I have built about 8 four string gits and 2 three strings. I like them both, but I am not really a player. I think the 3 strings have some advantages, but I am not sure what they are other than being slightly easier to build and play.
Also wonderin
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I always suspect that most builders put the frets in after the fretboard is glued to the neck. I make the fretboard, cut the fret slots, and hammer in the frets on the bench. I generally put the fretboard in temporarily with double backed tape ju
Read more…We invent new tricks to make building easier and better. Often we hear about them from others or read about them here on Cigar Box Nation, or Youtube videos.
Here are a couple: I read both here on Cigar Box Nation posts
1. When doing a difficult g
Read more…Yesterday I spent about 10 minutes removing a fretboard that had been attached to the neck with doublebacked tape. I had also clamped it down very well. It made me think. If I ever build an instrument with an opening top again, and an overlappin
Read more…That is my question for discussion. I would like to call myself a luthier, but I hesitate. I have built 21 instruments. They all work. I usually say I am an amateur luthier.
I have built 3 string guitars, 4 string guitars and 11 ukes. Do my o
Read more…I have been having an awful time drilling holes for tuners. (Cordless hand drill). I mark them and use an awl to get the drill a place to start. By the time I have drilled the hole, it is not exactly where I wanted it to be. I bought a couple of
Read more…I usually use a hardwood bridge. But sometimes a threaded rod with nuts on each end. Sometimes that is sitting on top of a thin piece of hardwood.
I was looking at two of my diddley bows last night. One sounds real good, the other like crap. Th
Read more…I like my CBGs to look ike pretty much what they are - cigar box guitars. I like looking at other people's designs and artwork, including motorcycles, Harleys, beautiful women, airplanes, old time blues artists, cars, boats, etc., etc.
I am planing
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