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Modifying My First single String Guitar

So I currently own a nice well-made 3-string CBG from a local experienced builder, and it is very nice and a high quality build, cost me $225 Canadian.

I also own a lower "quality" (not as fancy) single-string CBG (or diddley bow) from another Canadian builder, it is pretty much acoustic with an acoustic string, and only a piezo pick-up. I'll be keeping it acoustic because it's always good to have an acoustic on hand.

I just recently purchased another single string guitar from the same builder, only this time it uses a black cigar box and it has an electric string (by the looks of it, worst case scenario I can just buy an electric string). I've talked to the builder and they said they want people to be able to modify things easily, so they make it easy to "get inside" and that this version specifically as all the electronics located on the lid of the box, and all it takes is to remove a single screw to be able to open the box.

So my original plan is to:

1. Replace the piezo pickup with a real electric guitar pickup (already ordered, straight black, with volume and tone knobs as well).

2. Also, I want something that is quiet, and so I want to fill in all the empty space in the box so that there won't be much natural resonance. I also want to keep it relatively light weight and keep cost done, so what should I use to fill the box - cotton, foam, Styrofoam, etc?

3. Sand the neck and stain it, then put a layer or 2 of clear-coat on it. (got a small can of "red oak" in the garage kicking around).

However, I am also thinking of making it be able to "Self-amplify" as well, to make it a little special.

So for this I imagine I'd need a pair of small speaker drivers, and a small amplifier board, and to make sure they are compatible with each other.

Here's a picture of the single-string I ordered which should be coming in soon, and will be using as a base for this project. I think a red oak neck, and a black pickup and knobs will go good with this.

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black diddley.jpg, 231 KB

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Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on June 13, 2022 at 9:57am

Hi, looks a lot better know, well done. If I can make a suggestion. You could buy a cheap black pickgaurd, teardrop style, and reshape it to cover the hole near the pickup.

They are easily cut with scissors and are adhesive backed.

Taff

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Rzewinski on June 14, 2022 at 3:09pm

Thanks, that sounds like a good and easy suggestion. I'll look into that.

I will need a longer bolt to use as a bridge, because the current bolt that came with it, is a little short and the cover from the pickup interferes with it a little bit, making it hard to position and keep in place.

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Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on June 14, 2022 at 3:40pm

Are the pickup adjustment screws tightened all the way down? A wooden base works well for higher bridge heights, maybe try that?

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Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on June 16, 2022 at 12:23pm

The “Free” Paint stir sticks are great for a Bridge base & Trim piece. They can also be stained/painted without loosing all detail of the numbers? Some use them for pickup covers? And, they’re Free!! Cheers :)

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Rzewinski on June 24, 2022 at 7:47am

Sorry I didn't see this until now.

Great ideas for my next build (whenever that is).

I ended up using another slightly smaller bolt, cutting the head off, and painting it black. I then measured the scale length from the middle of the nut (it's 24 inch scale) and then hot glued the bolt in the correct spot.

It looks a lot more elegant now, and also the bridge won't accidentally move, like it did when the only thing keeping it in place was string tension.

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