I may try a Crow-style guitar (shorter neck mounted outside on back) for my next attempt and see what I think about the sound. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of sound I get from this first build. I have a Rand McNally Strumstick, and it's much quieter. As for playing...I need to either buy a slide or make one up in order to actually play this one, as the strings are a bit high. Making mental notes for next time. I know it's a process...learn a little with each one. :)
BTW, I just got the poplar because of I saw more than one person saying that's what they used. Not being too familiar with the different hardwoods, I wasn't sure which kind would be stronger. Do you think the red oak would be better than the poplar?
Jeffrey, those blocks may do the trick on strengthening. Without them, I would bet on this one bowing. I've made a lot of gits and even now, some turn out good and some do not. Using a 1/4 inch fret board as Mike talks about both strengthens the build and brings the fretboard a bit higher than the box - which I think is a good thing.
Crow builds are fast and simple. I don't think he ever shaved down the neck through the boxy. Oh, now that I think on it, he often put the neck on top of the box.
How is the playing coming? Lots of good lessons at page top under resources - hover the mouse there and click on "How To Play'. Knotlenny's CBG 101 got me going. Shane and Glenn have helped many too.
I was using a combination of methods from several builders found on youtube and recommended from here: namely Glenn Watt, Crow, and Shane Speal. Yours is the first time I've heard mention of the neck bowing. I did use poplar, as recommended on several sites, and haven't heard anyone else talk about bowing problems with it. I did just check and so far, it's still straight and holding tune, but will keep an eye on it. My next ones may use a different neck and body joining styles. Right now, I'm just trying to see what works and what I can do that looks decent. No offense taken, folks. Keep the constructive criticism coming! :)
Same here, Mike. I error on the side of industrial strength and most of the time it works out. I think I would cut a piece to go under the neck through part of the neck - glue it and clamp it or screw it.
Jeffery, no offense meant to you. I just sometimes try to talk to people here truthfully as I would a friend. I hope it works out well for you.
the first cbg I made I used a pre fretted 3/4 " thick neck . mitred the neck to fit the box lid . guitar neck bowed within 3 weeks . lesson learned . I still use 3/4 " neck blanks ,but I glue a 1/4 ' thick fret board on the neck . I also add extra support blocks . one on each end and one in the middle.
I've only built five guitars and I'm not the best wood worker. but this works well for me .keep building and enjoy..
Comments
Oak is stronger. Lots of folks use it. Poplar is easier to shape.
I may try a Crow-style guitar (shorter neck mounted outside on back) for my next attempt and see what I think about the sound. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of sound I get from this first build. I have a Rand McNally Strumstick, and it's much quieter. As for playing...I need to either buy a slide or make one up in order to actually play this one, as the strings are a bit high. Making mental notes for next time. I know it's a process...learn a little with each one. :)
BTW, I just got the poplar because of I saw more than one person saying that's what they used. Not being too familiar with the different hardwoods, I wasn't sure which kind would be stronger. Do you think the red oak would be better than the poplar?
PS: cheap fretboards : lathes and or yardsticks from Home Depot or Lowes. Or spend a bit more for oak or find a vintage yardstick.
Jeffrey, those blocks may do the trick on strengthening. Without them, I would bet on this one bowing. I've made a lot of gits and even now, some turn out good and some do not. Using a 1/4 inch fret board as Mike talks about both strengthens the build and brings the fretboard a bit higher than the box - which I think is a good thing.
Crow builds are fast and simple. I don't think he ever shaved down the neck through the boxy. Oh, now that I think on it, he often put the neck on top of the box.
How is the playing coming? Lots of good lessons at page top under resources - hover the mouse there and click on "How To Play'. Knotlenny's CBG 101 got me going. Shane and Glenn have helped many too.
I was using a combination of methods from several builders found on youtube and recommended from here: namely Glenn Watt, Crow, and Shane Speal. Yours is the first time I've heard mention of the neck bowing. I did use poplar, as recommended on several sites, and haven't heard anyone else talk about bowing problems with it. I did just check and so far, it's still straight and holding tune, but will keep an eye on it. My next ones may use a different neck and body joining styles. Right now, I'm just trying to see what works and what I can do that looks decent. No offense taken, folks. Keep the constructive criticism coming! :)
Same here, Mike. I error on the side of industrial strength and most of the time it works out. I think I would cut a piece to go under the neck through part of the neck - glue it and clamp it or screw it.
Jeffery, no offense meant to you. I just sometimes try to talk to people here truthfully as I would a friend. I hope it works out well for you.
the first cbg I made I used a pre fretted 3/4 " thick neck . mitred the neck to fit the box lid . guitar neck bowed within 3 weeks . lesson learned . I still use 3/4 " neck blanks ,but I glue a 1/4 ' thick fret board on the neck . I also add extra support blocks . one on each end and one in the middle.
I've only built five guitars and I'm not the best wood worker. but this works well for me .keep building and enjoy..
That wood looks a little thin to me.