Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bufo Bill on August 14, 2015 at 10:39am

As we all find out, this hobby is addictive, probably partly because of the range of scope that this hobby allows for, ideas wise and building and playing too. You obviously like the raw sound best, which is your personal taste, but just because your first few attempts were simpler, does not mean you need to be less creative. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the hardest to conceive.
Maybe you're playing needs a shake up too? Think of that raw sound and get yourself back in that groove you had.
All the best from Bill. :D

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Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on August 14, 2015 at 3:53pm

Raw is more in the hands of the player than the build.

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Permalink Reply by George Mesheau on August 16, 2015 at 1:19am

not sure I would call it overthinking. its more like trial and error or just seeing what you can/can't do. sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't... all part of the hobby itself.. experimenting leads to more fun for sure...

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Permalink Reply by Blues Frog on August 17, 2015 at 3:27pm

Of course its possible to over think the diddley bow, or any other git.. If you want to get back to basics, watch this video and follow it to the letter. This will allow you to build a diddley bow in 20 minutes (but unfortunately not stop the overthinking)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M18A7xLQZsY 

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Permalink Reply by Thomas "Duck" Petry on August 18, 2015 at 7:01pm

Yes Grasshopper, you can over think the process.

Step one. Go back to your cell and meditate for a few days, Eat some of your favorite foods, drink some of your favorite beverages.

Step two. Go in search of a box and a stick.

Step three. Select the strings and tuners that you wish to use and assemble all of the components, install the pickups of your choice and amplify it or leave it pure acoustic.

Step four. Tune to your desired notes and play it.

If this does not satisfy your urges return to step one and repeat the process. It can take years and in some cases lifetimes, but with persistence you may succeed in your quest. Than again, the whole of it may be a journey without end in search of an unattainable sound.

There are many among us who travel this path to enlightenment. Perhaps when we achieve success we will move to a higher level.

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Permalink Reply by Nathan Binns on August 19, 2015 at 3:55am

I think over thinking is a problem when you become paralyzed by planning. It sounds like you're still building, experimenting and having fun. I think the dilemma you might be facing is the basic question of what constitutes a Cigar Box Guitar. I personally don't think a CBG even needs to have a cigar box. I don't think they get be too "lutherie" orientated either. For me, this is becoming my new hobby and passion and I like to add a few embellishments and decoration. I'm enjoying building my own boxes with found/reclaimed materials. I also don't feel that a CBG has to be a simple stick-in-a-box. It can, but it doesn't have to be. 

My own frustrations with "over thinking" things is that now that I have added more processes to the construction of a guitar it takes forever to build them. My first 3 string fretless slider took 5 or 6 hours to build. I could probably do it in half that time now that I have a better understanding of what I'm doing. It sounds great and I still play it all the time. My current build will probably be close to 30-35 hours once it's completed. Is one better than another. Not really. Just different. My current work is more about experimenting with materials and getting better at woodworking. Building CBGs is way more than making something that makes noise. It's a whole other art form with endless possibilities. Think away. Just make sure you have fun while you're doing it. 

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Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on August 19, 2015 at 7:02am

I think that is one of the best things about the "CBG World", they can be as complicated or simple as the builder desires. Personally I like to have at least a couple of builds going at the same time, that way I can either do two different styles, or let ideas come to me before I'm finished! Oddly enough, when I plan on doing a Rat Rod, down and dirty build, they can end up taking as much if not more  time and effort than a clean and polished one!!!

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Permalink Reply by john mackay on August 19, 2015 at 7:40am

for me over thinking can be a good thing..

I always try to make them better than the last one made.

the more you make the better you become at making these.

take your time and think things through eventually it'll become second nature.

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Permalink Reply by Goldsmithexile on August 20, 2015 at 10:23pm

Thank you for all the considered and helpful replies...

"glass-hopper" made me grin....

Anyway the project I mentioned earlier hasnt so far clicked, the sound is just not livley, but I might just experiment until something happens with it. I think the first few builds with wall wart pickups were "beginners good fortune" LOL. Using the wall wart pickup I noticed it has to be in an exact spot, then it is loud. either side of that spot, its almost silent....

BUT I have a nice big treacle (golden syrup) tin and some bits and pieces to do another acoustic version, I'd like to do that build faster and get back to playing more. Besides for the first time in my life, I have been having trouble with dust allergy (real bad, coughing fits) so the less shop time the better methinks...

cheers Jonathan

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