Considering pentatonic scale for fret board. Are there diff scale lengths for pent. scale like there are for standard?
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Considering pentatonic scale for fret board. Are there diff scale lengths for pent. scale like there are for standard?
Considering pentatonic scale for fret board. Are there diff scale lengths for pent. scale like there are for standard?
Anybody know where I can buy a pentatonic scale fret board or fretted neck?
Open Mic Sign Ups for Cali-Fest 2019
Friday, February 1, Saturday February 2 and Superbowl Sunday February 3.
The biggest and bestest virtual, fake and phony fest we know of. It's in our heads. Be there or be square. Be there or be somewhere else. Richard Sundberg has lots of big name acts signed up for the Monterrey Stage on Friday and Saturday nights, but all of us can take open mic opportunity at the smaller venues.
Please sign up in the comments section. Two song limit. Be ready to plug and play when your assigned time slot is up. 15 minute maximum. If time slots are still available, you can sign up at the fest.
Special Offers: one free pawn shop restroom pass for anyone playing at the open mics. Play at several open Mics and get a pass each time.
Schedule:
Anything Goes One - OPEN Mic on the James Brown Stage - Friday February 1 from 8PM until ????? Hosted by Richard Sundberg.
Hank Williams Open Mic on the Bocephus Stage. Saturday 1-4pm. Hosted by Uncle John.
Jug Band Open Mic on the Memphis Jug stage. Saturday 1-4pm hosted by Dave Lynas.
Heavy Metal Open Mic on on the Metallica Stage. Saturday Hosted by Clarky, sponsored by Tone-Def Hearing Aids.
Blues Open Mic – Saturday from 1-5 on the McKinley Morganfield Stage. We need a host or hostess for this one. Contact Richard to volunteer.
Anything Goes Two - OPEN Mic on the Helter Skelter Groundhog Day Stage on the nude beach - Saturday February 2 from 8PM until ????? Hosted by Richard Sundberg. Sandals and neck tie MANDATORY.
Sunday Gospel Open Mic – 10 am till Noon on the Sea Of Galilee Beach. Hosted By Jim Morris if he can make it otherwise, by Uncle John.
Every year around December my family asks me to provide gift ideas. I always do, but typically they ignore most of them and I end up getting socks or dress shirts or something like that. I don't want to sound ungrateful, I always appreciate it, but this year my older sister surprised me with a Tin Pan Alley kit from CB Gitty. What a cool gift!
Note: This article has been chosen as featured content for Cigar Box Nation. We've added the top header image and the accompanying video to the original blog. A big thank you to Poorness Studios for the fantastic builder's diary.
This was my first time building a guitar from a kit. I've modded many guitars in the past and fixed several broken instruments, but I'd never built one from just a stick and a box. I was a bit nervous but I figured I'd just go slow and take it one step at a time. First things first, I started putting the box together and went to work contouring the neck.
The kit was pretty darn easy to put together. Most of the wooden parts were pre-cut, but you have to cut the neck notch (both in the body and the neck) yourself. Once all the glue was dry and the braces were in place, I started thinking about how I was going to finish this kit. I decided I wanted to try to paint it black with hot rod flames. I also decided to finish the neck with a nice dark stain.
The next step was to notch the neck so the top can vibrate freely and the resonator cone doesn't hit the wood. This was probably the most difficult part of the whole build. Even though this kit is designed to be acoustic, I decided to add a Lace matchbook pickup to the instrument. I added a pot and jack and wired them up before I fitted the neck.
This is where the guitar really started to take shape. I mounted the neck and began adding the finishing touches like chrome corners and pearl tuners. At this point I realized I had no idea how I was going to paint the flames on the top so I did some research. It turns out you can do a pretty good flame job with rattle cans.
I practiced painting flames on an old shelf and discovered it's not as hard as I thought it would be. It's actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it. I covered the top in masking tape and went to work laying out a pattern. Then it was time to lay down the paint.
After 3 shades of paint, several coats of clear, and a lot of dry time... I was happy with the way the top came out and decided it was time to glue this baby together. First I had to wire up the pickup though. Once I tested all the electronics, I used a couple pieces of scrap wood and some clamps to hold everything in place while the Titebond dried.
At this point I decided to add an old railroad nail to the headstock as a decoration. It looks super cool. However, this isn't an original idea. I stole it from Ben 'Gitty' Baker. He uses this technique on his Hobo Fiddles. I also noticed the low G string rattled a bit, so I added a screw to the headstock to act as a string tree.
The kit comes with acoustic strings, but I wanted to use electric ones. I had some laying around but the gauges were a little heavier than what's supplied with the kit. After some initial trouble with the bridge, I found a spot where all the strings intonate well. It took a bit of trail and error, but I got her to tune up real nice. Yeehaw! Now I've got 2 CBGs in my musical arsenal.
