When I build I buy acoustic string packets of six, which always leaves me with the low E, high E and B string when I'm finished. What creative things might I make with those extra strings? I've also got a couple extra lengths of poplar (about 29" each) and a couple cigar boxes that I won't use for building regular CBGs (they look like crud).
I'm waiting for payday and want something to keep me busy until I can afford to build more CBGs.
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i made a zither-like instrument when i was in high school using fishing line and a bunch of crude parts. i have a bunch of broken strings and orphans from sets, just taking up space in my parts box. i have always wondered what kind of really nice zither/harp i could come up with, now that i have a few more resources at hand.
I also saw someplace someone using stings running in carved channels around the neck in a spiral so that they became frets. It's an idea I wouldn't mind trying out for myself but I have a sneaky feeling that the strings might need joining together because they won't be long enough.
Hang a couple of wound strings between a U shape piece of metal loosely. I used to use this set up with an old hacksaw handle. This setup can be used to cheaply smooth off any rough edges on bridges and nuts etc. that strings would rub on in the final build. Use it like a file. Because the string isn't under as much tension it dosnt break. Makes everything as smooth as butter for strings to slide through. ... edit.. same as paul, I should read all posts first.
I have a set of old strings from a 6 string guitar that I use to file the string slots in the corian nuts or bridge pieces I make. The wound strings work better than the solids, so the higher string slots take longer unless you have so smaller gauge wound strings.
I started to say one or two string canjo but then the rings caught my eye. I can have a similar gear, now I have to try to make a ring, thanks a lot a. pick. Also great comment Cause the Blue rat!
pretty simple to make rings and brackets etc . just wrap twist them like in the pack . or braid em .(harder ) a lot of youtube how tos on it . ;-)
enjoy ;-)
Folks, this is awesome. We are the only musicians out there who build guitars for a set of strings. Wile everyone else buys strings for one guitar.
Rock on Nation!
the current project on my worktable:
low E - diddley bow
middle A D G - 3 stringer tuned GDG
high B and E - 2 string chugger tuned g d
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