After watching the YouTube videos for about six months, I pilfered a wooden box out of the supply drawer at work, stopped on the way home and bought a stick, and went to work.
The tuners are off an old cheap banjo I bought at a garage sale to hang on the wall. The nut is cut from an old wire brush with a Bakelite handle. I carved the Banjo bridge down and recut it for the right string spacing.
Here's the fun part. Probably at the same garage sale the banjo came from, I bought one of those Fisher-Price tape recorders with the big fat micophone and coiled cord. Out of curiosity, I tore it apart and zip tied the mic element against the back of the neck. Soldered it up and plugged it into a Fender Hot Rod amp. Plucked a string and gently eased the volume up. Eureka! Whoda thought?
I just wanted to thank everyone that posts on here. There were so many pitfalls I missed because of the great folks on here.
I made sure of a good break at the bridge. The mic element is liberally hot glued to the back of the neck. Filing a little, and checking alot, made sure I didn't make a sitar when grooving the nut and bridge. There were several more "better not do that" moments.
I have included some pics. It is just a stick and a box compared to some of the beautiful work posted on here, but it's mine and it plays like a dream. The tone is tasty and dirty, and the intonation is right on. Thanks, in no small part to you guys.
Tags:
It's a great moment when you plug the first one in and think "I don't believe it ......it actually works !"
Nice job !
Exactly! Or when you check the 12th fret and the tuner lights up green again. The first was about getting the technical part down. Now to make one look good too. I will be spending alot of time picking sawdust out of the corners of my eyes. Totally hooked....
my wife thought i was nuts until i plugged in my first guit...after 18 months i not quite so obsessed but it's still a buzz when a new one gets launched...have fun ...
Thanks Jabes. The next one was on the drawing board before the first was tuned up.
A stick and a box works for me. This looks great.
Me too. Couldn't help thinking about some kid running home with a stick, a box, a pocketknife, and some screen wire.
It is a looker, cool tuners. Great job! Started the next one yet?
Of course I have! I have also started searching thrift shops for those crazy looking tape recorders. Maybe I will incorporate those big, fat, red knobs on the pots next time. Thanks for the kudos.
Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by BrianQ. yesterday. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Southern Ray in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by A.D.EKER on Wednesday. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Rich Butters in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Crazed Fandango on Tuesday. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods Apr 20. 7 Replies 1 Like
Started by Nomad Jack in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods Apr 17. 7 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Moritz Voegeli in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 14. 6 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Apr 10. 14 Replies 3 Likes
Started by Tom T in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 9. 9 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Southern Ray in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 4. 7 Replies 1 Like
Started by Timothy Hunter in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 27. 1 Reply 2 Likes
Started by Taffy Evans in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 10. 1 Reply 3 Likes
Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by BrianQ. Mar 9. 4 Replies 3 Likes
Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies 1 Like
Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Ken I in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Brian partington Mar 8. 8 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Southern Ray in Cool gear discussion - that's not cigar box related. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 6. 5 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Taffy Evans in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 5. 4 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Carl Floyd Mar 1. 15 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Joe in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Carl Floyd Feb 29. 13 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Chance in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Feb 22. 12 Replies 1 Like
Posted by Vlad on March 31, 2024 at 11:48pm 0 Comments 1 Like
Posted by Vlad on March 6, 2024 at 2:32am 5 Comments 2 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 28, 2024 at 2:09pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 17, 2024 at 11:00pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by Vlad on February 11, 2024 at 1:06am 1 Comment 1 Like
May 11, 2024 from 11am to 8pm – Speakeasy Grill
0 Comments 0 LikesMay 30, 2024 from 6:30pm to 10pm – The Casual Pint of Huntsville
0 Comments 0 Likes© 2024 Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker. Powered by
Cigar Box Nation is presented by C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply, your one-stop-shop for Cigar Box Guitar parts and accessories!