Part 1

Hey all you CBGers out there.

I hail from Dublin, Ireland so I'm a loooooong way from the Delta!

Nearly finished my first basic 3 string fretless. No woodwork experience at all, no man-cave, tool shed (just a shed full of crap), or tools for that matter, Just a 2yr old daughter running wild when I get a few precious moments in the day to drill or sand something! LOL

Has been a real eye opener. Kudos to all you Guys'n'Gals for your wonderful creations. Credit to you all. I cannot even play guitar. I tried many times to play a 6 string but couldn't get my head around the chords and as you 'righties' don't consider, being a 'leftie' can be tough as hell as you can't pick up someones guitar at a party a knock out a tune, so I decided to forget it as a lost cause. Then I read up on CBG's, no rules, mess around, have fun... Thats it, I'm in!

Most of the references I mention may help first time builders with NO experience whatsoever...i.e, ME! (who are in my area).

First thing I did was bought a manual online for a few dollars. I'm sure there are plenty out there but for no reason at all, except for the fact I was on his page, I got:

Mordacai Bondurant's 'Gittyman's CBG Manual - for the first time CBG maker'

It looked 'doable' in my little head. First order of the day was to find wood and a box. 

I got two boxes for free from 'The Decent Cigar Emporium' on Grafton St, Dublin. Really nice guys. They didn't have anything the first time I dropped in but they said if I was passing, to drop in and see what they had. Friday appeared to be a good day. I got a lovely Cohiba box and a basic Romeo & Juliet box. 

Next was wood. None of the regular large hardware stores stock Hardwood. So forget about Woodies, B&Q or Homebase, they have nothing but bloody pine! You need to think smaller/family outlets.

I got a nice piece of 'off cut' Ash from 'Strahan Timber', Aerodrome Business Pk, Rathcoole, Dublin (only down the road from me). Cost €5. It was not the size I needed so I had to get it cut down a small bit. I had some feelers out and the lovely Fiona at 'Larry's DIY' in Drumcondra came back to me. She had a nice piece of true Mahogany which she would cut to size and she would also cut my piece of Ash to size, all for €10. Job done. 

Next comes to fun part. Tune in to Part 2 for further First Time Dublin CBG Builder Antics! (and images)

Keep it smooth y'all

Col