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Parts for U-Bass Build

Good morning folks:

I found this whole cigar box instrument phenomenon the other day and I'm fascinated by it.

I went and bought some boxes yesterday, and I've always wanted a U-Bass, so that is my current plan.

My question is, what would a parts list be for this build? I just don't want to leave anything out.

So far I have:

- Cigar Box

- Wood for Neck

- Wood for Fret Board

- Material for Frets (what would ya'll recommend)?

- Bridge (http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-STRING-GUITAR-BRIDGE-BLACK-CIGAR-UKULELE-...)

- Nut (where should I get this?)

- Tuners (I've heard that most people use the Ashbory Bass tuners, but I can't find those anywhere! What would be an economical but functional alternative?)

- Strings (http://www.bassuke.com/string_store.html. I was going to go with the standard colored "Dreads" set)

I think these are all the questions I have thus far. Please feel free to give me any recommendations for the build or any parts (listed or unlisted). I'd like to do the best job that I can!

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Permalink Reply by jawbone on May 7, 2013 at 11:51am

I had seen someone use those eyelet bolts as tuners - that might work for you. Still may seem "clunky" but the "machine" aspect may add. Just a thought.

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Permalink Reply by Hunter Rigsby on May 7, 2013 at 12:00pm

Another thought on this. I've seen that the main problem with making a bass like this is that there is a lot of tension on the neck and subsequently the cigar box. My thinking is that the smart thing to do would be to carry the neck all of the way through the box and anchor to it at both ends so that there is minimal tension on the box. Is this common practice? I've seen CBGs made both ways, both with the neck ending at the box and the neck being the anchor point as well, but I'm not sure what the positives and negatives of each are.

Any help on this front? Also, sound holes for an electric U-Bass? Would it be detrimental to the sound of the instrument if I wanted one just for show or would it not make much difference?

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on May 7, 2013 at 12:02pm

I would definitely do a neck through. Did you decide what scale length you were going to use?

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Permalink Reply by Hunter Rigsby on May 7, 2013 at 1:12pm

I'm planning on using the scale of the Kala U-Bass, which is 21" I believe.

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Permalink Reply by Mild Thing on August 24, 2017 at 8:21am

A bit late but I've managed to find some decent, economical tuners. The make is "Der Jung" from Taiwan, they look like clones of the Hip-Shots but considerably cheaper. My set has just arrived and they seem good quality to me. They are ideal for Aquila Thundergut strings, the bass side have thicker slots and the treble side are a bit thinner. Here are some black ones but the same company do chrome or gold too. http://www.magic-guitar-parts.com/epages/es337930.sf/en_GB/?ObjectP...