Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Roger Harris on May 10, 2010 at 6:02am

Thanks Dan, I will check those out.
Roger

Dan Haugh said:

i could be way off, but would 'fifth string' banjo tuners work? looking at that picture i can't help but think they'd be perfect... then again, i'm only seeing a tiny piece of the puzzle, here.

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Permalink Reply by Roger Harris on May 10, 2010 at 6:08am

Thanks Jason,
Yeah, this was a gift (albeit one that I picked out) and I did wonder why the maker chose to criticize other builders, as if he was/is the only builder with any knowledge. It appears that may his only rule is that there are a Shi&^$%$^% of rules. Hopefully, he did not impart the CBG with bad karma and I will wake up in the middle of the night to the guitar self-playing "Dancing Queen" by ABBA. Actually I like that song, but you get the idea. So I am going to give this CBG a good home and hopefully be rewarded with some good times.

jason fitzgibbons said:

First I would like to say welcome, you have no idea how into this you will most likely become. I actually remember seeing this guitar on ebay. It is a really cool looking guitar. Funny thing, the builder/seller of this instrument had a list of "BEWARE" items that pretty much systematically destroyed all other CBG's on ebay, looks like he forgot to include the beware of thumb screw tuners. I would agree with Wes, the slotted headstock with open geared tuners should solve your problem fairly easily.

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Permalink Reply by Tracy Kennedy on May 10, 2010 at 7:02am

Sure would like to know who this builder on Ebay is

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Permalink Reply by Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates on May 10, 2010 at 7:19am

You know, the more I hear, the more my curiosity is peaked.

So, my first question is, why only one broomstick for a 3-string. No, there are no rules but common sense might lend to the fact that the broomstick might not have the structural integrity as would a double broomstick neck (see the designs by John Lowe or Mac Arnold). And to top it off, what it sounds like is a FUD tactic (fear, uncertainty, doubt). Why would any honest builder dismiss any other builder. To be very honest, John McNair is one of the best builders active on ebay. I would be hard pressed to dishonor him -- as example you understand.

I still say, even as a gift and from what I see and hear, I hope it wasn't more than $30 including shipping.

-WY

Tracy Kennedy said:

Sure would like to know who this builder on Ebay is

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Permalink Reply by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on May 10, 2010 at 8:41am

As far as leaving it in tune when stored, you don't need to loosen the strings, all my cigar box and "real" guitars are left in tune when put away, if left along time it may need to be tuned up but overnite, not a worry. The string question is a bad one for me, I buy a pack of six and use 3 on one and 3 on another and tune to a note that works for the cbg and my untuned ears.

Roger Harris said:

Yes, perfect sense. Thanks Michael. As you suggest, I think I can affect a "fix" using these bolts and with some added hardware but it will still be a *&^*&^%$# to tune.
Sorry, for so many questions, but what you think about maintaining tension on the strings while it is not being played? keeping it in tune, in other words? a waste of time if I am going to practice several times a week?
2) I like the sound of steel strings, so for string gauge would 022", .015 and .010 work? any brand preference?



MichaelS said:

I would still look into using the geared tuners because one of your original problems was the getting it in tune parts. Its very easy to go past the note with the non geared tuner ie: friction peg or eye bolt. But with the geared tuner you have much more control over the string and can get it right on the note easily, like on your friends Takamine guitar. Then its just a matter of playing and having a good time. I have made an eye bolt type tuner, just to say I could and it does work and if made tight stays in tune, but the tuning is a pain, so I only made one.
You could make your work simply by putting a nut on the string side so you can tighten it up against the wood, it looks like there is enough thread available ie: thumb part, string hole, nut, broomstick, wing nut. I hope this makes sense. Good luck with it.

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Permalink Reply by Roger Harris on May 10, 2010 at 9:22am

Well,
In hindsight I probably should have come here first before picking a CBG/Maker but you know how Hindisight is, so I will attempt to make the best of the situation because i don't want the guitar to be just a dust collector.
One more thing and I gotta go earn some $$$ to buy more CBGs; what do you guys and ladies suggest for light gauge guitar string sizes? Any brand preferences and/or materials? Bronze, nickel, ? I live near the ocean so will need something that is somewhat resistant to immediate corrosion.
Have a great Monday!
Roger

Wes Yates said:

You know, the more I hear, the more my curiosity is peaked.

So, my first question is, why only one broomstick for a 3-string. No, there are no rules but common sense might lend to the fact that the broomstick might not have the structural integrity as would a double broomstick neck (see the designs by John Lowe or Mac Arnold). And to top it off, what it sounds like is a FUD tactic (fear, uncertainty, doubt). Why would any honest builder dismiss any other builder. To be very honest, John McNair is one of the best builders active on ebay. I would be hard pressed to dishonor him -- as example you understand.

