I bought a box on eBay last night for my first build and I've not made it easy for myself. It's 300mm x 220mm x 110mm (don't laugh) but the biggest issue is how it opens. It's a top loader and I have no idea how I'm going to be able to cut the space for the through neck. I can't take it apart because it's leather bound and I don't want to ruin the leather or destroy the integrity of the box. It looks thick wood so it'll have to be electric. Good job with the leather? First thing first though, how would you cut the space for the neck to go through? What tools would you use? I've got a drill and everything else is hand tools. How would you physically get into the space and work on the area needing work?
My old high school teachers were right. I need help! Help me, Obe Wan Kanobi, you're my only hope.
Thanks.
Bear.
P.S. Here's the box seen from the top down.
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So what did you eventually do? I was going to suggest gluing a block to the inside of the box, make a neck with a really big/strong heel, and bolt it on through the end, like this....
Eventually just did a massive chunky support through one side of the body attached to the inside of the box on the other end. Attached a salvaged guitar neck to it and Bob's yer uncle. Piccies and a couple of videos over on our page.
Thanks for the comment. Much appreciated :)
I'm thinking cigar box chello.
Has anyone made one yet?
That looks like quite thick leather. Personally, I would cut the leather first with a really sharp knife so you keep the edges of the leather clean and neat. From my experience of working with leather, once you've made a mess of the edge, it's hard to tidy it up.
That's a killer looking box. I'd set it aside for an amplifier to go with your CBG. I really like the way the lid opens on yours. It would make the perfect control panel and would making wiring it up easy.
The amp kit that CB Gitty sells would be a great idea.
or gut one like this Amp on eBay
or go nuts and build a tube amp kit in there.
Buy a box that's the right dimensions from CB or on ebay. Don't make your first build harder than it has to be. Make it fun. Complications will make themselves without any help, even on a simple first build. I'd hate to ruin a funky cool box like that. That's a killer amp box all day long.
Good luck no matter what and post pics of what you decide.
If I understand correctly, your bridge (and subsequently the strings) will be over the front face of the box and not the top?
If that's the case, my solution would be to drill a 1/2" hole where the neck will go, then expand and shape it with a coping saw or mini-hacksaw.
Maybe others have a simpler idea...?
You got it right. Strings will go across the front of the box from left to right as you look down at that picture. I'll try that method but I don't think the coping saw frame will fit over the top of the side far down the side enough to be half way up the front. I'll try though. I was thinking chisels but I think once I got so far in I'd just crack the wood? Your way sounds more like it if I can get the frame of the saw far down enough. Thanks buddy.
My coping saw is like the one below. I think the depth is about 130mm (I'm American so I might be off a bit).
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