i am looking for a very easy build thats more about playing then building...
im thinking about the basic kit from CB Gitty but i have a few questions:
1.is it any good (from your experience how is the quality of all the components)?
2.in the electronics section there are pre wired pick ups what does that mean (that there is no soldering)
3. do they ship world wide
also i need is a good pre-fretted neck (a finished neck) and i looked every where but i cant find one
like i said im not really looking for building i just dont hae the time and if i could i would by one from slackjack guitars but building is much more affordable.
Replies
vk,
Sorry to leave you in the lurch, went to bed. Nope, a standard guitar neck could be just fine.
There are loads of pics on CBN of builds using standard guitar necks; cruise around the site, use the Search function, check 'em out.
What neck you use depends, in part, on the scale length of the instrument, which is the distance measured from the front edge of the nut to the bridge. Many people here build 22 - 25.5"(558 - 647.7mm) scale length instruments. Standard scale lengths for 6-string guitars typically range from Gibson's 24 3/4" (628.65mm) to Fender's 25.5" (647.7 mm). There is a Discussion Group here at CBN called Scale Lengths that has all the info you may ever need on this topic.
Many of the builders here prefer to shape and fret their own necks. It's not that hard once you've tried it a few times. You can also go fretless, which is what a lot of people initially do. Why not try that first? Many people mark the fret locations for slide playing using permanent markers, or burn them in using a cheap soldering iron or woodburner. Frets can always be added later; you can make frets from toothpicks, bamboo skewers, plastic wire ties, fishing line, old bicycle spokes, wire coat hangers, large staples, finishing nails (which is what I used on my first two builds)...
Also, unfretted necks can be easily made from a broomstick. Super Chikan and Seasick Steve have both built single and multi-stringed instruments using a simple broomstick for a neck; check 'em out on YouTube. My friend Roadkill aka John Maw in the UK used a couple of aluminum shower curtain rods to build a gorgeous looking and sounding 3-string CBG. Check it out:
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/video/amazing-grace-on-double-neck-cbg
He has pics detailing the build, and would be more than happy to answer any how-to questions.
There's really no limit to what you can do in terms of repurposing and DIY, which is kinda what this is all about: homemade music, homemade instruments.
Spend some time exploring the site, lurking, asking questions. As you appear to feel unsure about your DIY skills, try this: get a piece of lumber, say 1 meter or so; heck, even a relatively straight tree branch or unloved / unused wooden closet curtain rod or broomstick will work for this. Get a hammer, a coupla nails, a bottle or tin and 1 guitar string. Build yourself a diddley bow (watch Jack White of The White Stripes build one in under 2 minutes here):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZNk76_4lds
This is about the simplest stringed instrument anyone can build. Many people here start off with a version of this. Then they move to a canjo or dulcijo, 1 or more strings, fretted, unfretted. Then they move up to 3 string CBGs, then 4, then maybe 5, 6 or more. You're only limited by your imagination, your will power, and your skills. Remember that the original builders of CBGs and CB fiddles used very simple hand tools, rudimentary skills, and simple found materials to build usable musical instruments. No reason you can't do the same. THat's kinda why you're here, isn't it? All of the info you'd ever wanna forget is here at CBN, with loads of helpful people, from absolute beginners like yourself to expert builders with over 500 builds to their credit.
If you still wanna do a kit, Gitty will be happy to provide everything but the neck. I've given you several suggestions about necks, and how to source them (including building your own). Hardest thing is to just get started.
Oily
wouldn't a guitar neck be too long?
vk,
First, contact any of the sellers on eBay that are selling fretted necks; most of them reside in the US. See if they'll ship direct. Second, contact Wild Guitars in Tel Aviv, see if they can get a neck shipped to you, or alternatively, have some busted guitars they'd let you take the neck from.
The piezo pickup generally gets attached to the box lid (or back) directly beneath the bridge, or alternatively, to the neck. Some people use tape, others use glue, still others report good results with a dab of silicone caulk. Check on the Beginners Group page here at CBN.
hey,Oily "Strat-O'-Nine-Tales" Fool
thanks for your help but there is still a problem
not allot of people on Ebay ship to israel so i cant get a neck from there (any other ideas?)
i also checked out the ted crocker piezo pick up with volume pot. but i just realised that i dont know where the actual pickup go in side the guitar
thanks in advance...
Oily "Strat-O'-Nine-Tales" Fool said:
vk,
Looked at your profile page, realize you're in Tel Aviv, Israel.
I think you'll find Gitty's kit is just fine for a starter. The components are top notch; Gitty don't do junk. Many of us buy components from him (hardware, fretwire, tuners, amp kits, all sorts of parts, etc.) and have routinely been impressed with the service and the quality; if you don't believe me, just ask around the website, or check the testimonials on his page. No, I haven't built one of his kits, because I like the challenge of building my own boxes, given where I live. But I did consider it as one viable option when I started on CBGs earlier this year.
Pre-wired pickups indeed means no soldering.
There are prefretted CBG necks available on eBay for anywhere from $20-$80.
Gitty ships internationally, but will state the full value of the item on the shipment, for Customs purposes. They are honest brokers, and will not falsify paperwork to reduce any Customs duties.
Click on Gitty's link, get on eBay, and get building! Or try to source the cigar boxes (wine boxes work, too) locally, then get all the other hardware from Gitty; I know I saw some in Jerusalem when I was there a year ago November.
Hope this helps,
Oily