Overall, I'm really impressed with this CB Gitty kit. It was a pretty intuitive build and I had a lot of fun working on it. I would recommend this kit to anyone who wants to wants to become part of the Cigar Box Revolution. Take your time, follow the instructions, and you too could have a pretty lilttle gitty just waiting to be played.
I AM IN NORTHEASTERN OHIO. ARE THERE ANY CBG FESTIVALS ANYWHERE WITHIN 500 MILES IN 2019 ? I HAVE BEEN BUILDING FOR TWO YEARS, HAD A LOT OF SALES AND WOULD LIKE TO SHOW MY GUITARS.
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Hi, I just wanted to post new Cigar Box Pickup designs for January 2019.
If you build or sell cigar box guitars these will give our instrument and authentic look plus add value to your guitars. Here are the new 2019 models
email me or visit https://reddogguitars.com
The prices are posted as well as the current models, Thanks,
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I ran into a sketch of a neck installation that I found interesting. It was drawn by Michael Fred Johnson. I't like to talk to him about it but I don't know how to reach hi. I;m computer illiterate.
It all began so long ago now, I was 13 and my father decided we should build an electric guitar together as a bonding experience, I readily agreed as my hero Brian May had built one with his Dad. What my Dad didn't tell me was there was to be no power tools used at all. Most instructive for us both and now some of my fondest memories.
So the project went on after school most days for almost two years until it was complete. Made from seasoned Jarrah collected by him a decade earlier the guitar resembled a small body super strat and i still have it 31 years later. Before his death, the headstock broke off during a party and I was obliged to repair it, and to do so required tools etc...at least this time I was allowed power tools.
my long suffering wife enquired what I was to do with this new workshop full of luthier tools and so my journey began afresh with cigar box guitars, I especially loved baritone CBGs and eventually made an upright bass dulcimer from a roof beam i rescued from a hotel I was working at. The internet brought me to this CBG culture and motivated by Shane and company I started compulsively making anything i could and recycling what I could scavenge. Shane's story was a mirror to my own and I don't know if I ever thanked him...in fact as I recall I owe him a guitar...hmm.
Eventually, through study I moved toward flute making and heavily infatuated with Japanese Culture - the Shakuhachi became my goto instrument of choice (it seemed the blues were alive and well in Ancient Edo 1000 years earlier, as the flute can bend notes and is tuned to the minor pentatonic scale, you even have to burn them to ebonise/burnish them like a medieval Jimi Hendrix). A customer was missing a part of her ring finger on her right hand and so I moved the finger hole to fit her...an idea was had to make instruments to order - when my father passed away, I became a dad myself and withdrew from my passion to concentrate on family and work...and both suffered due to my withdrawl and so recently in order to tune up my life I have started to collaborate on a new project combining CBGs and custom made to order guitars in a new company just starting in Perth called Bespoke Guitars. I invite everyone to see what I am trying to accomplish, your help, feedback and ideas are appreciated as this new infant finds its feet. Have a look through my pics - Apart from CBGs i thought it would be nice to take items of personal/ sentimental value and incorporate or infuse them into custom made projects, so as a dedication to my dear old dad - there is a type of acoustic strat that I am really keen for you to meet as it combines the classic CBG piezo pickup with a hofner, a neck tele and a bridge humbucker with a body that has a cbg style front and back made from my fathers 80 year old Jarrah tool chest...pictures and eventually a vid shall be forthcoming I promise. I know he would approve...and in deference to the movie we both loved I nicknamed it "wonderbat"
Well thats all from me right now...again apologies for my absence, i shall make amends.
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity. Its good to be back.
Rock
Will
As the title said which was your favourite build of the many great builders this fine year , I'll leave it open to comments and pics come on Nation , don't hold back .
I am making a guitar for a friend form a 1930s tin they have supplied, and I do not want to cut into the top and spoil it, the tin is 12 inches long. My question is how my frets to use, 15 of 18? 18 will make the neck quite long, any advice? I have marked the bridge position (wrong way round) for both options.IMG_20181206_200247%5B1096%5D.jpg
A while back a fellow came into my shop in WV while visiting his parents who live nearby. He purchased a Gourd Banjo and CB Fiddle, my two highest priced items, saying he was a musician and composer from California. I got nosy and looked him up. This is him!!
We all have a ultimum ,our own HOLY GRAIL in guitars or CBG's.
To Get.Buy, or Build!
Whats YOURS?
This TERRAPLANE custom from John Dawson Winter III is one of mine , a custom build by this brand today is allmost 10000 dollar a Build, far out of reach for my wallet.
But they are out there the ultimo Slide Guitar ,players like Sonny Landreth play on this for me a "HOLY GRAIL"
Just wondering if we're doing the traditional Christmas album again and if so, who's handling the mix?
