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Comment by Ian Dickson on November 5, 2015 at 11:53am

Thanks for the advice. Mine is a 25 inch scale. I used a walnut neck from CBGitty, with a cutout to let the can vibrate. The whole thing is pretty rigid, but I suspect the can itself is the culprit. It seems to steal the strings energy. I have four hardwood pieces that attach the top of the can to the bottom of the can (inside) to provide some rigidity. That worked amazingly well on my gas can dulcimer, but not so much here. I've screwed the lid closed similar to your method in the photo.  Anyway, I'll figure it out. I just need to rethink a few things. Thanks!

Comment by Suspect Device on November 3, 2015 at 1:10pm

Thanks. I dunno, this one sounds pretty bright and twangy. What strings/tuning did you use? And how long was the scale? This one is a 23" tenor Kodakanjo, and tuned CGDA (using string gauges .032, .026,.16,.09) so not really meant for slide. I have built quite a few of these in a variety of scale lengths, from 22" on up to 25.5" and the shorter ones generally sound better -punchier and more like a tenor banjo. I set these up really stiff, if possible with plenty of break angle at the nut and the bridge saddle. There are a ton of other variables of course; bracing(!), bridge location, sound holes, the type of pickup and how it is mounted, how the can is sealed...The film cans are a bit more challenging to work with than a cigar box, but they have a really unique sound.

Comment by Ian Dickson on November 3, 2015 at 12:03pm

That's a great looking film can guitar. Awesome fretboard. I made one a couple of months ago hoping that it would have a nice acoustic banjo-y kind of sound. I found that the strings had no sustain and so I got a dull "thunk" sound when picking the strings. Forget about slide. Did you run into that at all? Looks like the same kind of can I used, except for the color. Thanks.

Comment by the anonymous pick on November 3, 2015 at 9:14am

very  nice  retro  feel  !