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Slide / Finger Fretting Advice

Recently,with help from a local CBG builder, I got my first 3 string CBG. My goal for the custom guitar we build was for it to be about 75% folk art and 25% for playing. I quickly became addicted though and now find myself playing constantly. The guitar is actually a CHG (cigar humidor guitar) and because of the box construction the strings are too high for playing any finger fretted chords, however it is excellent for slide / bottle neck improvisions. Although I could have the neck reworked to improve the 'action', I'm thinking of getting another CBG that I could play both slide and finger fretted styles. I've been thinking on getting a resonator and have been looking at the Delta Star Pro model. With the slide and finger fretted styles in mind is there someone who might recommend and turn me on to a good guitar and guitar builder.

I would also appreciate any recommendations for instructional DVD's from those of you who have gone this route.

Here's a picture of my 'little pride and joy'

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Permalink Reply by Cause the Blue rat on June 18, 2016 at 11:36am

If you know the guy who made this guitar see if he can lower the string action. Awesome guitar!

Yes it is very possible to have a guitar with great action and play slide on it. Look at bands like 'The Almond Brothers', Lynyrd Skynyrd' and 'The James Gang'. It takes a lighter touch and more control with the slide. A really good technique to learn. Because you'll be able to play this way on any guitar out there. Best way to learn is just start playing. Make sure your slide fits well. A loose slide is hard to control.

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Permalink Reply by Charly Lukhardtt on June 21, 2016 at 7:11am

Because of the construction of the humidor I used for my CBG my fret board intersects with my 'box' a little lower than it should. This causes the strings to be a good 5/8" off of the fret board at the 12th fret as opposed to being only an 1/8" off at the nut. Since my fret board is glued to the neck, I'm planning on removing the frets (finish nails) and adding another 1/4" fret boardI. Then by adding a new nut with the needed height I can maintain a +/- 1/8" height for my strings. That's my plan anyway. Can any of you experienced player/builders offer any advice.

While I've got a discussion going . . . I'm planning on buying a new or used 3-string resonator. Anyone got any advice on that.

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Permalink Reply by Rick Alexander on June 21, 2016 at 12:15pm

That's a good plan, I think, Charly. Are you planning on making or buying a fretboard?

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Permalink Reply by Charly Lukhardtt on June 21, 2016 at 12:32pm

Hey thanks for the input Rick. That helps ease my mind a bit. I'm a little apprehensive about breaking down LI'L STEVIE but I think I should do it. I checked out the C.B. Gitty line of parts and will probably go with one of their fret boards.

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Permalink Reply by Rick Alexander on June 21, 2016 at 1:15pm

That's what I would do. Are you able to get inside the box?

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Permalink Reply by Charly Lukhardtt on June 21, 2016 at 1:24pm

Yes I can open the box but I plan on adding the 1/4" fret on top of the existing fret and ending it at the front of the box, no need to get inside the box, if that's what you're suggesting. Again thanks from a guy who's got a lot to learn about the construction and playing of a CBG.

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Permalink Reply by Rick Alexander on June 21, 2016 at 1:51pm

You should be fine with that, Charly. Those fretboards want to slip and slide, then suddenly grab, when you're glueing. Ideally, you might want to have an extra set of hands, and as many clamps as you can get. Then hold it in place, while someone else puts the clamps on.

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Permalink Reply by Charly Lukhardtt on June 22, 2016 at 12:41am

Good advice! Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Rick Alexander on June 18, 2016 at 12:02pm

I recommend the DVD "Slide Technique for 3-string Guitar" by Justin Johnson. He explains all of the techniques in detail. For an example of this video, check out his youtube video " Mississippi Hill Country Blues lesson".