Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tres Seaver on September 25, 2009 at 3:04pm

Howdy, Tim! I don't know much, but I'm always glad to offer my opinon...

1) I tried both finishing nails and copper wire, and failed largely due to my own impatience (I used CA instead of epoxy, and wasn't careful enough about cutting the frets). I ended up happy with regular fret wire on that build, but am pretty sure that the copper wire, at least, could be made to work.

2) I think what you are seeing are "drain covers" for bathtubs / sinks: check the plumbing section at your local home improvement merchant of choice.

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Permalink Reply by Tim on September 25, 2009 at 3:07pm

dude thanks a drain cover i hadnt though of that i knew it would be somethign simple since so many poeple use them.

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Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on September 25, 2009 at 3:38pm

Hey Tim, my recent 3 string was my first fretted neck and I'm pleased with it. I used 1/16" brass rod from hardware/hobby shop. I copied positions from a "real" guitar , cut slots w/hacksaw, roughed up the "back" of them and used wood glue in the slots (applied w/ a hypo needle so I could control amount) and clamped it . At first a few came loose while filing them to shape, but after re-gluing those, I've had no more trouble. They all stayed in through the finishing sander/edge filing and play well. I've heard of using coat hanger wire, cotter pins, toothpicks etc. I like to keep it cheap/homemade, but will consider using regular fret wire next time. Lots of good info in here about how to use that as well, and lots of people to offer suggestions. Hope this is helpful and good luck w/ your CBG!

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Permalink Reply by Paul Doug on September 25, 2009 at 4:54pm

Welcome to the forum. I think you have gotten your answers. Also, might want to do a search on fret. There are tons of options. toothpicks, wood burning, magic marker, spokes, goes on and on.

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Permalink Reply by Tim on September 25, 2009 at 7:22pm

thanks for all the great ideas i am still trying to get this all planned out in my head befor i start. this will give me some food for thought ot digest over the next few days.

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Permalink Reply by Diydc on September 25, 2009 at 9:26pm

For sound holes I have recently been using lightbulb fittings, mostly for E27 but just got a heap of E40 fittings, which look really cool.
(Eis for Euronorm, number is for diaphram measurement in millimetres for the actual fitting from the light bulb itself).

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on September 26, 2009 at 1:08am

Welcome Tim.... I can tell you're already hooked...

If you want to not use real frets, I think the best option is cotter pin pieces The 1/2 round profile of a cotter pin leg had maximun flat surface for gluing...

sound hole trim can be anything you want..... you are probably seeing drain covers.... but, look at the thousands for pic here on the Nation... there are many, many ways to trim out soundholes....

the best,

Wichita Sam

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Permalink Reply by Diane in Chicago on September 26, 2009 at 1:58am

Yup to cotter pins. I use 3/32" x 2, clip them down to size and file the ends smooth before sticking them in a shallow slot I've cut in the neck with the miter box/saw. This gives the pin some seating and makes it more certain you'll line them up straight. I've used CA glue, but I'd suggest quick epoxy. Mine ping off now and then. Make them a tad shorter than the width of your fingerboard so you don't catch the ends while playing. You really can't file them down once they are in place. Well you can, but they'll likely come flying off and fall behind the workbench.

For me the pins don't fit entirely in the slot. One edge goes in and the other sits up on the surface of the neck. I've got some photos on my page of cotter pin fingerboards, both zinc-coated steel and brass. I'd steer away from stainless steel - they are way harder to cut.

Since you really can't file them effectively, you'll likely end up making the action of the strings a bit higher than optimal, to eliminate buzz. I have taken remedial action with a small file on a wayward fret with satisfactory results.

Wichita Sam said:

Welcome Tim.... I can tell you're already hooked...

If you want to not use real frets, I think the best option is cotter pin pieces The 1/2 round profile of a cotter pin leg had maximun flat surface for gluing...

sound hole trim can be anything you want..... you are probably seeing drain covers.... but, look at the thousands for pic here on the Nation... there are many, many ways to trim out soundholes....

the best,

Wichita Sam

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Permalink Reply by Brendan deVallance on September 26, 2009 at 4:10am

When i started to make my first CBG I was sure i wanted frets, but once i had it together I loved the sound and feel of it without. Of course you learn so much on the first build that you almost cant but help make another. Welcome to the club.

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Permalink Reply by Diydc on September 27, 2009 at 2:30am

Did a couple with skirtingboard nails, which were glued to the fretboard. They still exist to this very day. Cheap and cheerfull.

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Permalink Reply by Tim on September 27, 2009 at 11:32am

thanks guys for all the sugestions
and thanks for the welcom

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Permalink Reply by Cogdell boy (Robert J.) on September 28, 2009 at 2:10am

Tim for sound holds I have used closet rod holders and glue a sink drain inside , fits perfect , also use brass canvas crommets . I think you have gotten the answer for the frets . For my first one I went fretless and just maked the frets with a sharpie to keep it simple . Welcome to the Nation , You'll be hooked in no time , if not already :-)

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