What good are these for?
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When I first started making CBGs, I only made neck thrus. Since the box rides the neck, there is little to no need to brace the box. Now, I almost exclusively build fender style pocket necks where then neck attaches to a headblock. In this design, the box must carry the "weight" (tension stress) of itself, plus string tension, plus all the weight of electronics, and the neck. So, now I almost always brace the parameter of the box.
The problem is clamping the glued up bracing strips. On the tail and the side away from the folding top it is easy to get in clamps. no so much in the side bearing the top.
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So, cutting thin wood strips about 1/2" wide and slight longer that the gap between the braced sides allow you to clamp the bracing piece in place while the glue dries. quick easy and cheap. It also works well.
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It's something that you'd assume everyone knows how to do, but it took me years to trip across it.....Hope this helps someone.
Replies
I like that tip. this change from neck thru to Fender style does it play different? It seems it looks nice but is a lot more work if not a better playing instrument.
I think you can build a more "flexible" instrument that you can set up in a variety of ways. more or less neck angle, lower or higher bridges, more room inside the box for electronics and ease of installation of electronics. And, things change. I had a three string fretted that never played like I wanted, built and installed a fretless neck and it is now one of my favorites....
I do think I wouldn't bother for an acoustic or piezo pickup instrument. But is almost essential for License Plate CBGs
Why? Is it due to the size of the pick up or something? Just curious.
Good idea.Thank you for that...