SD
Ever since I learned about the Cigar Box Guitar Museum (inside of Speal’s Tavern) in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, I’ve wanted to visit and see this unique collection of instruments. Last month, I haphazardly noticed Shane Speal and the Snakes were playing there on 11/10 and decided it was time to cross this item off my proverbial bucket list. Here's a recap of my adventure...
After boarding a 737 outbound from Dallas' Love Field, I arrived at Pittsburgh International Airport on Saturday afternoon and rented a car. Then I headed East across the autumn-colored Pennsylvania countryside towards New Alexandria. Despite one wrong turn near Monroeville, the drive went pretty smooth.I parked in front of Speal’s Tavern a few minutes after 5 PM and wandered inside. The exterior is a bit unassuming, looking more like a house than a museum. However, the big blue letters that spell out SPEALS TAVERN let you know you’re in the right place. Once inside it’s hard not to notice all the homemade instruments on the walls.
As luck would have it, Shane Speal was there and he was giving patrons a guided tour of the museum, including several of the latest additions. Shane took us through all the exhibits on the walls and invited everyone to get up close and notice the details. His knowledge of each and every instrument was astounding. Each CBG has a unique story.
After taking a quick walk through CBG history, I grabbed a spot at the bar and ordered a Yuengling. I just so happens I sat between CBN member Lou LaManna and Pennsylvania Musician journalist Jim Price. Thanks for all the good conversation fellas!
Around 6 PM, I ordered a Spealburger off the cigar box menu (a very clever touch), as Shane made rounds and talked to everyone. When I told him I made the trek from Dallas, his mouth gaped for a minute. Then he anxiously agreed to sign my copies of Building Poor Man’s Guitars and Songs Inside the Box. I’ll treasure these for years to come.
Around 7:00 PM, the other band members showed up and started sound check. Dar, the bartender, kept the Yuenglings flowing as I prepared myself to finally see Shane Speal and the Snakes live. Around 8 PM, the band began their first set. Wow, these fellas put on a heck of a show!
Farmer Jon was playing the legendary Soul Bucket and boy was he kicking out the grooves. Watching Rick thump that cajon made my hands hurt. He’s amazing… and Shane absolutely owns the stage. They are great entertainers for sure! The Snakes played for 3 hours doing a number of original songs as well as cover tunes from Prince, Depeche Mode, Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Robert Johnson, and several others. What a night!
Well... it may have taken a 3 hour flight, a rental car, and an overnight stay in a shoddy hotel room to cross this item off my bucket list, but the trip was well worth it! I was able to explore the museum, learn some random facts, meet Shane, hear The Snakes play, have some CBG-minded conversation, and get some cool souvenirs all in one night. This was definitely a trip to remember. Thanks to everyone who helped make the night special.
Check out the full album of pics here: https://cigarboxnation.com/photo/albums/new-alexandria-trip-11-18
Watch The Snakes do their rendition of The Star Spangled Banner here: https://cigarboxnation.com/video/shane-speal-the-snakes-play-the-star-spangled-banner
StringTalk!
Had a intervieuw This afternoon whit Roman ZAJICEK "Rozawood Guitars"Tsjechie.
He is a Master Luthier maybee the Best there is in Europe,from the Old school Builders.
There was a Workshop at The Fellowship of Acoustics near my hometown in Dedemsvaart Holland.
In the intervieuw we talk on topics like strings,Woods,dobro's, that past ,while we where at the workshop in the Vintage & rare guitar store from Rudi Bults The Fellowschip of Acoustics in Dedemsvaart,Holland.
His guitars have a distinctif sound that have no comparance whit standaard American or other Europian Guitars.So i started of asking him about strings, myself i am having some resevations on the choice of strings,i dont think it has to do whit what brand, but more what strings u use for what sound on what instrument, like you have the Lapsteel ;it uses thick and smooth strings, but i can not use those on my Dobro,and big roundwounds sound to rambling to my ear.
The other Day i broke a string on my long time set of Martins&co "Silk&Steel", who i like on my Dobro and some of my own builds,Seeing a Video by "Roy Rodgers"years ago he recomended them and i stuck whit that for years,but now they where out of sale and i had to make do whit "Martins& co"Vintage, whits i find not that swell to my ears, and when i quot BrianQ on this when he remarked me on a Ry Cooder Quot : that he liked his strings for slide to be flat & stail for optimum sliding.While de same set (i bothTwo) sounds a millioen on my Susuki "Nagoya"est 1885 .And like on my Favorit CBG Slider i have a Ernie Ball Set 008 from ADGB,sounding whit a humbucker pickup mind you superbo,So what do you think is the consensus on this ;
Thick or Thin? Flatwound or Roundwound? copperwound or silverwound? cheap or exspencif?
Is there any theory on this ? and what are your exspirience?
A.D.Eker Builder/Player BCB (BlackCatBone) CBG's Holland.
