This may be already a subject of discussion, but I'll ask here..because
I'm new at the CBG game.
What type of bridge is best for a 6 string? I'm making a custom tailpiece that anchors at the end of the neck block, so the tension
of 6 strings at pitch (200lbs?) isn't going to affect the tail piece
anchoring, but I have a concern about the bridge. I'm not using
nails, keys or any of the typical bridges I've seen on 3 stringers..
but I would like to use a compensated archtop bridge with a modified
flat base that just contacts the plywood top.
My question is: Has anyone used these successfully on a 6 string
and will the thin top take the string pressure without doing a bulge-in?
Archtop guitars have longtitudinal ribs specifically for tone and support
a wooden bridge, but I'n not sure how this would work on a acoustic
CBG.
Tags:
Hi Carverman,
Apologies for missing the r in a previous post and calling you Caveman - no insult intended :O) No insult taken. LOL! I often get that type of misspelling and in fact..I am a bit of a "caveman"
these days, but being a retired wood carver/wood worker..I generally use the other online persona.
What gauge strings are you planning on using? There is a string gauge calculator here to give you an idea of the tension you will get http://www.mcdonaldstrings.com/stringxxiii.html - I tend to use 8s or 9s (8s on a 65cm scale are only giving 37kg).
The string guages I use depend on the types of guitars that I own and play. My big "jazz boxes"
are typical .012s to 054s, the Les Pauls and others are typically .010 to .046.
Check out Smokehouse guitars group there is a great section on how to brace the box if you are going for a 6 string. http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/smokehouseguitars/forum/topics/...
If you haven't found this group yet check it out as there are several quality tutorials on how to build a CBG.
Onto your question regarding a bridge - I used a floating Rick-o-matic type bridge in my last build which was an 8 string CBG
I filed the saddles for runs of 2 x 4 but originally it was for a 6 string.
They look like this close up
Excellent! This what I like about CBG Nation. People who are willing to help out a first
timer in their builds. I have made 3 sem-solid Les Paul types in the last 2 years,
but this is my first CBG and some things, like bracing inside a CB is a new area
of discovery for me. I would like to do it "right" the first time..if I can.
I looked recently on the www and one of the cheapest places to buy is from Bezdez an ebay seller in Ontario - I have bought other bridges off them before and they are excellent (- for Canada I think after one item the rest are free postage) http://stores.ebay.co.uk/bezdez
or specifically for the bridge above http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2205651092...
Thanks for that lead!
The boxes I have used are 35mm wooden slide boxes because it is really hard to get a decent cigar box in the uk and through luck found these fit a typical full scale and are a comfortable size to use. Previously I have put a few bracing strips down the inside front of the box and add hinges top and bottom to stop the string tension pulling the lid up. For the 8 string I added more bracing which if you are interested I have photos on mypage (click on my icon) - I don't have many power tools (basic hand drill and a dremel type thing) so cobbled together the bracing from several bits of wood that fitted the gap. I did add some extra thin strips to the top after I took the pictures but the plywood lid on these boxes are fairly strong.
Regards,
David
i'd say put some ribs inside the rib. i am not saying this from expirence though, just from what i would infer
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