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CONTEST: The 2x4 Challenge!!! May 2017

CONTEST OVERVIEW:

What instrument can you build that starts with a 2x4 plank? We're looking for the most spectacular, innovative, interesting and artistic creations. Note: This contest will also include all instruments, whether stringed, wind, percussion or keyboard.

We're challenging you to create new and exciting instruments starting with common 2x4 planks! You should build to impress!

SUBMISSION RULES - NO EXCEPTIONS:

You must build a playable musical instrument using a common 2x4 plank* as the main component of the construction.
Submit your entry by uploading two (2) different photos in the COMMENTS section below.
Add a 1 paragraph description of your instrument (parts used,building techniques, inspiration yadda yadda yadda)
All submissions must be built by the person submitting them.
Contest submissions end Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time US)

*Common 2x4 dimensional lumber, aka framing stud. The 2x4 can be construction grade or top choice quality.

YOU WILL BE JUDGED BY THE STAFF OF CIGAR BOX NATION

PRIZES:

First place: $100 gift certificate from C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply

Second place: $50 gift certificate from C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply

Third place: $25 Gift Certificate from C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply

THIS PAGE IS FOR CONTEST SUBMISSIONS ONLY.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Uncle John on May 8, 2017 at 9:16am

2010 relic build, before I had heard of anyone building with a 2x5. The White Owl, fretted (poorly) and tuned DGB. This is an old fave and was in a lot of videos and was played in 3 KC fests. Originally had a disc piezo and later changed to a Gitty rod piezo and equalizer. Features 3 non matching tuners and a mildly crushed top. Never played by Micheal Jackson. Entry in the handsomest builder category.

Permalink Reply by Uncle John on May 8, 2017 at 9:17am

Permalink Reply by Jim Morris on May 8, 2017 at 12:18pm

Ok, I know I've got an entry in already but hey, I had apiece of 2x4 left over so I went with this. I'm calling it the fast and funky 2x4 fiddle since I made it in one day and didn't do much in the way of sanding or other niceties. It's based on pochette or travel fiddles I've seen. It's got a thin body and a pretty thin tone too. All the wood parts except the nut and tailpiece come from the 2x4. I'll have to replace the pine bridge soon since the strings are digging in pretty bad.

Permalink Reply by Dennis Reedy on May 9, 2017 at 5:31am

My first lap steel, zebra humbucker , gold corners, plumbing drain sound hole, gold screws for nut and bridge, 3 strings, tuned to open G. Sounds great acousticly and electric. Please upload my pictures.....

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Permalink Reply by John Sawyer on May 9, 2017 at 2:10pm

Dang, you guys went all fancy on me... I just took a Gitty 4-pole pickup, a fender jackplate, cut an old bass bridge in half and made a (2x3) diddly bow bass...

Of course, it sounds awesome...

https://soundcloud.com/john-sawyer-11/bass-34-scale-2x4

Permalink Reply by Papa D on May 12, 2017 at 1:01pm

Maple neck, red oak fretboard, 2X4 body, sealed tuners, blues strings,bass pick up,plexi glass top, nickel frets, hardtail

Permalink Reply by Papa D on May 12, 2017 at 1:10pm

Permalink Reply by john calkin on May 12, 2017 at 1:12pm

"Everything you need, nothing you don't." I like it.

Permalink Reply by Jim_N on May 12, 2017 at 1:13pm

Papa D > Clever, nicely done.

Plus, to use during the inevitable zombie apocalypse, a very effective-looking weapon! ^^

Permalink Reply by John Fritz on May 12, 2017 at 1:30pm

Here is my entry. When I saw Shane's video I thought it was great but too much work. I decided not to do any notching or cutting out of cavity sections. All the wood is from Home Depot and only length cuts were used.

I cut my 2x4 to Shane's specs without the head stock. I used a red oak plank 1/2 by 4 and cut it to length leaving out a section for my pick up. I cut an angled head stock caused I liked the look but did not need to. All I had to do was Drill holes for the tuners and glue it together. After it set I gave it a coat of poly and went to bed. The next day I Added the tuners and pickup and a jack on the side. I had to add a washer to the tuners but no big deal. It sounded great. All the parts were from my "junk" draw. I used a banjo bridge for the nut and an electric guitar bridge for the stop. I had 3 ferrules so I threw them on. Tuners, bridge from Gitty.

I downloaded multiple lap steel fret boards from the web and tries sizes from 22.5, 23, 24. 24.25 just by moving the banjo bridge/nut. Iended up with 24 as my favorite.

Things were going so well I decided to spruce it up. I used another red oak board from home depot (1/4 by 3 to make a fret board?). I used my miter box to saw the lines and used floor board crack filler to make the lines. It is held down with upholstery tacks so I can change it easily if I want. Bridge height is by 2 nuts and a bolt.

Great, I then thought " why not add a volume and tone control?". So I had some junk pieces from my CBG builds (again HD) and made a box to put where the jack was. I was going to solder the controls on when I picked up my soldering iron from the wrong end. After the swearing stop I decided to leave well enough alone.

All done in a weekend with time here and there. A lot of fun (except the 3rd degree burns)Thanks Shane for the ideas.

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