Hi, just for the sake of making lighthearted conversation, I‘d like to share the following.
Rules. I was checking long-lost posts recently and came across comments, many by long-lost members, that bought up the word, or the issue of rules as related to instruments featured in this forum. So…..
It is often said on this forum that there are no rules when building a CBG. I would suggest that there are rules if that’s the word one chooses to use, and as in all areas of endeavor, not following the rules has consequences.
I do not intend to criticise those that choose to work outside those rules, as I would be criticizing myself. I would be the first to admit that I find it hard to stick to all the rules, all the time that are associated with musical instrument building.
There are however many rules in life that I do adhere to, but in the building of instruments, I’m the only one that faces any consequences of stepping outside the rule.
• What are rules? A set of guidelines or principles governing the procedure within a particular area of activity.
I like to use the word guidelines, sounds less intimidating than rules. But for the sake of this offering, I’ll use the word RULES.
Before I started building instruments seriously, I read and followed all the rules I could get my hands on. In those days the main source of info for me was from magazines. When I could afford books, I learned the rules for building all popular stringed instruments. Why?......
Well, after spending lots of money on tonewood and storing it for use, and being in uncharted waters, I couldn’t afford to mess things up. It took a few years before I started to make my own rules.
• Rules are not static they evolve.
• Rules are based on theories of what’s best based on info at the time.
• When understanding the reason for the rule we can see the consequences of deviating from it.
Rules that restrict more than they enable are often broken in my workshop, but I appreciate and understand the reason for that rule and set my own guidelines.
If everybody followed all the rules laid out by early instrument builders progress would be hampered with new designs, methods, and materials not evolving. I would say that some rules do apply to building “box” guitars as they do for other instruments, and not following those rules, or being selective is what makes Lutherie interesting for me.
• Rules are instructions, a guide to do a task, but not the only way though.
So, when someone asks, “how do I…?” we often respond with a rule or should I say, respond with guidelines.
Footnote: After fifty years of repairing stringed Instruments, and I’ve seen inside all brands, I can confidently tell you we are not the only group not following the rules all the time. Haha.
Cheers Taff
Replies
Hi, wow page three, never thought this would run this long, great stuff guys.
Carl Floyd also nailed it with his post and link.
Wichita Sam, your question “Taffy you stepped in it?” has me confused. If you are referring to the “can of worms” mentioned earlier, you may be correct. But many have stepped in behind me. Ha Ha.
In my poem earlier, such as it was, I alluded to your comments:
No rules may be encouraging for a very beginner
But in time you will find the need for a winner……
Picks' comments focused mainly on information overload. And that’s very true in some cases, but on this forum, an information-sharing place, with information coming from many contributors I feel overload could be seen as being present.
Pick’s analogy of the old man giving advice over the fence is valid also. The difference here is that members seek help and advice and want answers from others. And it's great to see the ideas of others flooding in.
I’m a firm believer in the fact that knowing the intricacies of the building will make one a better builder.
If one does not wish to be a better builder, ignore the information, or just take on what suits you.
I know when I seek info on doing a task, it’s not just the how that’s important, but also the whys of issues surrounding that task. I worked with adults of all skill levels for 25 years, teaching in a wood workshop. I could see firsthand that people are not overloaded so easily if the information is delivered at the receiver’s pace.
Unfortunately, that pace regulation is up to the individual member on a forum like this, I feel.
When I was learning as a beginner, and even now, if I’m not ready or skilled enough to use the information offered I know it’s available but do not worry myself about taking it on board until I’m ready.
Too long I know-
Thanks for sharing
Taff
So, Taffy, you stepped in it?
"No Rules" was formulated to liberate new builders from the burden of thinking that they were not even good enough to try. "Experienced" builders tend to flex their vast knowledge of minutiae to the point that noobies can give up before they try.
Heck, a CBG is a box, a stick and personal stumbling around as the builder gains experience. That's what it's about. Help, if asked, but stay out of the way.
In the CBG world, experience is the best teacher.
the Best, Wichita Sam
Congrats Sam . you nailed it . I fully agree . Even newbie plunders are not "fails" . just new "discoveries" of what doesn't work . not to mention they may discover NEW ideas and designs this way.
As long as they are given guidance or have previous knowledge on scale length and fret, nut , bridge positions . (beyond a" diddley bow" ) Dad can let go of the back of the bike.
A kid building a soap box derby racer in his back yard will only be discouraged by the old man next door that used to work at Ford , peeking over the fence explaining the need for rack and pinion steering , and drawing diagrams and voltage needs for the power windows .
Just as lack of experience can discourage , so can information overload.--- even more-so imho.
New builders will naturally progress , and ask about whats next as they research upgrades and or get to a new topic/ method they wish to explore if it's needed or not.
Its supposed to be fun. ;-)
better watch out or he might end up as strings...lol just kidding i love cats.
Guidelines, they are called guidelines. :)
"A cigar box guitar is to a regular guitar what a micro-house is to a regular house." "You get to break the rules, but you still have to follow some guidelines." - Farley Andresen
https://amp.fosters.com/amp/31995043007
Hi, our cat was surrounded by tonewood, which did not help either.
Cheers Taff
I agree with you Taff. no rules/guidelines will make something that will twang. But to make something musical then that's where the guidelines help.
Hi,
Ha-ha, very true Pick.
What’s that saying? “Think outside the box’.
Taff
PS... Photo is WRONG ! Gate door MUST be made out of tone wood ! ;-)
Hi, well I did say a lighthearted look, thanks, Carl and Timothy.
Here is a list of guidelines that apply to instrument building generally, but can be as equally useful when building instruments of interest to forum members building box instruments.
Timothy Hunter, I have read your rhyme
Gee, it must have taken some time
Your one-line comments really made me chuckle
If they say there are no rules, well here are a couple
In the list I have posted and its one that I follow
You may see that “no Rules” is a hard one to swallow
No rules may be encouraging for a very beginner
But in time you may find there's a need for a winner
So, if you want the best out of what you put in
Remember these guidelines and let your instruments sing.
...Or not.
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