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First time is always a charm

OK here it is a 4 stringer, my first build, it was the great fun, despite the mistakes, what first build isn't.
Maple neck, recycled gym flooring, 24" scale, ebonixed oak fret board, read vinegar and steel wool mixture, works like a charm on oak. Mandolin machines, two sets of 4 to a pack, it was calling my name. I inlayed half a washer to prevent the strings form cutting into the neck, and a piece of welding rod at the other end for the same. Lignum Vitae nut, it was all I had on hand but fits well with the fret board I think, it is hard and seems to sound good. Maple bridge and sink drain hole cover sound holes.
Sounds good and plenty of fum left in that old box.
I have since found some better boxes for build #2,3,4........
Thanks to all for the time and expert know how which saves me about a million years of build time.
Cheers Ron.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Gajeski on February 25, 2010 at 11:29pm

Looks great. Welcome to your new obsession. :D

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Permalink Reply by Keni Lee Burgess on February 25, 2010 at 11:43pm

Very impressive first build. It can only get better from here! Enjoy

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Permalink Reply by Rick Martin on February 26, 2010 at 3:34am

Nice work! I actually think the washer is cool - it gives it its own charm. Also, the lignum for the nut is a great idea. They don't call it ironwood for nothing. I have a cured 1' tall heartwood log of that stuff, and I can hardly cut through it with regular woodworking tools.

Hey, "obsession" is right - ever notice how we all talk about building #2, 3, 4, .... I've only got like SEVEN cigar boxes lined up for future builds!

Welcome to the Revolution!

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Permalink Reply by Shawn on February 26, 2010 at 3:53am

Great first CBG. It always starts with one box and before you know it you looking for that next score. I have some 20 boxes

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Permalink Reply by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on February 26, 2010 at 4:24am

Really nice, I like the washer idea too, nice simple looking headstock but unique. Also nice clean finished look. Good job, how does it sound?

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Permalink Reply by Mungo Park on February 26, 2010 at 5:39pm

Thanks for the kind words. I think it sounds better than I though it would with the beginner teething problems. I found the neck vibrated a lot and it sounded nice despite the not so top drawer box. It does sound a lot bigger with the guitar on a the wood top of the work bench but is still good unplugged.
The washer came in after I had cut the center hole, the tuners are in one piece and it was the only way I could have figured them. Maybe the washer adds to the sound transfer to the neck, who knows.
Thanks again great fun to build as I had never built anything like this before. Electric or reso would be my next first try.
Cheers Ron.