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8 strings

Anyone ever make an 8 string CBG? Im wondering do i need to put a truss rod in due to the tension?

Also it will be acoustic with a sound hole so dont want to have a through neck CBG which Ive never done before. How do people fix the tail/saddle to the box to ensure the tension doesnt break the box?

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on May 15, 2014 at 3:54am

I haven't done an 8-string so I won't comment on that, but I will offer advice on what I have done. That is, when trying a new build technique, work at it incrementally. Try what you want with a 3 string or format that you're comfortable with first then go after the final product when you have confidence in the design. You might think this will take longer - building 2 or 3 additional instruments before the 8-string, but it may still save you a ton of time, materials, efforts, etc.

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Permalink Reply by www.FullerCBG.com on May 15, 2014 at 3:57am

Cheers Eric. I have made a lot of CBGs and different types too. The thing thats throwing me is not having the neck all the way through the body - I am worried about the tension. So I am wondering how others anchor their neck and strings to ensure this doesnt happen? (dont know if my original question made that clear)!

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on May 15, 2014 at 5:50am

On this 6-string resonator I put blocking on the back to retain the strings. The tension is carried in part by the runners on the outside of the box. However, I did have to add extra reinforcement to keep the neck from twisting upward a little bit. I simply sunk some lags or wood screws into the mahogany cross from the edge of the box.

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Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on May 15, 2014 at 7:48am

I recognize that git...sittin' in my music room. ;-)

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on May 15, 2014 at 1:55pm

Geez. Hope you wouldn't have forgotten it!

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Permalink Reply by www.FullerCBG.com on May 15, 2014 at 9:31pm

Super eric thanks. A lovely looking CBG.

What sort of pickup are you using there?

Any problem with the 6 strings and tension? perhaps I dont need a truss rod.

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Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on May 15, 2014 at 10:12pm

E built the neck extra thick, so no truss rod. It's like playing a baseball bat, but looks and sounds kewl:

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/video/bouree-bia-or-broke-bach-go-tul...