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Thomas McGuigan
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- El Paso, TX
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Thomas McGuigan's Discussions
Electric Cigar Box Mandolin
Started this discussion. Last reply by Ken Vickerson Apr 12. 23 Replies 0 Likes
Hi all! I'm setting out to build my first cigar box instrument. I'm a mandolin player, and want to build a four string electric.I am thinking I will use this basic design:…Continue
Thomas McGuigan's Page
Latest Activity
Ken Vickerson replied to Thomas McGuigan's discussion Electric Cigar Box Mandolin"Thanks Taff I watched the video, I dont have a laminate trimmer so I will cut a recess for my truss bar with the table saw, nice approach though. I visited my luthier friend and got further education on the mysteries of mandolins. He showed me…"
Thomas McGuigan replied to Thomas McGuigan's discussion Electric Cigar Box Mandolin"Thanks Frank! I'm not after a true mando sound. I used to have a four string electric Mandobird, and regret selling it. I eventually want to make a nice solid body four string too. I got all the parts in the mail the other day, just need to…"
frank learman replied to Thomas McGuigan's discussion Electric Cigar Box Mandolin"When I made this paired string dulcimer(to sound like a mando) I did not use a truss rod It has six strings and has not showed any signs of bowing in 3 years, not that it won't.It has a flat top and a murphy style bridge. What I did do was use…"
Taffy Evans replied to Thomas McGuigan's discussion Electric Cigar Box Mandolin"Hi Ken, in the recent post "rod slot without power tools" I show photos of me in laying a carbon fibre bar into a violin neck. The bar was the same size as what you have.
Taff"
Ken Vickerson replied to Thomas McGuigan's discussion Electric Cigar Box Mandolin"Cool!!! I'll be looking for a low one for a flat top. Thanks"
Thomas McGuigan replied to Thomas McGuigan's discussion Electric Cigar Box Mandolin"Check this out for bridge ideas:
https://www.murphymethod.com/index.cfm?event=pages.content&contentId=87
I made one like this for a mandolin banjo."
Ken Vickerson replied to Thomas McGuigan's discussion Electric Cigar Box Mandolin"Thanks Taff that explains a lot, I appreciate you taking time to educate me. I've cut a strip of 1/8" x 5/16" steel to reinforce the neck. I will probably go with a lower bridge as I don't need to clear the rounded…"
Taffy Evans replied to Thomas McGuigan's discussion Electric Cigar Box Mandolin"Hi Ken, glad to be helping. Crap this is a bit long winded!
The reinforcement in the neck I mentioned was a bar, higher than it is wide, for strength. A rod would just bend with the timber unless fitted in a certain way and threaded with a nut to…"
Ken Vickerson replied to Thomas McGuigan's discussion Electric Cigar Box Mandolin"Thanks Taffy that's good advice, putting a steel rod in seems doable. What is the advantage of the high bridge and back angle? It seems I'm missing a basic concept. Does the back angle increase string pressure on the high bridge and…"
Taffy Evans replied to Thomas McGuigan's discussion Electric Cigar Box Mandolin"Hi Ken, there normally is a rod in a mandolin neck. The neck angle creates a high bridge so string pressure/tension is pretty high, and its not a very thick neck, you will have trouble at some time.
I have built many mandolins and have used…"
Thomas McGuigan replied to Thomas McGuigan's discussion Electric Cigar Box Mandolin"I think the neck angle is more important with a floating bridge type instrument. You need a certain angle to put pressure down on the top on mandolin type instruments. Mine won't have much of one because it will have an electric bridge on it. I…"
Ken Vickerson replied to Thomas McGuigan's discussion Electric Cigar Box Mandolin"I checked out Siminoff's website (thanks for that) and found some useful tips on securing the neck. I don't think I will be doing a dovetail or V joint but maybe a less complex version of those. There doesn't seem to be a truss rod so…"
Thomas McGuigan replied to Thomas McGuigan's discussion Electric Cigar Box Mandolin"I don't know exactly why the neck tapers, but I think a lot of instruments do the same. It is tuned like a violin, and each course (pair of strings) is tuned the same. The neck on mine is ash, and the headstock and neck will be one piece, no…"
Ken Vickerson replied to Thomas McGuigan's discussion Electric Cigar Box Mandolin"Hey Maximo post some photos of your mandolins. I'm particularly interested in the home built from the 30s. If you have any suggestions on my build I'd love to hear them. Ken"
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Latest Activity
George Jones commented on Lonman's video
tricone 3 string guitar
"That's a Great build and playing demo, Lonman. Sounds like those 3 cans and strings…"
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