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Just had an interview published in THE Philadephia Examiner online..it will also be on www.nodepression.com later this week....i mentioned this CIGARBOX nation because its been a core of inspiration for me for the last year...if youre  interested in reading...here is the link

http://www.examiner.com/indie-music-in-philadelphia/an-interview-with-olds-sleeper

ALso!!!

i will be playing an intimate set at the YORK EMPORIUM on February 4th at 7pm....playing some cigar box tunes as well as other things...gonna be a living room type show....stop by if you can.

Here is the link to the EMporium:

http://theyorkemporium.com/home.html

Thanks folks.

Olds

So I've been able to enjoy my holiday break and get back into shape before any serious work begins again. I've really enjoyed strumming my new toy. I practiced the simple one string scales that Shane presented in his instructional videos and got a good feel for the sound of my guitar. My wife loves to hear me just play around making up some tunes (I must say I've impressed myself) just playing intuitively. I think she is living her dreams of dating a musician as best she can, so yes a CBG does make you sexy.

Here is picture of me and my daughter Ella 'doodles' Barnard with our new toy....thanks Richard! We're a little rough but it's Christmas!

A friend of mine from the office is a rather developed 6-string player and has many fun things to connect an electric CBG to and make some neat sounds. Since I have not developed a finger plucking ability but have rhythm and can strum with my hand made credit card pick pretty well, I have my first 'studio' experience this week. He has ProTools and a nice keyboard that he uses to create background beats and loops so I'm going to go in, develop a loop and he'll place it into a song. I have not yet heard the CBG hooked up to an amp, so that will be a second surprise that I'm looking forward to.

Bad news is that it is playoffs, I'm away from home, and the build project has experienced budget cut-backs. This means that it will be awhile before I begin the building process again. But until then I will be keeping you all up to date on my learning to play the current CBG I have.

Come back when you can't stay so long. 

-Barnyard

Well there we are, another Christmas gone. There seems to have been so many.

I got an invite to play at a local pub (bar) on new years eve as part of their festivities. I played a selection of 1960/1970s English pop classics with a 4 string baritone tuned guitar. One of mine.

Songs included 'Honkey tonk angels', Honkey Tonk Women', 'The Ballad of Lucy Jordan', 'Memphis', Brown eyed handsome man' and 'Promised Land'. Things went well and the Landlord and family at the Plough Inn at Swinderby said they really enjoyed it. The landlord also played as did the owner of the local recording studio and several other musicians and singers.

A good night was had by one and all.

T'other day I built a 4 string biscuit tin guitar and was delighted with the sound of the instrument. This one is a really basic instrument with a 600 mm scale length and a fret less neck. Pictures to be added once I am at home during the hours of daylight.

I've also ordered a pair of violin finger boards for future fiddles. They are of good quality (not the best) and cost me about £12 plus a couple of quid (English pounds) for postage.

I have been learning some old Lincolnshire folk songs for the fiddle. These include 'Lincoln lads',  'Lincolnshire Hornpipe' and 'As Sure As The Devil's In Lincoln'.

To everyone who has been a friend and to all who have been customers of mine at Back Porch Mojo I want to thank you all for a great 2010!! it was a great year for making guitars and new friends!! it had its ups and down as any year will, I had a number of health issues and the tendonitis problem (from building too much!!) and the new year will begin with a corrective surgery to get me back on the building path, but pain free!! Wooo Hooo!! I am excited to begin a new year and see what the CBG world has in store this year!!  again thanks to all who have been part of my CBG world in the past and I hope we all have a great 2011!!  Happy new years!!

Big Daddy

You seem to be having problems with too much sensitivity and possibly too little gain.

TO DECREASE SENSITIVITY AND NOISE, you could switch from three 1M resistors to just one. If the change helps, then you're ahead. If you still have too much sensitivity, you can drop the resistor value down even more, say to 470K or 220K. With magnetic pickups, the concern with dropping the input impedance is loss of high frequencies. With a piezo pickup, we have more highs. Maybe reducing the resistor value will help. Also, you won't use so many 1M resistors.

