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first kit?

got my first CBG two weeks ago

ready to build one now thinking I should start with a kit the first time just to make sure of

whats what and then go from there?

I've got plenty of wood working experience and guitar knowledge, but brand new to this world.

Any suggestions on a kit?

Thanks,

Jeff in LA

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Marcus P. Clarke on March 17, 2012 at 4:39pm

Skip the kit ! I was like you, played blues guitar and pretty good with wood working. I use the 1x2 poplar from home depot for the necks and after my first 2 fretless I added 1/2" fretboard and fretted from then on. I already had most of the tools and the only thing I did add later was the adjustable fret saw from stumac. Stay with this web site, plenty of help,great guys and gals to ask even your most basic questions. I added the pic of my 1stseveral builds build. Take your time and enjoy. yyourself...Marcus

Permalink Reply by Suspect Device on March 17, 2012 at 4:59pm

I agree. Skip the kit, you'll figure it out and learn more. I wouldn't buy poplar, tho. You can get 1x2 maple at HD for about a buck a foot. The few cents you save on poplar just isn't worth it. Every time I've tried to make a poplar neck, something goes frustratingly wrong. I just won't build with the stuff any more. Definitely break down and get the fret saw from StewMac you will save yourself even more headaches. Good luck with your build!

Permalink Reply by Marcus P. Clarke on March 17, 2012 at 5:07pm

your right about the maple. sometimes its there sometimes not but, I will always try to get the maple 1x2's. Just keep building and incorporate your ideas as they come to you. Always share with us what you come up with, add some pics and you'll be one of us before you know it...Marcus.

Permalink Reply by Jim burt on March 17, 2012 at 5:31pm

I would read up on it too...They have 2 good books on CGB....Handmake Music Factory by Mike Orr and Cigar box Guitars by David Sutton.....You can order the books online...They have been a great help....Also the CBN members have been a great help too

Permalink Reply by MadGomer on March 17, 2012 at 7:39pm

Between this site and the guitar you already have, I wouldn't hesitate to tell you to dive on in and build from scratch. You'll learn more, spend less, and have more freedom to make it "yours". Fear not!

Permalink Reply by jeff heister on March 17, 2012 at 8:58pm

Thanks a lot guys. I think I'll try to read up some and just wing it.

Anyone have thoughts of the pros or cons of bolt on neck and tailpiece vs. thru neck design.

Thanks again for the help guys. I'll let you know.

Jeff in LA

Permalink Reply by Charlotte Henry on March 18, 2012 at 4:49am

Ditto on skipping the kit. Just get all of your components together and get started. I would not use poplar for another neck especially since maple is so available and even then I am reinforcing the maple necks. I reinforced the one poplar neck I made, but I worry about it bending over time. I've been using oak and quartersawn red oak for necks also and it is very stiff, but maple is so tight grained and is less likely to splinter it is my favorite neck wood. The one fretless guitar that I made is my favorite of the ones I have made so far, so consider starting with fretless as your first one. Step by step, one thing at a time, ask questions and above all have fun with it.

Permalink Reply by Charlotte Henry on March 18, 2012 at 4:51am

I think that a neck through is simpler, and it places no stress on the box.

Permalink Reply by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on March 18, 2012 at 9:59am

Ditto to the fretless neck thru, easy to make, hard to screw up, and historically faithful to early CBG's from the late 1800's so you can re live the beginnings of the blues. Skip the kit scrounge what you can, then buy what you need to finish it. I bet you can find most of it and just buy some strings and tuners. Go for it and have fun.

Permalink Reply by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on March 18, 2012 at 10:01am

By the way, in answer to one of your Q's, you can make a neck thru with a tailpiece, look at my pictures for some ideas.

Permalink Reply by jeff heister on March 20, 2012 at 1:55am

Thanks Michael. Where do I see your pics?

Jeff H.

Permalink Reply by DJ Johnson on May 30, 2012 at 7:39am

I have been curious about the purpose of the tailpiece. Does it just give you a little more length to anchor the strings? I have an 11.75 inch box, and didn't think that I would need a tailpiece. Am I correct or is there something else I need to consider?