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Converting 6 string to CBG ???

I recently picked up a nice little First Act guitar I'd like to convert to a CBG and need a few pointers please.

I do not have any power tools to speak of (router, band saw etc.), so my biggest issue would be the neck pocket and keeping the scale correct with a box.

I have attached a photo of a very similar model to what I have. The current scale is 25.5". Dual humbuckers, etc. It really plays and sounds damn nice, so I think it make a sweet guitar.

I'd wondered about actually trying to cut off the existing neck pocket and try and fit it "as is" into a box. Possibly even letting it extend out of the box to help keep the proper scale with a shorter cigar box "body".

I know I've seen some photos where some builders have done this but I've just spent over an hour looking through the photos and have been unable to find anything like what I'm trying to describe. I could probably post another photo or sketch of what I'm getting at if that would be helpful.

Thanks in advance!

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Attachments:

first act.jpeg, 25 KB

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Permalink Reply by Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates on September 26, 2009 at 2:45pm

Is the neck removable? If so I would imagine you could. I'm going to do something similar (had been done many times here) when I can get the parts. I could send you my "plans" which you might be interested in. Might just come in handy. Its an Illustrator file. you would have to change the drawing for the bridge tho.

Let me know.

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Permalink Reply by Tom Lanford on September 26, 2009 at 3:37pm

Yes the neck is a bolt on. 4 bolts, with a chrome support plate - very similar to the typical bolt on Fender style/clones. Also has a non-tremolo style hardtail bridge. Should have include that earlier.

Wes Yates said:

Is the neck removable? If so I would imagine you could. I'm going to do something similar (had been done many times here) when I can get the parts. I could send you my "plans" which you might be interested in. Might just come in handy. Its an Illustrator file. you would have to change the drawing for the bridge tho.

Let me know.

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Permalink Reply by Roosterman on September 26, 2009 at 11:10pm

Yup... Id say thats the way to go Tom - mark a box shape on your guitar the same size as the inside of your cigar box, cut it out leaving everything where it was, drop it in and away you go! Then you have no worries about neck pockets, routing, bridge placement etc. Good job I say! Iv only done one sx string and I did the other way, doing it all from scratch. Never again. Il be doing it the 'drop in' way from now on.
Best of luck :o)