TO INCREASE GAIN, please consider adding a source resistor bypass capacitor. This capacitor makes the preamp favor high frequencies. To save the low frequencies, use a fairly large capacitor. The formula is [1/(2pi * desired lowest freq * (0.1 * source resistor))]. This answer comes out in farads. To convert to microfarads, multiply by 1 million.

Assuming 60 Hz and a 560-ohm source resistor...

[1,000,000 / (2pi * 60 * 56)] = 47 uF (approximately). A 60-Hz signal will drop in volume by about 3 dB.

James      

Headed off to Home Depot to check out materials and supplies. Of the wood available there was the 3x1 and 2x1 poplar, 3x1 and 2x1 red oak. I will be using the poplar for my first build and red oak on my second 'proper' build. I then headed through the isles just looking at what was around and what I could incorporate into my build. I found some interesting things that I believe is what others might use, and if not I hope it is a working cheaper alternative.

For sound holes there were these finger holes for a sliding closet door. I think I can cut the middles out and they would finish off the sound holes nicely. They come in brass, black, and silver in 1" and 3" diameters.

Next was this shower drain strainer. It looks like a very nice piece to cover a larger sound hole, if you want to drill into your soundboard to install it. I suppose one could hammer the middle and give it another appearance then being flat, or cut the middle out and weave some wire through the holes, or....you get the idea.

I did get a little time to sketch again trying to figure out how I want o construct the bridge. I really liked the copper tube that was on a previous post and I think setting it in a grooved piece of stock would give me the piece of mind that it is secure while allowing me to adjust it and change the diameter of pipe to experiment. So far I've narrowed my bridge to either a copper pipe or a hand carved one with bone along the top. For my first build I will use a flat piece of stock and a chop stick!

As you can see from the drawing I need to work on my rapid prototyping skills, I lost almost all pen control since leaving school and being in the military. You can also see that I'm hoping to use a golf tee as the post to secure a strap.  I picked up a plastic buckle kit (the snap buckle and a double ring) for $.58 at wal-mart to use in my strap. I think you guys will like my strap as it will be woven parachute cord from the army surplus store. I'm hoping to make it an adjustable and quick release model. The kit comes with enough parts for 2 straps so I'll have one left over. Let me know if you like it when I post a picture and I'll send you the second one if you pay shipping and send me a pick of it on you guitar! First come first serve.

I was able to look at some hinges to hold my strings but there were not any that really caught my attention. I did come across these metal disks used to aid in nailing covering down. I think someone could bend it drill the holes for the strings and it would be a cheap and secure way to attach them to the body. As you can see they are a good size and you get 20 for $2.84.

I though about cutting and using heavy duty plastic zip ties for the frets, but upon further investigation they probably will not last when up against daily use and metal strings. If anyone knows of a unique method of making frets please let me know, I'm up for any idea. As of now I can get a lot of solid carbon fiber rods for cheap that I think will do the job and look cool. Black frets anyone???

This post is short because I'm getting ready to get back home. Since I'll be spending time with my wife I doubt that I will get any building done but I do have plans to visit a cigar shop and get some boxes. I'm also going to start looking around for the tuners and guitar string. I have plenty of buddies who play so they may be willing to donate some used stuff or an old broken guitar that I can cannibalize. I've been searching craigslist, ebay, and freecycle to no avail so far.

So have a Merry Christmas and I hope everyone plays hard and stays safe.

-Barnyard

Went on ebay to find a nice body. Although I think a box 2" x 11" x 8" this Arturo Fuente will fit the bill. Perhaps I can source one from the local shop.

I also came across this Guitar Fret Simulator that I'm hoping will show me where my notes are so I can at least play some tunes once I put it together.

In reading just from this site, in the Free Plans section there is the post of Smokehouse Guitars. There I read, "I have found that cigar boxes with a minimum length of 11.5" work well for standard scale length guitars." Since I'll be able to use a standard guitar to get my fret distances, and I believe that it will be easier to get my hands into a larger space to figure things out I am aiming for that size. I also will be playing the guitar as an acoustic instrument so the larger the body the more sound is my idea.

