Well here is my first attempt at building a CGB. I learned a lot on the way, mostly what I will do differently on the next one. Most importantly I had fun building it.
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Scale length does not matter much for break angle. I like to use a quarter inch finger board glued on from the box to the nut. That usually raises the finger board higher than the box and helps. And makes it stronger. Yardsticks, pine lathe, or hard woods all work for that.
Thank you. I appreciate it. I am looking for ideas for how to end up with a better break angle on the next one though . I could move the tailpeice closer to the bridge for a better angle , but I don't want to do that on this one. You're right, it plays pretty good and the intonation is decent so I think I'll leave it alone. Is it the scale length that makes the difference in break angle? This one is a shorter scale than most I've seen.
I looked at the other photos and see what you mean. I don't think you could lower the bridge and have enough break angle. Hey it looks good and it plays. Play it and enjoy it and look forward to the next one. Good job!
I was on the fence when it came to the string height. It seems to play fine with just the 1/4 inch threaded rod under the strings, but I was concerned that it didn't have enough break angle. Hence the 1/8 inch wood shim I fashioned out of one of the box inserts. Do you think I may not need it?
Yup. I still love to build. It looks good. String height on toward the box is higher than I like, but some others like it as you have it. Check out the lesson knotlenny's CBG 101 - either google it or find it under resources at page top.
Comments
Scale length does not matter much for break angle. I like to use a quarter inch finger board glued on from the box to the nut. That usually raises the finger board higher than the box and helps. And makes it stronger. Yardsticks, pine lathe, or hard woods all work for that.
Thank you. I appreciate it. I am looking for ideas for how to end up with a better break angle on the next one though . I could move the tailpeice closer to the bridge for a better angle , but I don't want to do that on this one. You're right, it plays pretty good and the intonation is decent so I think I'll leave it alone. Is it the scale length that makes the difference in break angle? This one is a shorter scale than most I've seen.
I looked at the other photos and see what you mean. I don't think you could lower the bridge and have enough break angle. Hey it looks good and it plays. Play it and enjoy it and look forward to the next one. Good job!
Yup. I still love to build. It looks good. String height on toward the box is higher than I like, but some others like it as you have it. Check out the lesson knotlenny's CBG 101 - either google it or find it under resources at page top.
That's what matters--having fun.