Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joker on February 17, 2011 at 11:44pm

When I began building back in 07, I had not picked up an instrument in over 12 years, and the only thing I played on guitar back then was 3 chord punk. So after my first build I was so discouraged at how crappy my slide playing sounded.

Now I am not saying I am some cbg god now, my playing is stil a bit rough, but 4 years later I am recording music, playing a show every once and while, and having fun.

Just keep at it,it'll come to ya.  But mostly have fun

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Permalink Reply by Furry Johnson on February 18, 2011 at 1:50pm

hey i just have fun

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Permalink Reply by Jon Pruett on February 18, 2011 at 4:18pm

I started some lessons with a local guitar teacher and I completely agree - having an experienced musician provide feedback has definitely raised my building skills.

 

Which is great, cause my playing skills are still worse than my daughter's - and she is in second grade! :)

 

Keni Lee Burgess said:

Well, as player and not a builder, I would like to throw in my two cents worth. Why not consider building a CBG for a local guitar teacher? This way, you will get good constructive feedback about the function of your builds. Is the intonation correct, action too high, frets in the correct places, etc? You could also take some lessons, after the teacher had some time to experiment and explore. Seems like a win - win situation.

On my instructional video CDs, I offer ideas for students to explore the fingerboard, and also realize how music functions. Most skills are a blend of art and science. You need the mental knowledge first, and then you put it into physical practice. Even with video instruction, learning by yourself is rather challenging. Think if you had no assistence from all the fine folks here on the Nation. If you just went ahead and starting building all by yourself. You would have learned a lot mainly by making mistakes and not repeating them the next time. Unfortunately, this also wastes a lot of time and materials too.

If you want to learn to play CBG, look outside yourself, and get some instruction. I attended many seminars and private lessons before I started teaching. Although, I think you will find my lessons very helpful too consisting their reasonable price. Additionally, always feel free to write to me if you have any musical questions.

Most of all, just like building, be persistent, patient and learn to enjoy the process. The goal will be naturally appear. Enjoy, Keni Lee 

 

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Permalink Reply by Hellhound Custom Built Guitars on February 19, 2011 at 4:33am

I have answered the question many of times . Are they a real instrument , can you play it? and my answer is yes its real and yes they can be played but not by me. I have asked purchasers of my guitars to post videos so I could see them in action. Finally a young gentleman named Chris did and I must say I was impressed at what it sounded like. Because to be honest I always wondered because when I play it ( sound check) I don't hear that John Mc Nair or grand dad Shane Speal. I also agree with everyone that just kicking back, player or not, and plucking or strumming the strings on your newly built guitar is by far one of the most rewarding things of all. I must say to that 30 builds later I am starting to get the hang of the playing thing. I will never be a Shane Speal or Mc Nair but it sounds good to me so thats all that matters to me. I am glad there is the flip side of the coin (players not builders) otherwise I would have to build an addition just to house my instruments.

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on February 19, 2011 at 1:20pm

Eric,

 

I would say that as I've improved as a player, I've gotten more discriminating as a builder.  What I used to think as good action, I would not be satisfied with today.  Maybe that's why so many non-players stick with  non-fretted, slide, high action CBGs....  Good from what they are and capable of some good music, but not what a lot of players are looking for.

 

I currently was invited to do a build for the regular band guitarist for a major country star (more on that later).  I guarrentee you that I wouldn't have gotten the invite if I wasn't able to put out a good, fast action fretted CBG with good wound pups and tone/volume controls.

 

Shane once gave me advice that "the CBG that sells the best is the one you play the best."  I'd add that you build better as you play better.

 

the best,

 

Wichita Sam

Eric J Kadle/Cotton eyed Joe's said:

I have answered the question many of times . Are they a real instrument , can you play it? and my answer is yes its real and yes they can be played but not by me. I have asked purchasers of my guitars to post videos so I could see them in action. Finally a young gentleman named Chris did and I must say I was impressed at what it sounded like. Because to be honest I always wondered because when I play it ( sound check) I don't hear that John Mc Nair or grand dad Shane Speal. I also agree with everyone that just kicking back, player or not, and plucking or strumming the strings on your newly built guitar is by far one of the most rewarding things of all. I must say to that 30 builds later I am starting to get the hang of the playing thing. I will never be a Shane Speal or Mc Nair but it sounds good to me so thats all that matters to me. I am glad there is the flip side of the coin (players not builders) otherwise I would have to build an addition just to house my instruments.

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Permalink Reply by Wade on February 19, 2011 at 4:14pm

I play and build- but don't get discouraged- If no one else mentioned it - I got two words of encouragement for ya ....

 Leo Fender.. He was'nt a player either and some people say he built some pretty cool stuff.

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Permalink Reply by Ryan Rose on February 19, 2011 at 5:01pm

I'd heard that about Fender, and I did find it very encouraging. It's nice to know that you don't need to know what you're doing to know what you're doing.

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Permalink Reply by Thomas Smith on February 19, 2011 at 5:25pm

I just started playing, and haven't had any lessons except those I got from Keni. And I just started building, so I'm new on both fronts! furry said it, just have fun!

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on February 19, 2011 at 6:00pm

Thomas, congrats, CBGs are a great way to tap the creative drive.  Build/play do what you enjoy and let it grow naturally.

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on February 20, 2011 at 5:54am

That do stink about the finger.  I have had some close calls, but I try to be careful...  Still had a recent incident trying to miter too small a piece.  I am on board with quite a few of the comments before mine; Henry, Wes, Ellwood and especially Micheal S.

