So I currently own a nice well-made 3-string CBG from a local experienced builder, and it is very nice and a high quality build, cost me $225 Canadian.
I also own a lower "quality" (not as fancy) single-string CBG (or diddley bow) from another Canadian builder, it is pretty much acoustic with an acoustic string, and only a piezo pick-up. I'll be keeping it acoustic because it's always good to have an acoustic on hand.
I just recently purchased another single string guitar from the same builder, only this time it uses a black cigar box and it has an electric string (by the looks of it, worst case scenario I can just buy an electric string). I've talked to the builder and they said they want people to be able to modify things easily, so they make it easy to "get inside" and that this version specifically as all the electronics located on the lid of the box, and all it takes is to remove a single screw to be able to open the box.
So my original plan is to:
1. Replace the piezo pickup with a real electric guitar pickup (already ordered, straight black, with volume and tone knobs as well).
2. Also, I want something that is quiet, and so I want to fill in all the empty space in the box so that there won't be much natural resonance. I also want to keep it relatively light weight and keep cost done, so what should I use to fill the box - cotton, foam, Styrofoam, etc?
3. Sand the neck and stain it, then put a layer or 2 of clear-coat on it. (got a small can of "red oak" in the garage kicking around).
However, I am also thinking of making it be able to "Self-amplify" as well, to make it a little special.
So for this I imagine I'd need a pair of small speaker drivers, and a small amplifier board, and to make sure they are compatible with each other.
Here's a picture of the single-string I ordered which should be coming in soon, and will be using as a base for this project. I think a red oak neck, and a black pickup and knobs will go good with this.
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Sorry I didn't see this until now.
Great ideas for my next build (whenever that is).
I ended up using another slightly smaller bolt, cutting the head off, and painting it black. I then measured the scale length from the middle of the nut (it's 24 inch scale) and then hot glued the bolt in the correct spot.
It looks a lot more elegant now, and also the bridge won't accidentally move, like it did when the only thing keeping it in place was string tension.
The “Free” Paint stir sticks are great for a Bridge base & Trim piece. They can also be stained/painted without loosing all detail of the numbers? Some use them for pickup covers? And, they’re Free!! Cheers :)
Are the pickup adjustment screws tightened all the way down? A wooden base works well for higher bridge heights, maybe try that?
Thanks, that sounds like a good and easy suggestion. I'll look into that.
I will need a longer bolt to use as a bridge, because the current bolt that came with it, is a little short and the cover from the pickup interferes with it a little bit, making it hard to position and keep in place.
Hi, looks a lot better know, well done. If I can make a suggestion. You could buy a cheap black pickgaurd, teardrop style, and reshape it to cover the hole near the pickup.
They are easily cut with scissors and are adhesive backed.
Taff
Here's the "finished version" with the neck sanded, stained, and clear-coated, as well as the bottom piece painted black.
So,
The pickup is now installed - I tested it and it works.
my dad cut the opening for the pickup a little to wide, so the little bit of black rubber is there temporarily to cover the gap. I'm thinking in the future to maybe make a small "pickguard" and install it around that side of the pickguard.
So now it's gonna be onto sanding and staining the neck. At least the most important, and "hardest" part is complete now. I think I'll just paint the little stub at the bottom black, to match the body.
Kevin, if you’re unsure or lacking in skills, the best thing to do is practice on scraps, or at least that was how I was taught? No harm, no foul? If that gap bothers you, you can always make a trim piece to cover or just make a wider one using the original holes as a template? You’d be surprised what a little stained wood can do for those little boo boo’s! Cheers :)
So, I did some work.
I got inside the box, removed the old piezo and output jack, and made the outline for where the pickup should go. So now, I have made some good progress.
I decided to wait for my father to help me cut out the spot for the pickup tomorrow, because I don't want anything to go wrong.
Well, the pickup came in today.
So now I will finally be able to do this soon. yay! probably tomorrow.
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