I've recently (re) finished my first cbg (six string acoustic) but its volume is a bit lacking. Basically it just sounds like the vibrations of the strings alone are making the sound without any resonance from the box. The box is a bit thick (about 3/8") and there are a couple of blocks of wood that i placed inside of the box that are functioning to hold some screws that enter the body in place (so the partsthey are holding onto the body are not pulled apart by the tension of the strings). I belive these blocks are absorbing some of the sound that should be leaving through the soundholes. My question is if anyone knows any neat tricks for improving sound quality without a resonator cone. i.e something that could be placed in/on the soundholes to reflect some of the sound back out of the box.
Your help will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
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Yeah, I'd say the box lid is probably the problem, too, though *anything* that impinges on the lid and reduces its ability to vibrate will deaden the sound. I had a build awhile back that was frustratingly quiet, and I couldn't figure out why. The lid wasn't too thick, I had cut back the neck. Then I realized one of my pickup wires was getting pinched between the neck and the box lid when I closed it. That one tiny wire was enough to suck out most of my sound.
Yes, the 3/8" soundboard is the problem, not much really comes out of the sound holes, they just let the box breath, ie: air in and out as the top vibrates, so it can vibrate freely. If the box lid is to thick it wont vibrate much and can absorb up some sound. The blocks you added may not be to bad if they are attached to the sides only. If you could plane down the soundboard (box lid) some so its thinner that would help. 1/4 would be better. Each one is a learning tool, live and learn.
Replies
Hate to say it but this might be a part of the problem. Not the total problem, but part. Make it an electric and put in a mag pup.
OR
Build another one :-)
Also post pics.
-WY