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Past Builds and learning from them..

Posted by Hip Bone Bellaire on March 28, 2012 at 3:40pm in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts

OK as I'm working on #9 or 10 I had time to fix my bridge on Build #1 so the frets will be correct... after opening up the box I was a bit surprised at how I have now made things way more complicated then they need to be... Build #1 was simple, simple neck, simple build, no forming of the neck, no volume control which takes out the high end when turned down.. It's Just a 1x2, a box and tuners. I believe I've made myself work to many hours on the new builds for nothing. OK Learning. Maybe use better tuners, better pick up and stick with the basics...The lack of time and family and the over simplicity of what these are means i'll just keep it simple...and learn how to freaking play...

Any thoughts?

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Replies

  • Bluesheart March 28, 2012 at 9:10pm

    For me trying new stuff on each build is a big part of the fun. If that means making it more complicated than it "needs" to be, then so be it. Sometimes a whole build idea may spring up around one particular component, like a decorative sound hole cover or something and that my dictate how other parts of the instrument have to be built. I don't think I have ever done one that ended up just the way I originally planned it. More details, features, finishing etc. also teaches me to slow down and enjoy the building process and not be in such a rush to "get her done" After all, it's not like I don't have a room full of CBGs that are just begging to be played anyway. Commissioned builds are a bit different as you may have to build to a certain spec/price point and that may dictate how much time/money/effort you are willing or able to invest. Now that I have built necks with scarf jointed heads, I'd have a hard time leaving off that feature even if it is really not necessary for a good instrument. I just like the way they look and feel and work. Leo Fender seemed to do just fine w/o them.

    • The Phrygian Kid > Bluesheart March 29, 2012 at 4:44am
      so do Gibson.. Oh except they always break off...
      :D
      Look there's guys here who like to spend months on one, obsessing over every little detail. And theres guys who wanna do a batch of ten in two days and smash em out on eBay for eighty bucks. Each to their own. I look around and I can see who the guys are who also have a couple o fenders or gibsons at home tho, you can see the players putting the effort into making em nice to play.
  • Lonman March 28, 2012 at 8:20pm

    I understand your situation. I really enjoy the building aspect and with my current build I have ventured into some new steps like pots, pick ups and more wiring to do. I also have been doing a lot of reading (thank you public library) and of course, still play when I get the urge. Actually love playing guitar more now than when I just played acoustic opr electric guitar. Each CBG plays different and sounds different and so enjoyable to play. Good thoughts on this thread. Hang in there!

  • Vinylhed March 28, 2012 at 7:12pm

    It's funny, but I've gone the opposite way. My first guitar was rather complicated for a novice's first project. It was a 6 string fretted tin guitar, with a scarf joint neck, truss rod, piezo and magnetic pick up with a three way switch, and sound holes. Each of my subsequent 3 builds have been far less complicated.

  • Hip Bone Bellaire March 28, 2012 at 6:53pm

    Yea, my next one will be a reso and totally different... KISS and remember what I've learned...

  • MichaelS Country Boy Guitars March 28, 2012 at 4:58pm

    My thought is that you are on to something, keep it simple and learn how to play. Refine your quality but keep the simple ness. 

  • The Phrygian Kid March 28, 2012 at 4:39pm
    I think if you're not trying something new then why build it? Just spend the energy playing an old one. I experiment with every single one. I spend many hours playing em too

    Sometimes you try something new and it becomes part of your book of tricks. Other times it's an idea that was worth looking into, but disproved or needed further refinement.
  • Bad Finger (Eric) March 28, 2012 at 4:23pm

    Einstein:  Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.

    That means as simple as possible to meet your criteria, not necessarily trying to make basic elements perform to a level that is unacheivable.


    I think it is natural to try and add upon prior experience at each step.  It is useful to revisit the basics and remind ourselves not to over think or waste time just adding complexity or components.  There is something to be said for the artistic vision and people make some real beauties, but I think mechanically it's a box and a stick.

    Keep playing and the basic build sound better and better.  I'm really surprised by one of my latest builds which is a Padron box, neck thru, bone bridge and electric strings tuned GBe.  Sounds beautiful and I'm learning how to make it sound better just by practicing.

  • Dan Sleep March 28, 2012 at 3:53pm

    That's the beauty of the CBG movement, you can make them as simple or as complicated as you like. I think there is a tendancy for people to make them more involved as they go along and they try out different things. I think anything you do that adds quality or value to your build is probably a good thing.

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