Post pics when you start building. I'mm fairly new at this myself, but I will answer any questions that I can.

Jim

Welcome to the Nation August. Yes that is an Indian head Nickle inlayed into the tail. Good luck with your builds. I am currently on build #3 and I am really enjoying myself.

Jim

Ah yes getting that Red Dog sound!!....while I was waiting for my first two CBG's to arrive I watched LOADS of videos of CBG's on YouTube. John McNair's sound was the one that really got to me. I chased that sound for a while and couldn't quite get it so I ended up buying one.

   It does have a piezo, which yes I think you're right, for that more natural organic sort of sound it's best...if you want to gig with it though piezos can have feedback problems at loud volume so a magnetic pick up is better for that. On the whole magnetic pick ups give a more electric kind of sound but you can get really nice clean sound too. This video of John's has a sound I LOVE and it has a magnetic pick up http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz5wMGovkuQ  ...so all a bit confusing.

  The one I've got has frets...John uses pretty large size frets which seems to help with the sustain. I can't quite see where he's put the pick up (the box is glued shut, but to change the strings you take a plate off the back) Looks like it's on the neck and is covered in some metallic stuff?! He told me he uses pick ups grom JJB electronics http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shm_aKicq90&feature=channel_video_title

  I bought one from there in an attempt to capture that sound, but it didn't really do it. I think most of that sound is from the way he builds them..... Good luck anyway, if you build one you'll learn alot even if it doesn't turn out exactly like you want!!

   I'm just finishing a3 string fretless CBG which has one of Bob Harrisons hand would magnetic pick ups on it...strung it up this moring and it spunds great!!! They look good too...I got one like the top one on this page : -)

http://www.harrisonguitarpickups.com/items_for_sale.htm