Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by MadGomer on November 3, 2015 at 10:49am

Cutting down would be easy on a table saw if it is just glued (no brads or staples?). Lay the bottom against the rip fence at desired depth and do all four edges. Top would be easy to firm up with screws so things are accessible, or you could glue it of course if no need to get into it later.

Permalink Reply by PhilUSAFRet on November 5, 2015 at 5:05am

Have had a "brain fart", I'm now considering using the top as the bottom a' la' banjo resonator.  Any downside to having space for the air vs a tight fit? Since the top is thinner than the bottom???? I'd have to reinforce it.

Permalink Reply by Mark Bliss on November 10, 2015 at 3:20pm

What is the thickness of the top, back and sides?

Generally, my first thought would be to:

Remove the top from the top frame.

Add some thin edging inside the sides, flush with the top edge.

Design and install a neck, pickup, whatever variations the design calls for.

Glue the top panel on and flush trim it.

(Or some variation thereof.)

Which side to use as the "top" would depend on material, thickness, and what it sounds like when I tap on it. And my particular mood at the moment.

Permalink Reply by PhilUSAFRet on November 18, 2015 at 2:39am

The sides are 1/4", the top, which would become the bottom is only 1/16" and the bottom, which would become the top is 1/8"  so I'd really have to brace that 1/16' bottom

Permalink Reply by Mark Bliss on November 18, 2015 at 6:58am

Well speaking of "brain farts"....

Somehow I overlooked your previous post before I commented.

I suppose you could flip the thing over and use the former top as a form of resonator. Its an interesting idea for an experiment. Perhaps spacing it off the back, and a cross brace on the back surface. Needs to be secure enough to not rattle or buzz obviously. And the neck construction/mounting would have to be considered as the box would not be structurally able to support much load.

Of course the argument could be made that you are modifying it so much you would have been better served to make a box from scratch. But wheres the fun in that? :-)

(I think your general idea would be interesting with a thick or reinforced top and a res cone. Just a thought.)