I'm thinking of building my first CBG - I've sourced two boxes at a local craft shop which I think might be suitable. I was wondering whether to go with the larger, but thinner wood, or the smaller, but heavier, stronger wood. What would the difference be, sound and volume wise? I'm not planning on fretting or adding pickups the first time through. I know it is not an exact science but in general terms is there a difference between harder or softer wood? Thanks.
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Wood burning the fish scales was a nice artistic touch. Looks like a nice first build.
If you want to try fretting it, you can use electrician's tie wraps (the narrowest work best), and you can use a fret calculator (available on line) and an electronic tuner to tune the frets. It will help educate you about the usefulness of frets, but don't be afraid about trying real fret wire - they aren't that difficult to install once you have a suitable set of tools and the resulting instrument will look all that much more "professionally made". Lots of info on how to fret a CBG at this website (Cigar Box Nation).
Thanks, yes, the right box - there's plenty of these down at my local craft store, about $10 each. I've already modified it - moved the bridge back, sawn off the bridge head and bolt so it sits flat, experimenting with different tunings and strings, etc. Tried a hardwood bridge but the bolt sounds better. Need to make a new nut I think as the spacing is a bit iffy. Put some tea ball things in the sound holes - on it goes! Planning the next one now, going to try a nicer finish, maybe a fretboard....definitely need better tuners, those ones are REALLY crap.
I'm back - here's how this one ended up. Many mistakes along the way, did the cut-away neck thing. Tried various placings for the bridge, with and without a block underneath it, middle, end, ended up placing the bridge near the "e". The middle sounded good but I could see the top starting to bow in already and sounds almost as good further back. Not planning to fret it as I'm playing it lap-slide style. On to the next one! Might try giving the next one a nicer finish, plus a fretboard. Anyway, pretty basic compared to most but I'm pleased as punch.
P.S. How do I get this image to show inline rather than as an attachment?
Could you post a picture of your boxes so that we can see what you've got?
Sure, but I'm about to go overseas - to the US in fact - for a couple of weeks so it'll have to wait. Watch this space.
Thanks everyone for your input.
Well... I share my workspace with anyone who can walk through the doors. Can we build boxes out of rare Honduran Mohagany? You betcha! Can I give you a tool more dangerous than an egg beater? NO!!!!!
US law being what it is, you can bring in emeralds, ivory, and gold and I will not bat an eye. But if you want to shape them with rubber bands, I will have to have you talk to my lawyer.
Replies
Wood burning the fish scales was a nice artistic touch. Looks like a nice first build.
If you want to try fretting it, you can use electrician's tie wraps (the narrowest work best), and you can use a fret calculator (available on line) and an electronic tuner to tune the frets. It will help educate you about the usefulness of frets, but don't be afraid about trying real fret wire - they aren't that difficult to install once you have a suitable set of tools and the resulting instrument will look all that much more "professionally made". Lots of info on how to fret a CBG at this website (Cigar Box Nation).
-Rand.
"If you give a man a fish, he will be hungry tomorrow. If you teach a man to fish, you now have a fishin' buddy." :-)
By being here, I think you're being taught to fish. The design on your "Fishbox" proves it. Nice build!
Like this? Thanks. Alan Roberts said:When you click on "reply," it brings up a white text box with icons at the very top. The camera icon, on the far left, will put your image inline.
P.S. How do I get this image to show inline rather than as an attachment?
tqcgb.jpg
Sure, but I'm about to go overseas - to the US in fact - for a couple of weeks so it'll have to wait. Watch this space.
Thanks everyone for your input.
Well... I share my workspace with anyone who can walk through the doors. Can we build boxes out of rare Honduran Mohagany? You betcha! Can I give you a tool more dangerous than an egg beater? NO!!!!!
US law being what it is, you can bring in emeralds, ivory, and gold and I will not bat an eye. But if you want to shape them with rubber bands, I will have to have you talk to my lawyer.
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