I had attempted to build my first 3 string but Im having problems with the action. The strings are sitting very far from the neck. I made the groove bigger so the bolt at the top of the neck would sit further down but it didnt seem to make a difference. I used the basic 3 string plans provided on this site.
Anyone else run into the same problem? How can I fix it?
Thanks!
Replies
It's just a question of geometry. Can you put in a lower bridge?... if not, either you need to raise the neck relative to the body or introduce an angle so that the head end of the neck tilts back relative to the body.
Assuming you haven't glued the neck in you may be able to insert some packers or shims to either raise the neck or tilt it. The downside of this is that the part of the neck inside the box may need to be trimmed down so it doesn't foul the top of the box, and you may end up with a very thin section of neck inside the box which may need reinforcing by glueing a strip of timber on to the back of the neck. If you go this route, it's sensible to extend that reinforcement past where you've notched out the top of the neck to fit inside the box to, which will give you a sort of heel where the neck enters the box.
This is why I never glue my necks in - a screwed-on neck allows you to tinker with the action.
I have only built 3 cbg's but ill try to help you out. A picture would help to show what the problem might be. Right off hand it sounds to me like the finger board or neck is flush with the top of the cighar box. This will not work. you will need to add a 1/4 inch finger board on the neck, then re adjust the nut and bridge to get the action you want.
Actually- the cigar box sits up a little higher than the finger board. Is this my problem?