I did not know how to have much fun playing my first few builds.   But I learned what works for me.  I have a blast playing now.  I have tried every string # from 1-5 and maybe 10 different tunings.  I was a 2 or 4 string guy for quite a while and right now I am a 2 and 3 string guy.  Find a style you like and learn some songs.  Sing!   Easiest, I think is a 2 string tuned an octave apart.  I have a teaching video on it on the nation.  It is fun and easy, but limited.

 

With my fretted 3 string tuned DGB (the same as a storebought's 2,3,4 strings), I can play in a lot of keys: G, C, D, E and A.  Very versatile and mostly 2 fingered chords with the exception of Am, Bm and F

 

I encourage you folks to try this tuning in the key of G.  One open strummed chord, 2 two finger chords, a 1 finger Em and an easy way to make a boogie sound.   A G chord is open,  a 2 finger C has the small string fretted above the 1rst fret and the big string above the 2nd fret.   A D7 is the small string fretted above the first fret and the middle string above the 2nd fret.   2 two finger chords and you are playing tons of songs.

 

If you try it and have questions, contact me.  I want to help.

 

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Permalink Reply by Hellhound Custom Built Guitars on February 20, 2011 at 11:26am

I agree with you Sam because as I get further into my builds I find that what was good or acceptable on my first few builds just is not accepted any longer by myself. From my first to my latest build I have seen many improvements such as fret work and the action is alot lower. I did find what works better the more I play. I must say I bought my first six string about ten years ago and played to my own ear for about six years nightly. Then for some odd reason I hardly ever picked it up for the next 4 years. I am glad to say that the CBG revolution has got me hooked again and I play as much as I can. Thanks to all on the Nation.

Wichita Sam said:

Eric,

 

I would say that as I've improved as a player, I've gotten more discriminating as a builder.  What I used to think as good action, I would not be satisfied with today.  Maybe that's why so many non-players stick with  non-fretted, slide, high action CBGs....  Good from what they are and capable of some good music, but not what a lot of players are looking for.

 

I currently was invited to do a build for the regular band guitarist for a major country star (more on that later).  I guarrentee you that I wouldn't have gotten the invite if I wasn't able to put out a good, fast action fretted CBG with good wound pups and tone/volume controls.

 

Shane once gave me advice that "the CBG that sells the best is the one you play the best."  I'd add that you build better as you play better.

 

the best,

 

Wichita Sam

Eric J Kadle/Cotton eyed Joe's said:

I have answered the question many of times . Are they a real instrument , can you play it? and my answer is yes its real and yes they can be played but not by me. I have asked purchasers of my guitars to post videos so I could see them in action. Finally a young gentleman named Chris did and I must say I was impressed at what it sounded like. Because to be honest I always wondered because when I play it ( sound check) I don't hear that John Mc Nair or grand dad Shane Speal. I also agree with everyone that just kicking back, player or not, and plucking or strumming the strings on your newly built guitar is by far one of the most rewarding things of all. I must say to that 30 builds later I am starting to get the hang of the playing thing. I will never be a Shane Speal or Mc Nair but it sounds good to me so thats all that matters to me. I am glad there is the flip side of the coin (players not builders) otherwise I would have to build an addition just to house my instruments.

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on February 20, 2011 at 11:50am

Yup on this.  I have some okay builds that are now beneath my standards.  What do I do with them?  Don't feel good about selling them or gifting them.  Fine wall hangers....  :(

Eric J Kadle/Cotton eyed Joe's said:

I agree with you Sam because as I get further into my builds I find that what was good or acceptable on my first few builds just is not accepted any longer by myself. From my first to my latest build I have seen many improvements such as fret work and the action is alot lower. I did find what works better the more I play. I must say I bought my first six string about ten years ago and played to my own ear for about six years nightly. Then for some odd reason I hardly ever picked it up for the next 4 years. I am glad to say that the CBG revolution has got me hooked again and I play as much as I can. Thanks to all on the Nation.

Wichita Sam said:

Eric,

 

I would say that as I've improved as a player, I've gotten more discriminating as a builder.  What I used to think as good action, I would not be satisfied with today.  Maybe that's why so many non-players stick with  non-fretted, slide, high action CBGs....  Good from what they are and capable of some good music, but not what a lot of players are looking for.

 

I currently was invited to do a build for the regular band guitarist for a major country star (more on that later).  I guarrentee you that I wouldn't have gotten the invite if I wasn't able to put out a good, fast action fretted CBG with good wound pups and tone/volume controls.

 

Shane once gave me advice that "the CBG that sells the best is the one you play the best."  I'd add that you build better as you play better.

 

the best,

 

Wichita Sam

Eric J Kadle/Cotton eyed Joe's said:

I have answered the question many of times . Are they a real instrument , can you play it? and my answer is yes its real and yes they can be played but not by me. I have asked purchasers of my guitars to post videos so I could see them in action. Finally a young gentleman named Chris did and I must say I was impressed at what it sounded like. Because to be honest I always wondered because when I play it ( sound check) I don't hear that John Mc Nair or grand dad Shane Speal. I also agree with everyone that just kicking back, player or not, and plucking or strumming the strings on your newly built guitar is by far one of the most rewarding things of all. I must say to that 30 builds later I am starting to get the hang of the playing thing. I will never be a Shane Speal or Mc Nair but it sounds good to me so thats all that matters to me. I am glad there is the flip side of the coin (players not builders) otherwise I would have to build an addition just to house my instruments.

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