I know this has been discussed before. But I have just finished a new build and I have decided to forgo the sound holes. I was going to add an f-hole for the looks, but this thing just sounds too good to cut into the top of it. I have a theory: the sound holes do not enhance the sound of an acoustic CBGuitar. Any thoughts?
(apologies if you responded to this before, I posted this a few days ago and it got deleted)
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I really enjoy all the ideas and creativity shown on this website. But, I always seem to come back to how those original Delta blues men would have done it. I doubt Lightnin' Hopkins would have paid any attention to holes unless the box already had one punched in it when he came across it.
could you put 2 sound holes down the middle of the top of the box? like instead of one on each side. put the 2 sound holes down the middle where the COHIBA brand is? I want to do this with my current box but not sure if it doesn't work, because i never see them with holes placed there?
thoughts anyone?
Matty Baratto this guy (who made sir Pauls guitar) has several on his profile page with center holes, not sure how he attaches the neck, must be braced around the edges or on the back perhaps.
Well the reason most dont put holes down the center is because that is where neck is. And so it might not look right/sound right. Although it was suggested on mine to cut out the 'o' in Cohiba which is not a bad idea, and would look cool. Of course you cant unring a bell so it is a tough decision, as for me I have left mine sans-holes. —B
Rule #1, "there are no rules". You can put sound holes wherever you want. Different locations may sound different. Your results may vary. That's the fun of these things. Try it and find out. Many acoustic guitars have sound holes in the middle of the box, some around the edges. The only way to know if you will like it is to try it.
I often put sound holes in last, after it's strung and I've played it without. I consider the holes to be mainly cosmetic as I've not noticed any real difference in sound after putting the holes in, but like Oily "Strat O Nine Tales" says maybe that depends on the box.
There is an experiment you could try-loosen the strings enough to open the box just a touch-maybe 1/8" or less-shim beneath the lid and retighten-if there is a difference in volume or tone (and you prefer it) you might attempt a small soundhole or two. Don't forget-you can always drill a soundhole or two in the side of the box instead of the soundboard, and then make a plug for it later...
I build lid on the back for just this reason the sound board is part of the sides much better projection and i can seal the back with tape when i record, and i can voice the box from the back anytime i want fiddle with the electronic when ever i want. I build a lot of Cohiba 6strings and they dont need holes, if i want an open sound I just crack the lid (back) open just a bit but i like it closed. Seal the lid real tight you might find the sound your looking for.
I sort of go inbetween, I like to make several small sound holes and fix little 'eyelets' into them to decorate the hole. I'm not a fan of cutting huge holes in the box, but then everyone is different, there are no rules!
Sound hole yes?no? Size of hole placement of hole hole hole hole. If you put a big hole in the middle you cant go back. So Iike all of us make a rationale uninformed decision. Like Oily said Cohibas seem to sound good without, I'm building a Uke with a little Cohiba box and will sand a 1/16 or so from the top looking for more sound if i don't get it. it will have a hole or 2 or 3 .
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