I posted a query about using a tambourine for guitar body a while back. Seems it had been done before, but I couldn't resist.
I used the head stock I had left over from an old violin. I spliced it into a 1" red oak dowel from HD. After splicing and smoothing, I applied a faux finish over the entire neck to blend the maple head stock into the oak neck.
It's a slider, so I just notched the dowel on the up-facing surface to indicate fret locations and brass tacks to indicate the usual dots.
I wanted to used the original violin tuning pegs, but after giving that I try I had a new respect for violinist and a firm belief that I could never keep this thing in tune with simple tapered pegs. Soooooooo..... I pirated some enclosed tuners from a git I wasn't using, built up the side of the head stock to accommodate and gave it a try.
I choose to string with the Gitty med-hi-hi strings (.020w, .012, .009) tuned to G3-D4-G4. Tuned an octave above the normal range, this puppy is treble-rich. I finally decided to tune down to get some of that sloppy-string sound. Down to DAD and it sounds really nice with the two piezos wired in parallel. I did install a tone control with a .047 uF cap. It works well to control the high notes.
Overall, I'm very pleased with the tambourine slider. It has a very bluegrass type sound and you can hear the tambourine head "thump" thanks to the piezos.
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This post got me thinking about tuning machines.I use mostly Jackson/Charvel Schaller type tuners.The type that are on hot rod metal guitars.The main reason is I have soooooo many of them.I built parts'casters and just ended up w/ dozens of them.So they work great on CBG's and I never have to run to the music or HD store for parts.
If it isnt in the garage or my parts box it doesnt belong on the CBG.
I guess its about function.I woulda put those tuners on it too.Sweet instrument.
That is really cool.I also dig the story of how you built it.Lots of really good info.That headstock is awsome.
Thanks for sharing.
BNZ'
Thanks CS. Since this forum is about "Building Secrets" I think it's important to share how something got build and not just show photos. Some of the techniques I used are well known, but others may be new to a lot of folks. If sharing technique helps other builders, then it's worth putting is a few extra photos and words.
Cool Tom T,I thank you again for the tips.I really believe this is a forum for sharing info,not hoarding it.
I'll get some pics of my stuff up asap.
That's the spirit! I figure everyone has valuable tips (secrets?) to share. We'll all build better stuff as a result.
Awesome work on that! I especially like how you joined the head and neck, you really can't see it at all, looks to be carved out of one solid piece!!
Thanks Bluesheart. It is turning out to be a nice little git. Very "swampy" sound.
looks nice.
using the violin head make that extra special.
That is a keeper right there, It might have been done before but you have readdressed the thing with a winner,