and there are photos here:
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/album/show?id=2592684%3AAlbum%3...
Here's a bonus pic of the back of the fretboard:
-
Permalink Reply by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on
-
Looks neat, well done.
-
Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on
-
Karl,
Very kewl, almost looks like the woodworms got to it.
- ‹ Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- Next ›
The Essential Pages
Recommended Links & Resources
- CigarBoxGuitar.com - the knowledgebase of the homemade music movement.
- Cigar Box Music - How-to-Build CBGs DVDs, How to Play CBG and more!
- 3-String-Guitar.com - John "Red Dog" McNair's unique take on cigar box guitars and their history - lots of historic photos!
- The Cigar Box Guitar Manifesto - the mission statement and rallying cry for the Cigar Box Guitar Revolution.
Forum
Are metal frets necessary?
Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Southern Ray 5 hours ago. 8 Replies 1 Like
AI Search Query - Curious Answer
Started by Southern Ray in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Southern Ray 5 hours ago. 6 Replies 0 Likes
Song lyrics for Steve's new song
Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by BrianQ. yesterday. 4 Replies 0 Likes
UK - Best Place to Buy Cigar Box's
Started by Rich Butters in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Crazed Fandango on Tuesday. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Busking Songs...
Started by Nomad Jack in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods Apr 17. 7 Replies 2 Likes
Joseph J. Rogowski about Current Based Pickup Design
Started by Moritz Voegeli in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 14. 6 Replies 2 Likes
crossover guitar.
Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Apr 10. 14 Replies 3 Likes
Flat bucker under box top. Any Success?
Started by Tom T in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 9. 9 Replies 0 Likes
Has anyone tried this? Thoughts?
Started by Southern Ray in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 4. 7 Replies 1 Like
just came accross this pickup idea on youtube.
Started by Timothy Hunter in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 27. 1 Reply 2 Likes
VIDEO: Building a CBG with limited resources.
Started by Taffy Evans in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 10. 1 Reply 3 Likes
Free PDF Download: Vintage Guitar Effects Plans - 1967 Fuzzbox and 1969 Treble Boost
Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by BrianQ. Mar 9. 4 Replies 3 Likes
Tune up songs
Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies 1 Like
Duel output jacks
Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies 0 Likes
No Harmonics
Started by Ken I in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Brian partington Mar 8. 8 Replies 0 Likes
Camera suggestions?
Started by Southern Ray in Cool gear discussion - that's not cigar box related. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 6. 5 Replies 0 Likes
CBG site issues, continued.
Started by Taffy Evans in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 5. 4 Replies 2 Likes
Anyone used a violin-style tailpiece on a CBG?
Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Carl Floyd Mar 1. 15 Replies 0 Likes
Guitar for the grandson
Started by Joe in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Carl Floyd Feb 29. 13 Replies 0 Likes
Building with vintage paper/pressed board cigar boxes.
Started by Chance in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Feb 22. 12 Replies 1 Like
Blog Posts
I'll be fashionable this summer =)
Posted by Vlad on March 31, 2024 at 11:48pm 0 Comments 1 Like
Everyone can make CBG. And I did it =)
Posted by Vlad on March 6, 2024 at 2:32am 5 Comments 2 Likes
.✨. Cover Me ..♪♫•*¨*•. ~ the Delta Blues Outlaws
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 28, 2024 at 2:09pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Q&A with Arkansas-based talented blues musician Billy Jones, one of the very best authentic modern artists
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 17, 2024 at 11:00pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Big Power Bank for Small CBG =)
Posted by Vlad on February 11, 2024 at 1:06am 1 Comment 1 Like
Latest Activity
CigarBoxGuitar.com Knowledgebase Articles
Events
Music
© 2024 Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker.
Powered by
