Hey, everyone ...

I'm thinking of building a (non-kit -- although the Gitty G-Bass kit does look fun) two-string cigar box bass.

All of the builds and plans I've noticed run the neck through the box, but I'm thinking of going  with the "neck on top" and a flying bridge of some kind. Anyone have an opinion on that? Is there some reason I'm missing why it's a bad idea?

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I think the real question here is... why only 2 strings? 

If you don't do at least 3 you're really missing out on a lot of great bass lines.  : )

I can't speak for anyone else, but I have two reasons:

First, construction considerations. Three or four stings is going to put a lot more tension on the neck than two, and I'm already thinking about how to keep a neck without e.g. an internal metal truss rod or whatever from bowing (one reason I'm thinking "neck on top" is so that I don't have to worry about bracing the resonating box too).

Secondly, I expect that since CB Gitty has their own two-string "G Bass" kit out, they'll be publishing tabs, etc. for music on a two-string bass at some point.

On guitar, I've found it very worthwhile to play a three-string CBG versus a six-string standard guitar. Because I have fewer strings to keep track of, I find myself doing more with them.

It's been decades since I played bass, and back then it wasn't a real problem because it was very simple country gospel stuff; I didn't have to be Flea or Geddy Lee. But I suspect I'd find myself doing more with less on that instrument, too.

FYI --- To save  money ,  warp worry , and intimidation , ... you can  make a 2 or 3 string  short scale bass. 25 OR  25.5  inch scale  and use  number .60 and.52 ETC.. strings from a special set of “ ghs boomers “  or  drop d tuning  guitar strings . and they still fit regular guitar tuner holes . Combined  a forward pup placement , it’s a sweet lil bass . and since it’s all “guitar” parts , it can easily be converted to a “regular guitar string” equipped 2 or 3 stringer. I have made a few like this .

easy peasy lemon squeezy. ;-) AND AS YOU CAN SEE . SOUNDS  VERY BASS-Y 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7miRgfydVtQ&version=3&hl=en...

AND 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwRnRyjfdAA

Thanks for the advice -- nice instruments! I hadn't got around to asking anyone for string advice yet, but something that will fit a regular guitar tuner would be ideal. I had been thinking in terms of a 30" scale, but upping it to three strings on a 25" would give me quite a bit of range.

:-D

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