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First build WIP

So... I built this cigar box guitar... LoL, I bet you guys see these posts a lot, huh?

Well anyway, I built this thing and it sounds fine. However, I have found a few things that I could have done better, so I still consider it a WIP while I'm fixing all the little issues. Like... when I first built it the eye bolts I used were too fat and they made the strings too far from the neck to play, so I changed them. And when I built it, I was planning on doing something to the face that didn't work out, so I have those screws in the front of the guitar for no apparent reason now. I'm going to take them out this weekend and fill the holes in with dowel and paint them to match the box. Little things like that...

I did the neck with hand tools and a Dremel. To fit the tuning keys, I used a hack saw and the Dremel to get close to my measurements, then filed and sanded my opening out to the size I needed to fit everything. That funny little block at the end is going to be used to connect the strap, I just haven't decided whether I want to stick with an eye bolt to match the other hardware or do something a little different.

So anyway, I thought I'd post a few pics and maybe get some critiques and/or suggestions for my next build.

Thanks,

-SD-

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Permalink Reply by Lonman on September 27, 2012 at 11:55am

Hey, looks like it turned out well for first job. I have not done any slotted headstock yet, but am toying with the idea for the Rickenbacher A-22 build I am working on.

I can say that I always seem to find something new and something that I can improve on as I do each project. There are a lot of resources within these pages and groups. You will learn so much and as you do each build you also learn the tricks and things not to do. Have fun is the main thing. I am so glad I don't have to do this for a living, but it is nice when others like what you've created and want to buy one. Haha No rules is what they say- best wishes.

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Permalink Reply by SD Helfrich on September 27, 2012 at 1:05pm

Thanks! I'm definitely learning, so it's good to know it's not complete trash. One of the most important lessons I've learned so far is that I need to buy some power tools, lol...

I have more boxes and stock for necks and fingerboards, but I want to get this one into better shape before I start a new one. I'm hoping that if I fix everything I screwed up on this one that I'll be less likely to repeat those mistakes. Not sure if it will work, but that's the plan...

Oh! I picked up those tuners from a local music store. I was actually looking for the kind I see on everyone elses, but they were out. So, I just asked them if they saved old tuners from guitars they'd repaired and the guy showed me these things with 6 tuners on a brass mount. Sold me 4 of them for $20 because they had bought them several years ago and only needed one. I just cut one in half, lol.

Thanks again,

-SD-

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Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on September 28, 2012 at 12:51am

NIce job. Kind of a neat approach to a slotted headstock. If you don't use it a a strap mount, you could carve that block into a sort of scroll, or maybe do both! Looking forward to see your next one. There will be a next one!

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Permalink Reply by TwoShoes on September 28, 2012 at 1:28am

Whoa! I missed that feature. That spacer block trick could be the stub foot of a full on carved figurine on the head stock. I'm flashing on a bear playing a CBG. I also see a gargoyle squatting on top of the neck looking down on the strings. Oh... the visions! ...

I was wondering what I would do over the winter (my garage is not heated). I may carve a few headstock toppers. Thanks for the inspiration SD!

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Permalink Reply by SD Helfrich on September 28, 2012 at 5:59pm

Okay, now you have me inspired...

Thank you!

-SD-

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Permalink Reply by SD Helfrich on September 28, 2012 at 5:50pm

There will definitely be more. I have at least one to make before Christmas as a gift and enough parts stockpiled to make at least 7 more. I'm the sort of person that collects parts on my workbench until I get inspired though, so by the time I get around to building the next one I may have enough material for a dozen or so, lol.

-SD-