I like the use of the hinge to hold the strings on this French CBG.

I'm not good at identifying wood without leaves on it but I think that the neck is oak? Help me out with this...

As for my neck I think I am going to stick with the poplar 2x1. I am also liking the idea of an angled head. I would like to fret it as I believe that is a skill I would like to have, and the sooner the better. I might look into some of the cheaper options, such as the toothpick frets or some other sort of wire. I've also thought about just doing a simple inlay of square wire to mark the scale but leaving it a smooth neck. I can see myself getting kinda crazy on the neck. I do like the look of a professional fret job...

In my sketching I realized that to have an effective acoustic instrument I would need a slightly larger bridge...that would create an angle from the bridge to the nut that is not parallel with the neck or frets. I may attempt to build a neck that has a angled fret board to accommodate for this.

One thing that I come across when reading about frets is intonation. Since I've never heard of this word before today I can't really say how I'll prepare for it. I am not attracted to the idea of a movable bridge, and I doubt that there would be any way I could tell if the strings sounded sharp or not...to be frank, I have no clue how to defeat this possible problem. The only thing that would attract me to a floating bridge is so that I could adjust intonation as well as modify the bridge height quickly in experimentation.

In the way of building techniques there is an awesome series by a Mr. Steve on youtube. I like his saying about glue and using white glue on anything you might have to remove.

In other news, I have decided to pick up my first CBG from a fellow on here by the name of Richard Sanabia. He makes everything by hand and has a real nice craftsmanship to his instruments. He's also doing some interesting things with bass models. In my search for a guitar I also had the pleasure to see the very nice instruments of Wichita Sam. I've learned that he is looking to make some room in his collection and will be parting with some very nice electric 4 stringers. If you like the one below send him a message and I'm sure he can work with you.

Mr. Wichita's Bolivar...my favorite!

I really enjoy the key, and the box has a really cool graphic as well.

Next are some sketches with me attempting to work out how I think this thing will go together. My main goal is to have the sound board as free as possible for best acoustic quality without sacrificing strength. With my background including remote control airplanes my first idea is to incorporate carbon fiber. I have been working with Kevlar sheets to reinforce foam sheeting so I will be looking into that. While on the topic of reinforcements I am also going to attempt to glue a carbon fiber arrow shaft into the neck, laying it into a groove under the fret board...perhaps it will have a benefit, who knows?

A couple of simple sketches...working out the details.

So today is my pick-up soccer game. I'm going to research some cigar shops and see if I cannot source a body for my first build. Or at least get a box to look at.

Hopefully I can get a couple of materials as well, like a straight neck and some nuts and bolts and hinges, etc. That I want to get my hands on and see how they interact and look together. Since I do not have access to a shop immediately I might throw together a simple build just to get the experience and see what size I like and improvements.

Until next time.

-Barnyard

Well, although the weather has been awful, it's been a good week.

The fiddle has been finished with a new bridge and several minor adjustments. I'm slowly getting used to the instrument as it is a bit different from a 'traditional' acoustic violin and it balances a bit strangely when compared to my factory built electric fiddle.

I have also been delighted to see that my cigar box Christmas tune 'Silent Night' was included in the Christmas download for 2010 and I received several good comments from several sources.

I was really pleased because it is the first time for many years that I've made a multi track recording. The instruments used are all cigar box based instruments and included a baritone ukulele, a slide guitar. a stand up bass and a 3 string cigar box fiddle. Several people have asked for a C.D. of the recording.

I have also recorded one of my own songs and posted this on the Cigar Box website. Again a first for a long time.

A colleague at work, after a casual chat, has let me try a guitar multi effects pedal. I'm really enjoying trying this out as I've never used such a device in the past, but I have tried individual effects pedals. One of the interesting effects is a sample system which means a whole lot of fun can be had. I was interested in the effects that can be used with the fiddle in addition to the use of the pedal with my guitars.

So, less than a week to Christmas day. I actually have the day off work this year so I can spend a restful day, luckily on my own, watching television and hopefully staying warm.

