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box size dellima (first build)

OK I have all the parts to do this. I want to build a 4 string CBG.
I bought 2 boxes, one 6X9" 1 3/4 deep, including lid and bottom.
The other is 10X5 3/4" 1 1/2" deep.
I wanted to use the 10x5 as it is a little longer but it is not all that deep. If I make my neck 1 1/2" thick I will have to cut it some to fit below the lid, plus some more to get in the box the interior is only 1" deep, so would you build it with a neck inside the box a little less than 1" or just go with the deeper box? If I build it to be 3 string instead of 4 would this work. And make the other 4 string.
Oh yes, I am making the neck of old maple gym flooring, I would have to glue 2 pieces together to get the 1 1/2" thickness, no rod.
Cheers Ron.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Nathan King on January 5, 2010 at 5:25pm: I think if the neck is 1.5 inches thick, it's gonna be hard to play. I'd venture to say most necks are between .75 and 1 inch thick (at least the playing part is). Around 1.5 inches wide is probably gonna work out fine.

Either of those boxes will work out just fine for either a 3 or 4 stringer.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jeff Scott on January 5, 2010 at 7:43pm: I'm having the similar dellima. I'm putting together a Punch gran puro box with neck through, and I only have about 3/16" of clearance below the neck with the box closed. What concerns me is, with the neck pretty much dividing the box in two ,
the acoustics may not be so good. With yours it sounds like it WILL be 2 separate sound chambers
Im considering taking a 2nd box that I have, (identical) and glueing the two together to make a larger sound chamber.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mungo Park on January 5, 2010 at 8:09pm: Well, thanks for the help that makes things a whole lot easier.
".75 and 1 inch thick (at least the playing part is). Around 1.5 inches wide is probably gonna work out fine."
I must have got things mixed up.
Cheers Ron.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Wes Yates on January 5, 2010 at 9:57pm: You're overthinking the problem. Check out the plans in the Free Resources section. I use 1x2's from HD or Lowes. Cut your maple to roughly that and you'll be A-OK. Maple is strong and if you want more strength, add a fretboard/fingerboard.

You'll be ok for a 3 or 4 string. really. 1.5" is _really_ rather thick for a neck. And you mention gluing 2 pieces together. Makes it stronger still.

check out my page blog for neck plans or check out my albums.

-WY; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mungo Park on January 5, 2010 at 11:15pm: Thanks Wes, I made a few notes from reading the posts on the forum, so I could collect together the parts, and I must have jotted down the wrong thing. I will look at your blog.
I have only collected the parts so far and thought gym flooring would be fitting for a CBG, it has been sitting in my shop for years. I have one piece that I think will work quite well, if it does I have enough pieces for a few more.
So I will use the long box since I like the look of it.
Cheers Ron.; ▶ Reply to This