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My first CBG is in the books

Well, I finally have completed my first CBG. It took me longer than I wanted but lots of that was paranoia about making mistakes and so doing lots of reading. asking questions, watching videos and procrastination... Finally done though. I still need to make sure the intonation is correct. I will be doing that tomorrow. It is not perfect and I will make changes to the next one but I am happy with it and most importantly my daughter likes it and is for her so...

I did have an issue with buzzing on two of the strings and it was due to the strings not having enough of a break angle off the head. I wound up putting 2 screws in to hold them down and it stopped the issue. I had gone with zero fret using a finishing nail that was larger than the frets with a bolt behind it for guiding the strings but it was not enough so had to use the screws. Next time I will make some changes there. I was surprised at how much sound it makes when not plugged in. I put sound holes in the side of it.

Inside it has two 20mm piezos one on each side of the bridge.

I used a section of ceiling lamp extension rod for the bridge, it is long so I will cut some more off I think. I had to raise it up so as you can see, I used what I had handy to raise it. I was going to change it for something else but my daughter liked it so I think will stay but will see.

I made it for my older daughter and my younger daughter is the one who cannot put it down. I have already started hers today or she won't give her sister hers back. I am going to do a shorter one though, it is too big for her.

Thanks to everybody for their help and advice.

Mike

A few photos:

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Permalink Reply by Clock The Wolf on February 21, 2015 at 9:10pm

(•‿•)

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Permalink Reply by darryl kernaghan on February 21, 2015 at 9:17pm

looks good Mike

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Permalink Reply by Slowpaw Steve T on February 21, 2015 at 9:51pm

nice looking build and lovely photos - why aye! ;-)

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Permalink Reply by Mike on February 22, 2015 at 9:50am

Thanks. She is a work of art and a piece of work at the same time. :-)

For the bridge, do you mean cutting the actual rod I used for the bridge, even though put in same place will change the sound?

And yes, around 22 was the size I was going to do for her. She wanted it the same length as her sisters but it is clearly too big.

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Permalink Reply by Keith on February 22, 2015 at 5:11am

Very well done mike! Much nicer than my first. Gratz!

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Permalink Reply by Bama Hound on February 22, 2015 at 7:35am

Mike, I know the feeling of some serious apprehension, maybe not stretched to paranoia, but I hear Ya. I had years of woodworking experience behind me when I started, but it is a whole new pleasant experience. Part of the fun is the research before you start, but that little kernel of doubt creeps in. You should be proud of your first build and the little treasure that plays it Next time think about 2 builds going at the same time, maybe you will end up with one. (:-D).

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Permalink Reply by Mike on February 22, 2015 at 9:48am

Thanks everybody. I had fun making it, paranoia and all. I am hoping to do the next one much quicker. My daughter asked me again first thing this morning when hers will be done. :)