next Project is a 4 string cbg with short,(23 inch,) scale. Coudn't find a dove-tail sides box, so using a maduro. I play and like small,3/4 guitars so I thought a 23 inch scale made sense. I read somewhere that shorter scale can have a bad effect on tone. I thought someone might know what I can expect. The Maduro box top is pretty thick, while the bottom is thin. I thought it might due to try inverting the box to use the thinner bottom for the sound board, maybr adding a little inner bracing under the bridge. mY THINKING IS TO TRY AND GET AS MUCH VIBRATION GOING AS i CAN WITH SUCH A SMALL BOX. i THOUGHT MAYBE SOUND HOLES AT THE SIDES INSTEAD OF THE TOP, LIKE SOME EXOTIC GUITARS I;VE SEEN, MIGHT SERVE TO CREATE A BETTER MEDIUM FOR VIBRATIONS. aNY THOUGHTS ANYBODY. IF THIS IS THE WRONG WAY OR PLACE TO POSE SUCH QUESTIONS, SORRY. JUST JOINED AND DON'T UNDERSTAND CORRECT PROCEDURE
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There's a good possibility I could be totally wrong about diminishing returns with the soundboard. In that spirit, I found Kasha/Schneider Soundboard Bracing Theory which is being put into practice at Makaio Ukuleles, which are handmade in Sydney, Australia by Matt Blacka. I think multiple posters here will at least be curious about Kasha bracing.
Hi Christopher, yes the top of the instrument is the most important component, but don't discount the back of the instrument, it's very important too.
if Gordon was to thin the back/bottom (used to be the top) he would get even better performance. Also, soundholes in the sides would aid in the volume directed at the player, but not project equally as well to the listener out front.
Glad y'all thinking about this subject.
Taff
How about this, guys. I find another maduro box. Since the bottom of the box is thin, generating the idea of inverting the box, I wonder about using 2 box bottoms, each with thin, but seemingly solid top-bottoms. Sides and ends are very dense 1/4-5/16 wood. I plan to dowel these due to no dove tailing. Glued dowels add tremendous strength. CBG would be a little chunkey but so am I. Inside volume would be roomy for neck bracing. Sides would be 3 and 3/4 , plenty of room for side sound holes. I think you guys may be onto something! thanks, Gordon (mud lizzard lou)
Hi again, the radius referred to is the curve on top of the fingerboard. On a six string neck they are usually one of the following 7.25 " 9.5" 10" 12" 14" 16" and 20" and sometime a mix of two. The reason is to aid in easier ergonomic positioning of the fingers on the frets. However contrary to this rule is traditionally Classical, nylon and Spanish guitars have flat fingerboards. Some more modern nylon guitar now have a "radiused fingerboard.
As you say Gordon, is it a benefit on a narrow [non tapered] fingerboard? Possibly not, it's a matter of taste. I have radiused my mandolin fingerboards, and they are very narrow.
For slide playing I would prefer a flat board. Don't forget if you radius the board you should also radius the saddle and nut too.
Taff
Hey, I see on your profile, or whatever they call it, you live in Australia. My son lives in Manley. If our idiot-in -chief, Trump looks like he's about to destroy the country, and I become a refugee at my son's door. I'll look you up. Gordon
Ha ha, I've made up the spare bed already, no nead to bring a guitar there's one in the room waiting.
Taff
I've e got chuckle, Gordon it depends on your idea of heaven, not for me, I live in North Queensland. We get the same beautiful country and less people, except when the people from Sydney arrive in winter. Haha.
Oh, and I have more guitars than I can pack in my car, but I'm only allowed one to stay in the house.
Taff
only one Taff... you're slipping..lol
I'm sure you're right. Before I took my 3 string apart to make a 4 string cbg, I worked to find chords. I couldn't get used to the slide. The neck is so narrow, the flatness didn.t seem to bother me. I guess I'm trying to find out everything that's out there. I've got time to sniff posibilities out before I commit. Moved into a house We bought and I'm stripping wallpaper, and painting and stuff. Its ok, I really like the research, planning, drawing up plans. I guess it's from years of model ship building. It's the old, if it will work on paper, it will work in wood. Right now, I'm wondering wheather to anchor the neck jus at the ends of the box, or to add shims to the underside of the neck and anchor it to the bottom.????? Pleasure talking to you
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