I still say, even as a gift and from what I see and hear, I hope it wasn't more than $30 including shipping.

-WY

Tracy Kennedy said:

Sure would like to know who this builder on Ebay is

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Permalink Reply by Roger Martin on May 10, 2010 at 9:59am

I think everybody has their own preference but I just buy my strings at Walmart, and use as many out of a set as I can.
I think their $5 a set and they work fine on my instruments.

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Permalink Reply by Roger Harris on May 10, 2010 at 12:54pm

Thanks Roger, I didn't even know that Wally World sold strings. Do they sell instruments in your neck of the woods? I usually avoid the only store they have hear unless I can go at 6 AM, it is as crowded as if they are gving away gold.

Roger Martin said:

I think everybody has their own preference but I just buy my strings at Walmart, and use as many out of a set as I can.
I think their $5 a set and they work fine on my instruments.

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Permalink Reply by Roger Harris on May 10, 2010 at 1:00pm

Wes, the shipping alone was more than $30 but that is what I come to expect living in Hawaii. I probably paid more than the guitar is worth but lesson learned. Take care.
Roger

Roger Harris said:

Well,
In hindsight I probably should have come here first before picking a CBG/Maker but you know how Hindisight is, so I will attempt to make the best of the situation because i don't want the guitar to be just a dust collector.
One more thing and I gotta go earn some $$$ to buy more CBGs; what do you guys and ladies suggest for light gauge guitar string sizes? Any brand preferences and/or materials? Bronze, nickel, ? I live near the ocean so will need something that is somewhat resistant to immediate corrosion.
Have a great Monday!
Roger

Wes Yates said:

You know, the more I hear, the more my curiosity is peaked.

So, my first question is, why only one broomstick for a 3-string. No, there are no rules but common sense might lend to the fact that the broomstick might not have the structural integrity as would a double broomstick neck (see the designs by John Lowe or Mac Arnold). And to top it off, what it sounds like is a FUD tactic (fear, uncertainty, doubt). Why would any honest builder dismiss any other builder. To be very honest, John McNair is one of the best builders active on ebay. I would be hard pressed to dishonor him -- as example you understand.

I still say, even as a gift and from what I see and hear, I hope it wasn't more than $30 including shipping.

-WY

Tracy Kennedy said:

Sure would like to know who this builder on Ebay is

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Permalink Reply by Roger Martin on May 10, 2010 at 1:12pm

The Walmarts near me sell both strings, picks,and entry level guitars and amps.But their in the kids toy sections so unless you have kids ,you wouldnt know they were even there.I dont have kids (any more,mine are in their 40's) but I ask several years ago about strings etc and was sent to the kids toys area.And yep thats where they are!

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Permalink Reply by Tracy Kennedy on May 10, 2010 at 1:32pm

Roger, Man ol' man you paid more in shipping than what that CBG cost to build. Ok, let me put my sarcasm away now.
I understand you want to make this CBG functional and you seem to be hell bent on doing so. At the very least I would use this CBG as a basis to build from. Gather yourself up some materials and build a new CBG. The first one I built cost me $12.42 ... The box was a $1 the 3 on plate tuners were $6.50, only needed one of the plates so make that $3.25. 3' of 1x2 polar @ .79 a foot is $2.37. Piezo $1.99, 1/4 jacks...2 in a pack $1.49, needed one so 75 cents, guitar strings were $4.50 for six, only needed 3 so that is $2.25. Add about 7% tax and its $12.42

I understands your cost will be higher in direct relation to commodity prices in Hawaii but you should still come in under what you paid in shipping for the one you have now. In the end you will be much happier with the one you built with your own hands than the one you paid for.

.Roger Harris said:

Wes, the shipping alone was more than $30 but that is what I come to expect living in Hawaii. I probably paid more than the guitar is worth but lesson learned. Take care.
Roger

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Permalink Reply by Tracy Kennedy on May 10, 2010 at 1:47pm

Good to know...Ive been to Walmart looking for strings and such and never could find them. Im not the type to ask for help, so when I cant find what Im looking for I leave and go somewhere else. The way I see it, if it isnt were it I think it ought to be then they dont want to sell it cause they didnt put it were they thought thier customer would look for it. But then again where else would you put guitar strings at Walmart? Keep in mind this is Redneck logic.

Roger Martin said:

The Walmarts near me sell both strings, picks,and entry level guitars and amps.But their in the kids toy sections so unless you have kids ,you wouldnt know they were even there.I dont have kids (any more,mine are in their 40's) but I ask several years ago about strings etc and was sent to the kids toys area.And yep thats where they are!

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