Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on November 14, 2012 at 10:43am

If it sounds good leave it alone. I make most of mine with f holes and they sound good, but I made one with no holes in the face and a few in the sides to let it breath and it sounds great, in fact I was just playing it. I'm not even sure they need the side holes, the cigar box's are not tight enough to seal in the air. There is a science to the hole thing but if it sounds good play it as is. By the way it looks good to me.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by gary herget on November 14, 2012 at 4:12pm

I have put sound holes in the top and sides as well as no holes at all and no matter what they always sound good, you can't go wrong either way. Just do what sounds good to you

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on November 14, 2012 at 6:47pm

I think it might, in part, depend on the box, and perhaps also the thinness of the top, and the actual wood from which it's made. Those Cohibas seem to sound great as is, as do the higher numbered Padrons. Other boxes seem to bloom once a proper sized sound hole is cut into them. But if it sounds good, leave it. It gives it a clean look.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by RTZGUITARS on November 14, 2012 at 8:34pm

Sound hole yes?no? Size of hole placement of hole hole hole hole. If you put a big hole in the middle you cant go back. So Iike all of us  make a rationale uninformed decision. Like Oily said Cohibas seem to sound good without, I'm building a Uke with a little Cohiba box and will sand a 1/16 or so from the top looking for more sound if i don't get it. it will have a hole or 2 or 3 . 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Clarky on November 14, 2012 at 11:48pm

I sort of go inbetween, I like to make several small sound holes and fix little 'eyelets' into them to decorate the hole.  I'm not a fan of cutting huge holes in the box, but then everyone is different, there are no rules!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Order99 on November 15, 2012 at 10:23pm

I normally emplot 1/2" rivets near the top or bottom corners myself, but it isn't needed if you like the sound as is.

There is an experiment you could try-loosen the strings enough to open the box just a touch-maybe 1/8" or less-shim beneath the lid and retighten-if there is a difference in volume or tone (and you prefer it) you might attempt a small soundhole or two. Don't forget-you can always drill a soundhole or two in the side of the box instead of the soundboard, and then make a plug for it later...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by RTZGUITARS on November 16, 2012 at 9:20am

I build lid on the back for just this reason the sound board is part of the sides much better projection and i can seal the back with tape when i record, and i can voice the box from the back anytime i want fiddle with the electronic when ever i want. I build a lot of Cohiba 6strings and they dont need holes, if i want an open sound I just crack the lid  (back) open just a bit but i like it closed. Seal the lid real tight you might find the sound your looking for.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Don Tucker on November 16, 2012 at 11:19am

I often put sound holes in last, after it's strung and I've played it without. I consider the holes to be mainly cosmetic as I've not noticed any real difference in sound after putting the holes in, but like Oily "Strat O Nine Tales" says maybe that depends on the box.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Stevie on January 4, 2013 at 7:15pm

could you put 2 sound holes down the middle of the top of the box? like instead of one on each side. put the 2 sound holes down the middle where the COHIBA brand is? I want to do this with my current box but not sure if it doesn't work, because i never see them with holes placed there?
thoughts anyone?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Thomas "Duck" Petry on January 4, 2013 at 7:46pm

Rule #1, "there are no rules". You can put sound holes wherever you want. Different locations may sound different. Your results may vary. That's the fun of these things. Try it and find out. Many acoustic guitars have sound holes in the middle of the box, some around the edges. The only way to know if you will like it is to try it.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Brendan deVallance on January 5, 2013 at 8:51am

Well the reason most dont put holes down the center is because that is where neck is. And so it might not look right/sound right. Although it was suggested on mine to cut out the 'o' in Cohiba which is not a bad idea, and would look cool. Of course you cant unring a bell so it is a tough decision, as for me I have left mine sans-holes. —B

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Brendan deVallance on January 5, 2013 at 9:13am

Matty Baratto this guy (who made sir Pauls guitar) has several on his profile page with center holes, not sure how he attaches the neck, must be braced around the edges or on the back perhaps.

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page