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Newbie Questions?

Posted by Daniel Todd on November 30, 2010 at 10:53pm in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion
I'm getting ready to build my first CBG and I have a few questions before I begin.  Either I'm not using the search function correctly or I'm just unlucky, but I'm not finding stuff.  So I figured I'd just post my questions...

1.) What's the best wood to use for the neck?  I'm planning on starting with something like poplar and using a nicer hardwood for the fret board.  Anything wrong with that or should I use something else?

2.) What's a good, relatively inexpensive (oxymoron I know) and easily obtainable glue?  Preferably something I could go to the local hardware store and get.

3.) I've seen several pics of CBG with tension type devices in the body, would you recommend this in general?  Pros and cons?

That's it for now.  Any and all help is appreciated.

Dan

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Replies

  • Jason W. December 10, 2010 at 1:40pm


    Justin said:
    Just out of curiosity, what's the deal with Gorilla glue? I'm not using it on my CBG because it's not what I have on hand at the moment. But I've used it on plenty of wood projects in the past and not had any issues. Why do so many CBG makers dislike the Gorilla?

    Like Wes said, Regular gorilla expands to fill crevices and things for a better bond on some projects. That expansion is the exact opposite of what you want on a wood joint because it causes poor joint connection. They make a Gorilla WOOD glue that I've had nothing but positive experiences with, though.
  • rich poulin December 9, 2010 at 12:42pm
    Right now I'm using quite a bit of alder for my necks, mainly because it's fairly cheap locally (Western Canada) and looks nice with a simple oil finish. Maple is nice, and quite hard (takes some effort to shape & sand by hand though). Pretty much anything works, and extra stability will be added if you glue on a hardwood fretboard.

    For a glue I use LePage® Outdoor Woodglue. Got it at Home Despot. I've built a few skin-on-frame kayaks with the stuff and have yet to have a joint fail (lots of stress and moisture on the joints too), so I figured it would work well for CBGs. No issues so far. Plus you only need to clamp it for an hour or two before continuing working.

    I've found the "neck through body" design to be a very strong and functional one. Just be sure to rebate the neck under the soundboard to allow it to vibrate. I find the box rarely needs much other bracing with a big stick running right through it.
  • Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates December 9, 2010 at 12:16am
    Gorilla Glue... Baaaaad.

    Gorilla glue expands. You don't want that. Use something like Titebond Red Label (Original) or hine/Gelatine glue

    -WY


    Justin said:
    Just out of curiosity, what's the deal with Gorilla glue? I'm not using it on my CBG because it's not what I have on hand at the moment. But I've used it on plenty of wood projects in the past and not had any issues. Why do so many CBG makers dislike the Gorilla?
  • Justin December 8, 2010 at 9:31pm
    Just out of curiosity, what's the deal with Gorilla glue? I'm not using it on my CBG because it's not what I have on hand at the moment. But I've used it on plenty of wood projects in the past and not had any issues. Why do so many CBG makers dislike the Gorilla?
  • Jason W. December 8, 2010 at 8:15pm
    Ive used oak and poplar in my previous builds for the necks. Both have worked fairly well, but oak can be a pain to work and from what I understand poplar can dull tools pretty fast. I just ordered some Maple and I plan to use it on my next build. Like someone said, just done use pine. I really like rosewood for fretboards, but theres a jag of nice looking woods you can use.

    Everyone keeps saying don't use gorilla glue, and they're right. BUT They do make Gorilla Wood glue that I've used and it works very well. If you're gonna use it, get the one specifically for bonding wood. Titebond seems to be what most use and is probably cheaper and more available.
  • Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates December 2, 2010 at 4:17pm
    Interesting. Veeeeery interesting.


    No I don't use one. I do a neck-thru design where the neck extends at least to the tail end of the box.

    -WY

    Daniel Todd said:
    Found what I was talking about:

    http://home.hiwaay.net/~jehle/cbg/tip2/four.jpg

    And now that I take a second look I realize why it's there...doh :-)

    Dan
  • Daniel Todd December 1, 2010 at 4:43pm
    Found what I was talking about:

    http://home.hiwaay.net/~jehle/cbg/tip2/four.jpg

    And now that I take a second look I realize why it's there...doh :-)

    Dan
  • Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates November 30, 2010 at 11:33pm
    Are you thinking of a truss rod? We don't normally use them tho some have (I have). I have used a 1/8"x1/2" steel bar from Lowes before. But that's when I REALLY want to make sure the neck does not bend. That or be able to bean someone over the head.

    -WY
  • Daniel Todd November 30, 2010 at 11:20pm
    Thanks for the input. I can't seem to find the picture of the contraption now. I'll have to do some more looking and get it posted.

    Dan
  • Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates November 30, 2010 at 11:03pm
    1.) What's the best wood to use for the neck? I'm planning on starting with something like poplar and using a nicer hardwood for the fret board. Anything wrong with that or should I use something else?

    2.) What's a good, relatively inexpensive (oxymoron I know) and easily obtainable glue? Preferably something I could go to the local hardware store and get.

    3.) I've seen several pics of CBG with tension type devices in the body, would you recommend this in general? Pros and cons?

    First off, there are no rules to CBG building. That is, there is no real 'right way' to build. DO look at other's build and ask questions. If you build and it sounds [ok or better], GREAT! If not, build again. Then build again. Either way, build again.
    1. Most use oak. I use poplar. Use what you can get.
    2. Titebond red label. Whatever you use, DO NOT USE GORILLA GLUE. you will be really sorry.
    3. ?? What kind of a tension device are you refering to?

    -WY
This reply was deleted.