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Cedar Box Build

A while back, a member posted a build that He did making the box out of Cedar roof shingles. The instrument had a great sound to it and made me want to build one for myself.

The shingles have a taper to them and would require planing and I don't have a planer. Also I would have to buy a bundle at 18 dollars. Cedar planks were available at the grocery store for grilling Fish. They were 2 boards 1/4" x 5" x 12" at 4 to 6 dollars a package.

Settled on a Western Cedar fence plank at Lowe's 5/8ths" x 5&1/2" x 60" for $2.55. This was just enough wood for the box and any braces needed, but would need to be dried more. Cut the pieces and dried them in the oven.

Made a frame for the box and the top and bottom panels. Since 5/8ths" is too thick for an effective acoustic, I layed the box frame on top of the panels and traced the inside barrier. I routed the back inside to 1/4" and glued a 1/4" brace along the seam and routed the top inside to 3/16th" and glued a 1/4" brace along the seam. I'll have to add a cross brace later for the bridge, but it will only contact the center brace and the box sides to maximize top vibration. The top is glued to the frame and the back is attached with 4 screws for now, may glue it later. The box was sanded to have a curved side profile. It has a 1&3/4" sound hole. I plan to attach the neck to the box side with screws and glue.

The neck and fretboard will be made of Red Oak. Going for 4 strings and 25" scale with bridge near center of sound board. I plan on using a Uke style bridge and nut. Plan on putting in 2 piezo, 1 on the low string side and 1 on the high string side wired to a blend pot.

Pics of what I have so far.

4 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on May 2, 2016 at 8:36pm

My fingerboard has a radius. Maybe I could bend a piece of aluminum bar stock and make it work. Thanks.

Permalink Reply by QGolden on May 2, 2016 at 11:33pm

You could, you could also carve a piece of wood.

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on May 3, 2016 at 7:45am

True. I think I'm going to make something in my shop this month.

Permalink Reply by Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear on May 2, 2016 at 7:07pm

Try these Paul. Just search for elasticated capo. Not tried them myself but looks like they're designed specifically for unusually shaped necks.

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on May 2, 2016 at 8:37pm

Thanks, I'll give that a look and see.

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on June 24, 2016 at 8:25am

I added some bracing to the neck side of the box and tuned it back to G/D/G/B. Hopefully the bracing is enough to keep any warping at bay. If it works out I'll take pics when I go back in to do the pickups.

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