Hey folks,
So I am about to start work on my 1st CBG! Ordering parts now and will start in early Dec when back from a vacation. I have 4 that I want to build right off. That would be: Non-Fretted slide, Fretted, License Plate and a Resonator. Already planning building for family and friends.
As I watch vids and look at online pics of awesome instruments, I am seeing that fretted generally sit above the top of the box lid by about 1/4 in. I definitely want to move into my own fretting quickly but bought a pre-made neck 35 " - 25.5" scale - 20 frets Fender scale, on ebay just to get one out of the gate quickly that I can learn to play.
Biggest questions as I pull the trigger to start these projects:
1) Chromatic or Dulcimer scale? I've only just started with a bit of electric 6 string, so the Chromatic would mirror that. But is Dulcimer that much easier to play? Are the teaching videos more for Chromatic or Dulcimer?
2) Scale Length? I'm seeing 22" or so to 25.5" at most common. I read one post here that said that 22" scale was his pref for slide and offered more control. For fingering the frets then would 25.5 be best?
I'm sure there will be many more questions as I get going. Thanks in advance for tips and advice.
Jim aka Codog
Tags:
Hi Jim, I'll focus on one of your questions re scale length. The scale length I use is often governed by the size [length] of the box. If buying a premade neck might be good to know what size box you are going to use.
If I'm looking at acoustic qualities I plot the bridge in the best position on the top, then lay out the scale length and see where the neck sits. Sometimes it has frets over the top and sometimes they stop at the body.
Taff
Jim, most videos and articles teach how to play or build a GDG three string tuning, chrono if building a guitar (typically).
btw many cbg use 1x2”, plus fretboard, maybe even some layers of hardwood in the neck. Where as the fender is much thinner and wider, to accommodate 6 strings. I use both necks in my builds but I like the more narrow (cbg) neck for playing.
I was told to have fun and that there are no rules.
Ok...sounds like staying with Chromatic is one less new idea to add to the mix and will aslo go along with my basic 6 string training.
Ya for my fretted neck I see that I will need to build it up.
Yes MadGomer, I will build em 1 at a time. Makes sense and now I have a buddy, that is a very good guitar player, hooked after send him a Mike Snowden 3 String Thursday video. He is ordering a super nice Resonator. I expect he will be able to find the weak spots of my builds in person, then I i will come here for the recommended fixes.
Started by Justin Stanchfield. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 20. 9 Replies 2 Likes
Started by BrianQ.. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 27. 2 Replies 4 Likes
Started by Ian Boyd. Last reply by Ian Boyd Dec 11, 2023. 1 Reply 0 Likes
Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Michael Myers Apr 20, 2023. 8 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Brenda. Last reply by MadGomer Dec 3, 2022. 5 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Wichita Sam. Last reply by Taffy Evans Nov 14, 2022. 21 Replies 1 Like
Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Taffy Evans Nov 3, 2022. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Robert Killen. Last reply by Paul Craig Oct 14, 2022. 23 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Larry Sobol. Last reply by Larry Sobol Oct 1, 2022. 6 Replies 2 Likes
Started by jon neet. Last reply by Taffy Evans Aug 16, 2022. 6 Replies 1 Like
Started by Doug Laffin. Last reply by Order99 Aug 11, 2022. 4 Replies 1 Like
Started by Paul Craig. Last reply by Paul Craig Jul 17, 2022. 14 Replies 1 Like
Started by Roy Smith. Last reply by the anonymous pick May 15, 2022. 2 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Al Lobe. Last reply by BrianQ. May 10, 2022. 18 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Taffy Evans May 6, 2022. 5 Replies 1 Like
Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Michael Myers May 2, 2022. 5 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Wichita Sam. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 23, 2022. 2 Replies 4 Likes
Started by Lionhound. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 18, 2022. 8 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Paul Craig. Last reply by Paul Craig Dec 9, 2021. 18 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Ken Hope. Last reply by Christopher G Daniels Nov 29, 2021. 4 Replies 1 Like
Posted by Vlad on March 31, 2024 at 11:48pm 0 Comments 1 Like
Posted by Vlad on March 6, 2024 at 2:32am 5 Comments 2 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 28, 2024 at 2:09pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 17, 2024 at 11:00pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by Vlad on February 11, 2024 at 1:06am 1 Comment 1 Like
May 11, 2024 from 11am to 8pm – Speakeasy Grill
0 Comments 0 LikesMay 30, 2024 from 6:30pm to 10pm – The Casual Pint of Huntsville
0 Comments 0 Likes© 2024 Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker. Powered by
Cigar Box Nation is presented by C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply, your one-stop-shop for Cigar Box Guitar parts and accessories!