Working on my first build! I'm primarily a singer, but I play guitar, banjo, and mando.
I've been planning on building awhile. I'd purchased a new cigar box to learn on, and an antique one for my second one. A couple days ago, I purchased a film canister from the 1950's, it's about 18" across, and I want to turn it into a banjo. This made me realize that if I was going to be purchasing things to build banjos, I should maybe get started on my first CBG.
I'm using hand tools only. No power tools!
Starting with a 3 string. Partages Cigar Box (Cuban) Oak neck. Ukelele tuners. I've got a bolt for the nut, just cutting the head off of it… no power tools remember? So I've cut half of it off, and going to finish it tomorrow. I'm still up in the air about what I'm going to use for a bridge. I have an eyebolt but I have a few other ideas as well.
I found some weird vents at the hardware store, and I'm using them for my sound hole covers. They're aluminum.
I'll hopefully have this playing tomorrow. I threw a pencil where the bridge is going to be and strung up one string, because I COULD NOT WAIT! I was super gratified to hear it making musical sounds!
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This is looking really good Caroline, well done! Kudos on only using hand tools. I am the same myself, although I do use an electric drill :)
I'm sure I saw a video of an African fellow making a CBG type instrument using only a knife and a hammer once...
Good work so far. When you get to the banjo go check out circuitsand strings. He has a cool tutorial for a film canister strum stick but his fret template is for banjo so just do not leave out any frets and you will have all you need. I made one from his site and there is a picture of it on my page. I used finishing nails for the frets. It worked out really well. Hope you enjoy the building.
Awesome! Thanks so much for the info! Just checked out your photo, looks fantastic! A friend and I were brainstorming about frets, I'd really like brass and would like to repurpose if I can. He came up with scale railroad track! I have some in my basement and am going to try pulling some apart and using it for my next build!
Like those sound hole covers, you might want to consider having your sound holes on the other end of the box on the next build.
LOL Don't listen to Dan, most of us "test" before fully stringing up.
Ah! Thank you, I wasn't sure which end and chose based on aesthetics.
Works on either end but you will get some interference from the strumming hand/arm with the holes on the tail end.
I think you're on the right track. Keep up the good work. Oh yea, and stop cheating. You have to wait till all the strings are on it before you get to hear it!
Haha! Thanks! I love using hand tools but it's slooow, so I get a bit impatient!
Very cool.
Looks good Gal!
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