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Permalink Reply by Rick D on April 22, 2017 at 7:40am

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on April 22, 2017 at 8:10am

Putting the bridge close to the edge will make a more reserved guitar. The closer to the center of the box the better, most people put their bridge just off center for maximum effect.

Bigger wound strings will give off less volume than the smaller ones, solid strings are even louder. Acoustic strings will also offer less volume than steel electric strings. This is the reason acoustic guitars have a large and deep body compared to the small and thin CBG body.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on April 22, 2017 at 8:28am

Too many or too large soundholes will also have a affect the guitars acoustic volume. I noticed you have several soundholes, Try covering some of them with some tape to see if that makes a change. If it helps, you'll need to find a permanent way to seal some holes.

Always best to start with one or two small holes first, then decide on whether you need to make them larger or add more.

Placement of soundholes can also make a difference.

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Permalink Reply by RTZGUITARS on April 22, 2017 at 9:04am

Not dull different keep building they will start to sound better

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Permalink Reply by darryl kernaghan on April 22, 2017 at 2:20pm

All the comments so far make a lot of sense, moving the bridge to about 1/3 from the back will help, as will a bridge with a smaller foot print, it seems you have a heavy string on a pretty short scale, that combined with a large soundhole area will make it hard for the bassier sound to ring out,[generally bigger sound holes will bring out the treble tones better], i'd definitely move the bridge forward a bit, and try lighter strings, 1 other thing that might help, as you split the lid, it may be flexing on the join and losing a lot of the string effect, if you can still open the box, a light bracing under where the bridge sits will stiffen it up a fair bit, probably only 3" or so long, 1/2" high and 1/4" wide, tapering that 1/2" high either side of centre

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Permalink Reply by Rick D on April 22, 2017 at 10:03pm

Thanks everyone for giving advice. I really appreciate the feedback a lot!.
Here's a link to what it sounded like  (I haven't bothered trying to tune it, and my 10 yr old daughter is filming). 

I will try out your suggestions.

1. Move bridge
2. Smaller bridge
3. Lighter string (been using an old  bottom E string from acoustic)
4. Block up a sound hole (they are 25mm) with tape.
5. Possibly brace lid under bridge, but means cutting a recess out of the neck)

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Permalink Reply by darryl kernaghan on April 22, 2017 at 10:38pm

I forgot about the recess, that alone might help Rick, although there are many here who don't leave a gap, i always do

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Permalink Reply by Moritz Voegeli on April 23, 2017 at 12:18am

Nut and bridge are crucial for best sound, check the discussion initiated by John Mackay on

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/forum/topics/nut-slots-with-principle...

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Permalink Reply by Rick D on April 23, 2017 at 4:17am

Took all the advice on board from you guys and I'm much happier with the sound now.

• Moved the bridge,
• Got a smaller bridge 
• Cut out the recess in the neck
• Used thinner gauge A string.

Now I just need to learn to play one. Cant say how much I appreciate the feedback. Next weekend project is building a 2 string and ill try a bone nut and bridge

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