Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jock MacHinery on March 31, 2021 at 3:20am

Hi Hans

Welcome and good luck with your first build. I can't really comment on your plans other than to say that they seem to look OK.

What I do advise is to look at the videos on YouTube by Del Puckett. There are many, including some great ones on neck making and some CBG beginners ones. I have learned a great deal from Del's videos

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Hans Coppens on March 31, 2021 at 3:23am

Thanks for your advice, I've been looking at them and really love them!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Timothy Hunter on March 31, 2021 at 3:22am

plans look great. dual piezo and neck pick is nice.  is that a 3 way switch ? 

As a first build this will be very good. you do know that there is no such thing as 1, they are addictive. 

my first guitar box wa the same as these dimensions but 275 long. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Hans Coppens on March 31, 2021 at 3:34am

Hey Timothy,
Yes, it's a 3-way switch, and I'm going to add a volume nob as well.
I'll share the progress and end result

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tom T on March 31, 2021 at 5:30am

Hello Hans,

Nice drawing. I'm glad to see that you are building a three-string, fretless guitar. Tuned to and open (or power) chord, it is a nice sounding instrument that is easy to learn to play. Without frets, the string height becomes less critical which help to make building easier. The hardtail bridge is (in my opinion) a good move. It is not as rustic as, say, a screw or bolt, but if you firmly secure it through the box and into the oak neck it will produce great sustain.

I didn't see any on scale length on the drawing, but maybe my old eyes missed it. Anyway, something in the 24" to 25" inch scale is most common (610~625 mm).

A Piezo  pickup has a good, gritty sound, but some people don't like the microphone effect that picks up a lot of box noise and string touching, but it really depends on your playing style. If you don't like it you can always try a magnetic pickup which is pretty inexpensive.

I think you will enjoy box guitars, They are quick to learn and you can join in with others to jam.

Keep us posted on progress

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Hans Coppens on April 1, 2021 at 1:48am

I'm planning on building a fretted one :) In the new plans, I added the fret positions. 
Pickup wise I'm going to use a piezo under the bridge and an MGB Seven Fitty Screamin Pickup

I've made some changes to my plans positioning of the box and some refinements

Thanks for the advice

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by t-belly johnson on March 31, 2021 at 12:16pm

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by t-belly johnson on March 31, 2021 at 12:16pm

The plans look fine Hans. I would use a fret calculator, Fret Position Calculator | stewmac.com although the fret length you`re using is close to a strat. Oak is great, strong and easy to work with and relatively inexpensive ;)

I`ve used all sorts of wood for boxes but to start with some 2mm ply will do nicely ( especially as your using pick ups)

From the plans it looks like you`re going to use a single coil pickup. But that, piezo and even under saddle pickups all have their merits.

One thing I can guarantee.... you will build one and you will HAVE to build more! It`s a very addictive hobby! 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Hans Coppens on April 1, 2021 at 1:22am

Thanks, I've used the calculator and changed some other things added them to the new plans

I'll keep you posted

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Southern Ray on March 31, 2021 at 12:29pm

 I build fretless as well. Gonna try fretting soon, but I don't like to fret. It'll be interesting, no doubt. 

 I second that on Del Puckett. He was one of the first that I watched as well Learned a huge amount from him before my first build as well as recently. Jock is right about the beginner's video's, but Del gets rather advanced in his instruction on "tempered" and "Just" intonations and other types of tuning as well as the Golden ratio... Interesting stuff. I bought one of his fretboards that he offered for CBN members awhile back. VERY nice piece. Don't know if he is still doing that.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Hans Coppens on April 1, 2021 at 1:25am

Thanks for the advice. I added frets on this one

made some adjustments to the plans and step by step it's getting better :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by the anonymous pick on March 31, 2021 at 2:26pm

Looks good to me . The only thing I would mention to consider is the  switch placement . As is ... it is pretty close to the jack input (factoring in the male cord  ends inserted  length ) . Just make sure it doesn't touch or come too close to the base of the switch inside .  Not to mention ,  where the switch is now , it may get in the way of playing  ( ie: switching off while playing  in a seated position ,( or angled between the legs )  hitting your pants or clothing . and getting an unwanted  switch off .)  There is also a possibility  of   accidentally  hitting the switch when adjusting volume or tone .. or even palm muting .

If this guitar is for you . Mock up how you play,  and where your hands . clothing  etc  may be an issue .  depending on that . it may be fine as is .

Everything else .. you've already over-thought  ;-)

 Good luck ;-)

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page