Cigar Box Guitar Headquarters - CBG HQ

Bass Guitar Neck Width?

I'm thinking about building a CBBG (Cigar Box Bass Guitar) and was wondering about how wide the neck would need to be? Could I get away with gluing two red oak 1x2's together, side-by-side? Not much of a woodworker, so if it involves TOO much labor, I probably won't do it. :)

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Permalink Reply by Dennis Loudermilk on April 1, 2011 at 11:21am

I know I'm a little dated here, but this works great with dual piezo elements under the bridge. It's fretless and just a blast to jam and glide on:

Weed Whacker 3-String
Give it a try!

Permalink Reply by Arnold Kelly on April 1, 2011 at 11:39am

Looks great, Dennis!

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on April 1, 2011 at 12:42pm

Arnold,

Sorry I missed your question earlier. The answer to neck width is "it depends". Factors impacting neck width is number and type of strings and your comfort needs with spacing. Also the question about are you going to taper the neck or radius the fretboard?

Basically, a three stringer with synthetic strings of some kind (trimmer line, PU cord, etc.) can easily be fitted to a stock 1X2 board from a home services (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.). If you are thinking 4 steel strings, then you will need to beef up the neck (possibly wider or thicker or a truss rod).

I love CBBGs. They are a ton of fun can fit in well in bands. I played on in my church praise band for over 2 years... musically it performed quite well. Let us know how you come out....

the best,

Wichita Sam

Permalink Reply by Gary Williams on January 14, 2012 at 3:19pm