Neck construction

Hi! I recently built two cbg´s and just started on my third. On my first two I let the lid of the box lay flush against the neck (the part of it that's inside the box). These two have been fairly loud, and I was planning to make the next one the same, as it worked out fine and made the top strong. Then I thought I might get it louder if I take away some material off from the neck, under the lid, starting from the saddle and up to the fretboard, allowing the top to vibrate more freely. What do you guys think about this? Anyone who did this? I'd be happy for some inputs as I don't want to alter the neck in vain, as the original design worked out well.

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Roger Morin on February 25, 2009 at 1:51am

This is a standard practis of most builders. Although I do know of one person who glues the neck to the lid and it is loud. But doing as you said is what most do.

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Permalink Reply by berlina on February 25, 2009 at 3:39am

Okay, thanks. I'll try that then. How about the saddle? Do you keep that part of the neck against the lid or should that piece also be removed? I figure in that case I have to reinforce the lid itself in some way, bracings for example.
On the two other cbg's I built I made the saddle somewhat like on a banjo, with "feets". And these standing outside of the neck area, thinking it would make it louder. But I don't know, havent made a comparison to not having the "feets".

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on February 25, 2009 at 2:28pm

Hi,

What you're describing is pretty much standard CBG construction... Here's a link to Shane's website's instruction page...
http://www.cigarboxguitar.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/c... If you look at it carefully, even this very basic CBG has the neck under the top recessed so that the top can vibrate more freely. Also, if you are looking for volume, you can strip any paper from the underside of the lid, or even "thin" the lid... or you can "build on the bottom". The wood on the bottom is usually thinner and often has better sound qualities, including volume...

the best,
Sam

As far as saddle and neck question, recess the neck under the saddle too. I've build bridges with feet and flat and really don't see a difference in volume....