Hey guys,

I'm a noob here. I just ordered my very first CBG from Crumbley Casters in Alabama. I had emailed Justin Johnson and he recommended them to me. Honestly, you can't beat their prices. I figured if JJ recommended them, then they have to build a decent CBG. It should be noted I am a TOTAL NOOB...meaning: I have never played a tuned instrument in my life, but I was a serious hard rock drummer for over 25 years, until I hurt my shoulder...so that is why I am switching over to CBG now. My drumming days are over...it was a blast while it lasted.

So, there is so much that I am ignorant of when it comes to guitars, period. Lastnight, I just saw a CBG with a toggle switch on it. I've played with tons of guitarists over the years, but honestly, never bothered asking them about their equipment (it was never my business as a drummer). So, I see that toggle switch allows you to switch between pickups, but the CBG I ordered only has one pickup...wish I knew more about all the options, as I am sure once I dive into playing this thing, I'm going to want more, LOL. Hope I don't regret only getting the one pickup (a Thinbucker). I am very confidant that I will learn to play this thing well. My mindset will be no different in my approach than when I was a drummer...strive for greater and greater heights skill-wise.

So, knowing that I am going to get addicted to this hobby, I'm probably going to want to buy another CBG down the road, after my skills improve. This community would know more than any other guitar community as to who is the king-daddy of excellent sounding CBG builds...who builds a superb quality CBG with awesome sound and hardware. So, I'm here to find out where I might purchase my next CBG down the road...with all the bells and whistles...a high-quality piece? Where would I go for that? Anyone?

Recommendations would be appreciated.

What's the consensus?

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Thanks. What about anyone here in the USA?

Chicken Bone John in the  UK.

Thanks, but I'm gonna try and keep my purchases in the USA.

Actually it kind of makes sense for somebody in the USA to buy from Canada. A Canadian dollar costs 74 cents US right now. Shipping is easy and not that expensive.

Thanks. I wasn't aware.

Just checked out Swamp Witch's CBG's. Amazing looking stuff. Very cool! I'm a huge Universal classic monster fan, so I'm sure he's got something I'd like to own. Love his Dracula and Creature CBG's.

Swamp Witch guitars are as good as it gets. They are true artistry, and you won't find better for the money. You can choose a theme, and have a one of a kind custom guitar.

Part of the fun of the CBG is that it is accessible for the disreputable builder, with the cultivation of the level of disreputability being a big part of that. The really cool thing is you can cultivate your level of disreputability in whatever direction you want to take. 

Check out the plans

Put a stick in a box and add a string or two or three or six. 

Make your next one better, or worse - your decision and go from there.

Unfortunately, I am not setup at all to build CBG's. I own very few tools and have never been mechanically inclined. I'm an artist, and far from being a craftsman. I'd rather rely on someone else's experience and expertise.

There are plenty in the US, it's a matter of what you want, they all do it a little different to each other, guys like Matty Boratto make quality high end guitars, but at a price, you maybe should play around a bit with your new one, explore the site, and see what catches your eye/ear, i have a fretless Swamp Witch that i'd recommend to anyone for that type of guitar

Thanks.

I just visited Baratto's website. Whoah, $2,000 for a CBG? That is about the most expensive I've seen thus far. Visually, none of his designs grab me. Though maybe they sound great??? I would hope. 

I'm hoping they have the CBG festival again this year in York, PA. Maybe I'll see something up there I like...but yeah, I am going to just enjoy the one I just ordered before I make any other purchases. I still have lots to learn, and alot more to discern.

The problem you have is, until you play around a bit and find the "sound" you like, it's very hard to recommend any particular guitar or type of guitar, a lot , if not most of the guys who make these things, would probably be happy to make one at a reasonable price, so spend a few days looking at pics and vids on CBN, the vids in particular will show the varying tones and characteristics of different guitars

Snuff,

Let's come at this decision from a different direction. When you started learning to play drums, what kit did you learn on? Was it a $2000+ Ludwig or Pearl with all-maple shells, Zildjian cymbals, coated twin-ply Remo heads, and Vic Firths?

If yes, then go spend that $2K on Matty Baratto's custom handiwork. He does great work.

However, if, as may be more likely, you started out on a friend's older brother's hand-me-down kit, then there are literally dozens of quality builders here on CBN in the USA. Yes, you can take Justin's recommendation. Remember, however, that Justin is a top, gifted player who can make a three-string shovel scream. And you have admitted you've never played a stringed instrument.

So why not try this? Get a canjo, a one-stringed diddley bow: a stick attached to a can. Or do the very simple, Jack White diddley bow build from the film "It Might Get Loud." Start with one string, no frets, and a slide. There are plenty of builders over in the Canjo Consortium group here on CBN that will accommodate you. Canjo run anywhere from $10-$35. By the time you get bored with that, you may decide that you want to try a 3-stringer, maybe fretted. I can reliably recommend several builders who can supply you, starting with Shane Speal, the originator of this site, or Ben "Gitty" Baker, the current proprietor, who can sell you a decent 3-stringer from C.B. Gitty (see the ad at the sidebar). Or order a SwampWitch from the anonymous pick (he's in Canada, but he ships to the US). Or find a local builder in your local area or state (check the state groups here on CBN.

Or even better, post a discussion with your CBG requirements (number of strings, fretted or un, acoustic or electric, piezo or mag pup, tone and / or volume knobs, or straight to the jack, etc.), and see how many US builders contact you with a sampling of their wares, or offers to do a custom job for you. I gar-on-tee you will very quickly identify a builder who will satisfy your needs / wants.

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