Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Daryl Bookout on September 1, 2009 at 8:17am

Welcome Trower! I've just finished my first CBG and got a ton of info and help from this site - you're in the right place!

Regarding scale length... You can go to http://www.stewmac.com/FretCalculator and type in the number of frets you want along with the scale length you'd like. From what I've seen, most folks use 23 - 25.5" scale lengths for CBGs (I used 25.5 for mine), I'd guess the same for diddley bows. You need to take string length into account 'cause if you can't get a 30" string, there's not much use in making a 30" D-bow.

I'm sure others have different opinions. Until you get more input, try searching the forums for info. To do that, go to "Forum" (top of the main page), then type your search words in the box near the upper left of the page.

I hope this helps, good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Old Lowe on September 1, 2009 at 9:00am

Yep Daryls right about string length other than that go crazy no rules on diddly bows!

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Permalink Reply by Paul Doug on September 1, 2009 at 9:27am

I asked this same question just a while back and got about the same response as Daryl gave you. Use the same scale length you would on a CBG. I haven't got to mine yet but will eventually. Hopefull you will keep os opsted on your build and I can learn from you.

Welcome to the forum.

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Permalink Reply by Nathan King on September 1, 2009 at 11:37am

When I made my diddley bow, I made it just a little shorter than the string I had. Probably the least scientific answer you were looking for, but it worked for me! :-)

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Permalink Reply by Keni Lee Burgess on September 1, 2009 at 4:33pm

If you are unconcerned about the note it produces or not concerned about playing it against other instruments, it doesn't matter. Back in the day, they used baling wire. They were not concerned about guage. On the other hand, if you want it to produce a certain note at a certain pitch, use a guitar as your guide. Standard guitar scale lengths are 23 to 24" You can tune to any note if you vary the string gauge. Enjoy.

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Permalink Reply by Trower on September 1, 2009 at 5:12pm

Wow thanks for all the quick and helpful responses!

-Daryl thanks for the link, great info, exactly what I needed!

-Keni, that is why I asked I plan on using this (and a 3 string CBG) in a Folk/Bluegrass band that does some blues as well.

Thanks again for all the help, Nick

-Nordmenn forene

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Permalink Reply by Jerryrig240 on September 2, 2009 at 2:30am

As far as length goes, I just take a guitar string and go by how long it is. I don't lean much towards the CBG style diddley bow. For me, a diddley bow is something you sit in your lap.....so as far as that goes, I wanted my diddley bow to look like I just ripped it out of some wall of a old house or found it out in a stack of lumber behind the barn. Go with what you feel. Can't go wrong if you like it.

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Permalink Reply by Trower on September 2, 2009 at 1:58pm

-Ted that is a great site! Thanks for sharing:)

-Jerry, I too have a feeling that I will like the lap style one better, but I want to use it in a band, but not as a main instrument......so a CBG style one would be easier to lug and switch to. I really do like having no fretboard under me and really hitting the string, really fun!

Thanks, Nick

-Nordmenn forene

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Permalink Reply by Roger Martin on September 2, 2009 at 3:50pm

What I use is the scale length from my Dulcimer.
I build all my instruments to that fretboard.That way I know its right .
But using a guitar fretboard length will work just as well.
It's not rocket science tho some folks would try to make it sound like its a tuff nut to crack.
Just use a guitar for your measurements or a dulcimer and your home free if you dont want to mess with figuring out scale lengths.
I was way too lazy to do all that.

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Permalink Reply by Gordon Cooper on January 21, 2017 at 2:12pm

Hi. I am all thumbs with tools and measuring devices. I honestly don't know how to get from a hank of broom wire and a 2x4 plank (about 35 inches?) to a Diddley Bow. How do I attach the wire? How do I know what size tensioners to use? The only part I "get" is how  to put a magnetic pickup under the wire and strap the 1/4" jack to the side of the plank. If someone has a step by step guide somewhere on line, I would really appreciate being pointed towards that so I can make the thing. 

Thanks

Gordon Cooper

Bremerton WA 

far upper Northwest corner of the continental USA

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Permalink Reply by Lane Martin on January 24, 2017 at 10:55am

Gordon,

The simplest way is to drive two nails into the plank, one near each end. Tie the wire to one (down low), then pull tight and tie it off to the other nail. Slip a glass bottle or such under the wire near one end (for a bridge). You may have to put another nail in to hold the bottle in place. Attach the mag pup under the wire, plug in, and play.

There's a video on youtube (search Jack White It Might Get Loud intro). It's not exactly a how-to, but you'll get the idea.

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Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on January 23, 2017 at 3:39am

You can still play it lap style if you want, even if you use a box for a body. I have made several like that, I use a pick when playing it"guitar style", and prefer a chopstick when playing it lap style. Last one I added a popcicle stick to the edge of the face for extra percussion and to save wear on the face.

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