building a canjo

Posted by John Derrett on June 19, 2017 at 2:03pm

I have tin can about 4" diameter and about 12" length, it seems fairly sturdy, and I fancy having a go at building a canjo, but really have not much idea about how to.  Any ideas, suggestions etc would be most welcome. thanks in advance

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  • Ron "Oily" Sprague June 21, 2017 at 3:46pm
    Stick the stick inside the can. Put a screw through the base of the can into the stick, put another through the side of the can into the stick.

    Or, put the stick on th outside wall of the can, but pop two screws through th side o e can into the stick. From the inside of the can.
    • John Derrett > Ron "Oily" Sprague June 22, 2017 at 11:52am

      thanks very much, Ron

  • Brian Revels June 20, 2017 at 7:20am

    Gitty and some other builders cut a piece of wood in a half circle, and then cut a neck notch out of it. This would screw to the inside mouth of the can and suspend the neck inside the tin. You then run your stick (neck) through the can, and screw through the bottom of the can into the stick to secure it. You can glue or screw the stick into the neck notch. Then you will need one more hole in the bottom of the can for the string to go through (the bottom of the can usually acts as the bridge and string anchor). In your case, unless you just wanted a handful of fret positions, I don't know that you'd want the bottom of the can as your bridge (being the can is so deep), though it still may be fine.

    Good luck and have fun! 

    • John Derrett > Brian Revels June 20, 2017 at 10:19am
      Thanks, Brian, I'm not sure if I can make it with 3 strings, is this feasible?
    • Brian Revels > John Derrett June 20, 2017 at 10:33am

      Typically a canjo is 1 or 2 strings. I like two strings myself... you can tune them in unison or tune to something complementary (like G/D, G/B, C/F, etc...).

      I'm not saying you can't do 3, just it's easier (and typical) to do fewer strings. They are also usually fretted (if fretted at all) like a Dulcimer. That way you can't hit a bad note. 

    • John Derrett > Brian Revels June 21, 2017 at 8:14am

      Cheers Brian, I think you're right about one or two strings. its probably better for me not to over-complicate things. Thanks for the pointers, I think I'm ready to have a go now!

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