1st CBG build

Posted by Greg McElwee on March 15, 2017 at 12:38pm

Ok here is my first venture into this new found hobby/addiction....and after being put into the hands of a couple of "pickers" I know...and getting pointers from those in the know....I have a better understanding of what areas to make improvements on future builds....and as you can see...I have a nice stash started for future projects....thanks for the pointers I have acquired from this group

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Replies

  • Rob Zamites June 5, 2017 at 12:26pm

    I love my Punch #1 too! Aren't they great boxes?

  • Rose Ericson March 15, 2017 at 4:46pm
    I would also say, your first build is really good. I like it a lot. Play a little so we can hear it!!!! Also in most music you hear on the radio the down stroke on your guitar is where the snare plays. ( this is only a general rule of thumb,but for the most part it works) that might help you on your rhythm.
  • Rose Ericson March 15, 2017 at 4:44pm
    I am also working on my first few builds. I have played guitar since I was 14. That would be over 30 years. Simply saying on a cigar box focus on the right hand. Make sure your rhythm is right the rest will follow. Cigar box guitars are tuned to a cord. (You could play with one finger if you wanted to play the 12 bar blues) so if you focus on the rhythm hand you wil learn really fast. 20 minutes a day will have you playing better than most. Hope this helps
  • Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear March 15, 2017 at 12:53pm
    Nice stash and good looking first build too. Best of fortunes with the others still to come.

    I've been building and playing for a little over a year and still have much to learn but one thing I have learned is the motto "build, play, repeat". If it doesn't work the first time, break it down, reuse the parts and try again while applying what you learned from previous builds. These are imperfect instruments, and that is part of the charm for me and I'm sure many others too, but I'm learning it's not about building them haphazardly to imperfection but aiming for that certain "perfect for what I need". There is beauty in imperfection. It's my job to bring that beauty to the foreground.

    Have fun!

    Bear
    • Greg McElwee > Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear March 15, 2017 at 1:19pm

      Thanks...that is what has drawn me to these little jewels....the sound that is produced...I may have the ability to build them,but I lack the ability to play them...thus the reason I have to turn them over to the talented in order to get an evaluation....the only instrument I am capable of playing is the stereo :) 

  • Gus K March 15, 2017 at 12:51pm

    If I may offer a suggestion, especially seeing as this appears to be an acoustic,  maybe use a little longer neck.  That way you can place your bridge a few inches closer to center (while still maintaining whatever scale length you have.)  Somewhere between the graphic and where you have it now.

    • Greg McElwee > Gus K March 15, 2017 at 1:12pm

      Suggestions are always welcomed...and yes it is acoustic....this one was a basic learning experience...a confidence builder if you will...I got ahead of myself on a couple of issues pertaining to the neck length and the bridge and nut placement ....in my world...nothing is a failure as long as something is learned in the process...thanks for the input 

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