Hi all,
I've been experimenting a little with my last few builds adding a slight backwards angle to the neck. I remember seeing this mentioned quite a few times as a way to get lower action. I've had pretty good results with a very slight back angle.
I just put together a new build today which has a bit more of an extreme angle to it... anyway have a look and see what you think.
So... the action is super low (1mm at first fret, 1.5mm at 12th), but I'm getting horrific fret buzz all the way up the fretboard. Is this too much of an angle? Or could I compensate with a higher bridge?
I achieved this angle using the this design:
I put a 2mm block under the neck at the front part of the box and a 6mm block under the tail end.
Let me know what you think!
Rick
Tags:
This discussion is why I'm shy about "set neck" instruments. On a basic neck thru CBG...assuming that the fretboard is sufficiently about the level of the top of the box to make it playable (no interference from the top on strumming strokes)... the nut and the bridge will give the builder all the adjustment needed for playability up and down the neck.
neck angle was a development to help acoustic instruments create sufficient tension on the (relatively tall) bridge to make the top of the instrument get louder...
After hundreds of builds, I have come to love fender style bolt on neck setups. This opens the box for electronics, frees the top to vibrate AND allows of infinite adjustability through the use of shims. I keep a variety of picks of different thicknesses. they make perfect ships. I can get the action spot on, time after time with very little trouble....
JMO, another point of view,
the best,
Wichita Sam
I'm certainly seeing the benefit Sam. Thanks for the tips!
I've just finished one and had quite bad buzz, I made a small block about 3mm and put under the bridge and ...hey presto she sounds great. I was expecting to have to alter nut too (or even stone the frets) but was an easy and quick fix...worth a try? good luck
Yep, tried this and it worked. I've made a new bridge the right height. From now on, I'll make the bridge when I know how tall it has to be!
I made a set of bridge gauges at 1mm increments from 1/8" flatbar.
I used a 3" piece for each gauge and drilled a hole through the end to string them all together for hanging on the bench.
Heck of a lot easier in the long term than shimming until it's right and then measuring.
Could you show us a picture of the gauges Robert?
Sure thing. I'll be back at the house beginning of the week. I'll post some photos.
99% of the build is the neck. You need the angle but you don't want to dampen the sound board. If its all electric build it strong , if it's acoustic build it light.
To work out the height of the bridge you need, take a straight edge lay it across the frets extending over the deck where the bridge goes, measure the height between the deck and the straight edge and add the height of action you like. I add about 6mm this gives me 4mm or so at the 12th fret.
richie , the pics i have are basically the PK process im glad too i just figured it out and posted the pics and process. earlier . he posted his link and confirmed it. im glad because if hes doing it i know im on the right track ! the pics are on my page here in the site , and cant seem to get to em ill try to get the link at least
link pic step one http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/20140315-144912?context=user
link step two http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/20140315-144520?context=user
link step three http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/20140315-144442?context=user
p.s. i am by no means any where near being an expert at much of anything let alone building cbg's im way into a learning curve
Started by Bill Andy in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Southern Ray on Tuesday. 11 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Bill Andy in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Taffy Evans on Sunday. 6 Replies 0 Likes
Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 26. 8 Replies 1 Like
Started by Southern Ray in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 26. 6 Replies 0 Likes
Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by BrianQ. Apr 25. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Rich Butters in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Crazed Fandango Apr 22. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Nomad Jack in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods Apr 17. 7 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Moritz Voegeli in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 14. 6 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Apr 10. 14 Replies 3 Likes
Started by Tom T in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 9. 9 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Southern Ray in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 4. 7 Replies 1 Like
Started by Timothy Hunter in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 27. 1 Reply 2 Likes
Started by Taffy Evans in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 10. 1 Reply 3 Likes
Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by BrianQ. Mar 9. 4 Replies 3 Likes
Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies 1 Like
Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Ken I in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Brian partington Mar 8. 8 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Southern Ray in Cool gear discussion - that's not cigar box related. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 6. 5 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Taffy Evans in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 5. 4 Replies 2 Likes
Posted by Vlad on March 31, 2024 at 11:48pm 0 Comments 1 Like
Posted by Vlad on March 6, 2024 at 2:32am 5 Comments 2 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 28, 2024 at 2:09pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 17, 2024 at 11:00pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by Vlad on February 11, 2024 at 1:06am 1 Comment 1 Like
May 11, 2024 from 11am to 8pm – Speakeasy Grill
0 Comments 0 LikesMay 30, 2024 from 6:30pm to 10pm – The Casual Pint of Huntsville
0 Comments 0 Likes© 2024 Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker. Powered by
Cigar Box Nation is presented by C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply, your one-stop-shop for Cigar Box Guitar parts and accessories!