low tech CBG
Since my first cbg I've gradually refined and improved the build quality but always cautious not to overdo it. The essence of a cbg is the home-made nature using cheap, recycled and found objects. Some builders take the quality thing to extremes and I can totally understand why. It's enthusiasm and the desire to make better and more attractive instruments but if it's really the desire for a top quality guitar that is the driving force, then why make cbg's? There are much better designs and materials for a professional instrument than a cigar box.
So I got to thinking I'd like to try make a really incredibly low-tech guitar. May not even use a cigar box. Just for the hell of it I have the idea of making a really quick, simple thing that looks as rough as hell (but with some cool mojo) but will actually play OK. It will be a 3 string slide of course. I was hoping to try find some well worn drift wood and knock together some sort of box and maybe make a neck from an old seasoned branch or something. It will probably end up as a pretty long project though, the main problem just finding the right materials. I'll keep you posted.
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I think this is the right way to go with cbg's too. I've had some laughs out of the Yeti On a Budget track on the CBG Masters Vol 1 CD. This isn't an exact quote as the lyrics are a little hard to decipher (and I'm going from memory) but I think the singer says about his cbg that the neck is 'carved from a big twig' and then goes on to say the bridge is a 'big rock'.
Excellent - can't fault it!
Hi David,
I like the ethic of low tech rough and ready, but I'm addicted to sandpaper and varnish!
I can't leave anything alone till it's smoothed and shiny....Bad...
Jeff.
i've had ideas with this for sometime too, but yet have the skills to put it into action. i'd love to have a mix between sanded finished and rough. i'd love something to be made from a big root, or have some bark still on or something. if this would work or not is completely different
sam
Sam, don't worry too much about skills, just have a go. That's the essence of CBG building, rough and ready, then learn from it and gradually improve for the next one.
I built a guitar out of a parking meter head...Just cause I couldn't do anything else with it. Sounds good..its in the cbg on my website www.skyhootinsaloon.com..Which pretty much sez it all"You can build a guitar outt purdy much any ol thang"
Brad - nice site and some great guitars. Couldn't find the parking meter cbg though :(
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