Sam, "I'm ALL OVER THAT.... couldn't have planned it better.
Wichita Sam said:
Unusable? Heck no... it may not be "fast", but think of the long slinky slides you can get on a neck like that!!!
the best,
Wichita Sam
Michael Morris said:
Thanks guys, I misfigured on this and used a 22-1/2" fretboard layout which I had from a lap steel layout. Ends up that I have 27-3/8" scale length. Is tha going to be useable?
Diane said:
Everything I build is smaller. My first was 21" (planned as a 24). Once I realized I could make a "custom" guitar (nothing could be more custom than a cbg, I now know . . .) I went shorter and shorter until I arrived at my current favorite of 15".
If I build more for other people, I'd probably go back up to a 17 or even 19. Folks are just used to longer necks, and likely have bigger hands than I do. But for a new player there are no expectations, and as a new player myself (I'd done fiddle and mandolin) I was happier and much more likely to play with a comfy fit.
HOGS GRUNT said:
I have never investigated the short necks, sounds interesting. Tell me more please.
Diane said:
If I was a new builder AND a new player: 3-string 17 or 19 inch from bridge to nut, dulcimer fretting ( no wrong notes).
I like the shorter length because less warping issues and you can leave your left hand on one place while you learn to play.
Unusable? Heck no... it may not be "fast", but think of the long slinky slides you can get on a neck like that!!!
the best,
Wichita Sam
Michael Morris said:
Thanks guys, I misfigured on this and used a 22-1/2" fretboard layout which I had from a lap steel layout. Ends up that I have 27-3/8" scale length. Is tha going to be useable?
Diane said:
Everything I build is smaller. My first was 21" (planned as a 24). Once I realized I could make a "custom" guitar (nothing could be more custom than a cbg, I now know . . .) I went shorter and shorter until I arrived at my current favorite of 15".
If I build more for other people, I'd probably go back up to a 17 or even 19. Folks are just used to longer necks, and likely have bigger hands than I do. But for a new player there are no expectations, and as a new player myself (I'd done fiddle and mandolin) I was happier and much more likely to play with a comfy fit.
HOGS GRUNT said:
I have never investigated the short necks, sounds interesting. Tell me more please.
Diane said:
If I was a new builder AND a new player: 3-string 17 or 19 inch from bridge to nut, dulcimer fretting ( no wrong notes).
I like the shorter length because less warping issues and you can leave your left hand on one place while you learn to play.
Thanks guys, I misfigured on this and used a 22-1/2" fretboard layout which I had from a lap steel layout. Ends up that I have 27-3/8" scale length. Is tha going to be useable?
Diane said:
Everything I build is smaller. My first was 21" (planned as a 24). Once I realized I could make a "custom" guitar (nothing could be more custom than a cbg, I now know . . .) I went shorter and shorter until I arrived at my current favorite of 15".
If I build more for other people, I'd probably go back up to a 17 or even 19. Folks are just used to longer necks, and likely have bigger hands than I do. But for a new player there are no expectations, and as a new player myself (I'd done fiddle and mandolin) I was happier and much more likely to play with a comfy fit.
HOGS GRUNT said:
I have never investigated the short necks, sounds interesting. Tell me more please.
Diane said:
If I was a new builder AND a new player: 3-string 17 or 19 inch from bridge to nut, dulcimer fretting ( no wrong notes).
I like the shorter length because less warping issues and you can leave your left hand on one place while you learn to play.
Everything I build is smaller. My first was 21" (planned as a 24). Once I realized I could make a "custom" guitar (nothing could be more custom than a cbg, I now know . . .) I went shorter and shorter until I arrived at my current favorite of 15".
If I build more for other people, I'd probably go back up to a 17 or even 19. Folks are just used to longer necks, and likely have bigger hands than I do. But for a new player there are no expectations, and as a new player myself (I'd done fiddle and mandolin) I was happier and much more likely to play with a comfy fit.
HOGS GRUNT said:
I have never investigated the short necks, sounds interesting. Tell me more please.
Diane said:
If I was a new builder AND a new player: 3-string 17 or 19 inch from bridge to nut, dulcimer fretting ( no wrong notes).
I like the shorter length because less warping issues and you can leave your left hand on one place while you learn to play.
Me, Id avoid a 6 string as you it involves extra work like truss rod etc.
Depending on how beginner you are (?), Id be tempted to go fretless at first, 3 or 4 string, acoustic, or maybe with a piezo. You really can make it up as you go, but if you get stuck theres plenty of folk on here only to glad to help. You'll learn as you go, ideas will form, you'll build another.... and another.... and another....eventually CBGs will take over your life. It happens :o)
Stay with 3 or 4 string.... 6 strings put too much tension on the neck, demanding some building "chops"... later,
Build the scale length you are used to... if you're a player.... what's our fav. guitar? Thats the scale length.
keep the first build simple.... neck thru, bolts for nuts and bridge....
The only thing I'd think about is adding a seperate fret board, even though I'd suggest fretless build, This resolves most headstock/tuner issues and makes reliefing the neck thru under the box top much simpler and stronger....
Other than that, look at some pics of simple builds, don't over think it and have fun.... It isn't brain surgery, it's a box, a stick and some strings......
Actually 1 through whatever is your choice for strings, I think, but starting I went with 4 strings because it was simple, didn't have to worry the torsion rod thingy. Another consideration is turners, if you make a three string you can get two guitars out of a set of tuners. But, the bottom line is as Hogs Grunt said, above all have fun and don't stress. It will not be your last build, so make the first pretty simple to learn from. AND welcome to the forum.
Replies
Wichita Sam said:
the best,
Wichita Sam
Michael Morris said:
Diane said:
If I build more for other people, I'd probably go back up to a 17 or even 19. Folks are just used to longer necks, and likely have bigger hands than I do. But for a new player there are no expectations, and as a new player myself (I'd done fiddle and mandolin) I was happier and much more likely to play with a comfy fit.
HOGS GRUNT said:
Tell me more please.
Diane said:
I like the shorter length because less warping issues and you can leave your left hand on one place while you learn to play.
Me, Id avoid a 6 string as you it involves extra work like truss rod etc.
Depending on how beginner you are (?), Id be tempted to go fretless at first, 3 or 4 string, acoustic, or maybe with a piezo. You really can make it up as you go, but if you get stuck theres plenty of folk on here only to glad to help. You'll learn as you go, ideas will form, you'll build another.... and another.... and another....eventually CBGs will take over your life. It happens :o)
Enjoy!
Stay with 3 or 4 string.... 6 strings put too much tension on the neck, demanding some building "chops"... later,
Build the scale length you are used to... if you're a player.... what's our fav. guitar? Thats the scale length.
keep the first build simple.... neck thru, bolts for nuts and bridge....
The only thing I'd think about is adding a seperate fret board, even though I'd suggest fretless build, This resolves most headstock/tuner issues and makes reliefing the neck thru under the box top much simpler and stronger....
Other than that, look at some pics of simple builds, don't over think it and have fun.... It isn't brain surgery, it's a box, a stick and some strings......
ask for help if you get stuck,
the best,
Wichita Sam
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