A merry Christmas to you all

Note: I realized after posting that the links will take you away from this page.

Hey there! This is the first post in a blog I will be keeping to document my first CBG build. As many of you reading this from Cigar Box Nation have been through this process many years ago I thought it would be fun to include you in my account of earning my 'strings'. (hahah.. strings, wings,that was good right?) Hopefully I can show other new comers that anybody can indeed build something that is useful and beautiful. I must add that I was an industrial design major in college, so I have a little more skill then the average person in building things. But my knowledge of these instruments is the same as anyone who has never seen one in person. Hopefully I will recruit several of you to assist me in my process. I will be taking as many pictures as I can and keeping the blog updated at least once a week.

As I learned in Design School several years ago, the best place to start is with an idea. Since I do not have an extensive background in instruments, specifically guitars, I knew I needed to look at as many examples as possible to get the idea in the first place. A quick run on Wikipedia.com produced a nice little history of the CBG and a picture that I found really useful.

I knew that this style of guitar could be made in many different styles, but I did not expect to find the traditional versions so simple. I do find the idea of a simple build pleasing because the chance of success would be improved. However, I do not wish to construct something from a kit or that would not gain the attention of a seasoned vet. Out of all the simple builds available on the internet my favorite so far has been by GuitarIsMyLife with a nice breakdown of the several components. I also came across the documentary  Songs Inside The Box which I will definitely look into, although there are plenty of pictures of these amazing instruments there is little about the people who build them.

So my first task is going to be to design my CBG and see if it would be functional and what elements of the design would need to be changed. I'm also going to begin putting together a parts list with prices to develop an overall idea for the cost of the build. Again my goal here is not to produce a 'how to' but to document the process one would go through when attempting their first build.

Until next time.

-Stone 'Barnyard' Barnard

So it has been a couple of days since I have fallen into the wonderful rabbit hole that is Cigar Box Nation and 3-string guitars and it's been a pleasure. In my past I have picked up a couple of instruments only to lose interest and move on to the next best thing. I began my degree in the wood shop, learning the skills necessary to craft custom furniture. But like any dream my reality started to creep in and I joined the military for a better future for my family. But I never put down that spoke shave or stopped carrying a sketchbook with me. In my journey I have learned to sew, paint, pour wax, shrink monokote, and tattoo. Needless to say none of those hobbies/careers has ever been practical or cost-effective. Needless to say, I've always been looking for something worth my efforts to sink my creative teeth into...

I'm sitting in front of the computer burning the midnight oil (I'm on temporary duty away from my hot wife and awesome little girl) looking around etsy.com for unique handmade gifts to put under the tree. I come across this guy doing business as celentanowoodworks, and he's crafting these awesome looking guitars. But they only have 2 strings, and some only have 1! I couldn't believe it, a one string guitar? How could that work? Then I saw this....

Awesome! And although this one had 3 strings I just had to look into it a little deeper, so off to google!

Of all the hits I saw many of them were of these guitars constructed out of nails, bolts, and a cigar box. Why? I didn't see the reason...I mean you can go buy a new playable guitar for $40. But then I heard it...and felt it...wait.

I can do this.

I can make and play my own CBG, I can create it the way I want to and play it the way I want to. Only hurdle was I didn't know anything about it.  But I believe I have found the source. So far I've posted in the Cigar Box for Soldiers forum and made a couple of friends. Dr. Dan has already diagnosed the addiction. I'm here in New Orleans for now, but when I return to Ft. Benning, GA after this TDY it will be off to the shop!

Hopefully wife, weather, and war permitting I will continue to post here and make a record of my new addiction.

So, please share stories, give tips and become a friend!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12024652

I am building my first CBG and plan on using a single lipstick pickup. When I called one of the manufactures for the pickup they suggested using one for the upper location (near fret board) and locate it in the "sweet spot", I asked where the sweet spot was and they said it is a trial and error thing. Where the heck is the sweet spot? I am using a 24.75" scale length and I am not sure where to locate the bridge either. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Hi all could anyone send me the jug fusion album my pc messed up and now i lost my copy