Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Boo on February 25, 2017 at 4:46pm

well, if you don;t mind it being a touch different then why not build an adjustable bridge, that way you can move it up and down the neck if needed.
i had the idea of using the bottom clamp from a piston (the bit that connects to the con rod that goes round the crankshaft) but i figured it would be a lot of bother getting one the right size. it would probably have to be a motorbike one.
anyhoo, my solution was an exhaust clamp with a bit of wood glued to it, but any kind of clamping device using that principle would work just as well.
you could always use sticky dots for your fret markers until you get used to playing, then if you needed to move the frets you could easily do so with little effort.
i have a couple of pics on my page if you are interested in how i did mine.
it's probably not the greatest or prettiest solution,but it works well and might spur another method that suits you, rather than having a fixed point cut into your neck.

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Permalink Reply by default on February 25, 2017 at 10:11pm

for right now, since i have everything but the marks figured out and its a "ready to go" plan, im going to get it close to what I've seen works for the first one. I already have a list of things I want to try with other shovels and CBG's. hell, i have one weird idea that im not sure if anyone has tried but might be neat. 

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Permalink Reply by Boo on February 26, 2017 at 12:26am

cool, i look forward to viewing your finished product. i'd be especially interested in how you got round that weird flat pick up justin has on his one.
the best bit is definitely plugging it in for the first time and making a noise.
i do believe i have seen justin doing a vid on the tube about how to tune cbgs. the principle is no different.
if you use an electronic tuner you should be able to mark where each fret line should be relatively easy.
i wish you good fortune and can't wait to see your new instrument.

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Permalink Reply by default on February 26, 2017 at 12:44am

Actually, what you said earlier, even tho i think you misspoke and said bridge rather than nut, gave me 3 ideas. 1 was to make the bridge magnetically mounted (not doing that), 2, to have a moveable bridge where if I needed I could make a small adjustment fore & aft, and 3, well this ones top secret for now and will go into my second CBG when I get thru the shovel and first cbg!


Oh, an in my research I found one of our own peoples makes a flat pickup that will fit the bill perfectly. and if for some reason i cant get the flatcat, I know the maker of the one on the JJ version altho i've already spoken to Wayfinder about his and will be happily purchasing his when the time comes. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/247234829/electric-guitar-pickup-flatc...

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Permalink Reply by Boo on February 26, 2017 at 12:18pm

yeh, you're right, i did mean nut and said bridge. i often get my mucking words fuddled...
mine also has a little adjustment ability on the bridge too, but that's more a fine tuning thing rather than a positioning consideration. i just thought, it's not mine anymore either, i gave it away...
hmmm, your secret idea sounds fun. should be a good little hook to draw some future interest.
my next 2 are in the planning stage. 1 is a box guitar built from an old cutlery and flatware box, although since cutting into it i found it's not solid wood but some kinda fibre or paper thing. none the less should be interesting to build. the other is a weird one, i have an old milk churn lid i found in the garden a few years back, it kind of puts me in mind of a banjo/uke drum.
i have no clue what or how it's gonna take shape.
maybe an electric ukulele or something just as ridiculous.

so when do you reckon your first build will be done?

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on February 27, 2017 at 9:03am

How using a capo for a movable clamping devise to change scale length?

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Permalink Reply by Timothy Hunter on February 28, 2017 at 3:21am

not sure you could use a capo on this type of guitar. you really need a fretboard for a capo to work.

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Permalink Reply by JL on February 27, 2017 at 3:07am

1 Put the nut where it works for you

2 put the bridge where it works for you

3 string it up

4 use a clip-on tuner to find and mark the fret positions.

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Permalink Reply by default on February 27, 2017 at 3:50am

Im not too sure where the whole reply went, but lets try again

yeah, thats basically whats going to happen. Right now I think Im trying more to understand the "why" his is setup like it is and I have the "how" im going to do mine semi figured out. 

Right now, im contemplating going baritone, but im worried the deep sound would negate that nice twangy country/blues-y feel that the originals had. Im even debating doubling up the low string and making it a 4 banger but Im not sold on that idea yet. 

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on February 27, 2017 at 9:08am

The good thing about a baritone is you can play the upper area of the neck for regular guitar chords.

I believe there's a few country artists out there that have used a baritone Tele on occasion.

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Permalink Reply by Joey peach on August 26, 2018 at 7:58am

Where do o find the shovel Justin Johnson uses

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Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on August 26, 2018 at 9:05pm

Search shovelcaster on eBay 

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