In regards to a person wanting to learn to build your own CBG, here's my take. Build the one you really want to play and jump right into it all the way. Get some medium/medium fret wire, watch all the YT how-to videos about installing frets, leveling, crowning and dressing the frets, get the proper tools and learn it by doing it. It won't be easy at first but it'll definitely give you tons of satisfaction in achievment.
Started with a fretless last year, learned the basics, how to use a slide, etc., upgraded to fully fretted recently. Not so difficult, same thing just a lighter touch to miss frets. More versatile too. Also I’m surprised how quickly I picked up the chording. They’re both fun to play.
Great presentation Old Man. Can tell the difference, prefer the mellow Fretless as the slide sounds harmonic. With Frets, sounds clunky on a slide. Keep them coming
Great video thank you, I am considering building my first 3 string cbg and I think the first one will be a fretless for the simplicity of the build, once I can play it I will attempt a fretted cbg, best regards, Scott 👍🏆.
Excellent video Tony, and both guitars sound great! A couple questions on your fretless cbg....what scale length is yours, and how does the string action compare to the fretted CBG? Also, what kind of pickup are you using in the fretless guitar? It sounds excellent. Keep your videos coming!
Thanks David. The scale length on the fretless in the video is 22.5 inches and the string action is a lot higher than the fretted cbg. The pickup is a flat humbucker from MGB in the US and I'm playing it through a Vox mini 5 at the AC15 setting.
Suggestion: try putting thimbles on your fingers to play individual notes on a fretless guitar. I live 85 miles from the nearest place to buy a thimble, so I can't say this works.
I have a fretted as my first build but it has what's called a "zero" nut for easy playability. This however is not good for a slide as if you just literally touch the strings with your slide your hitting frets. Does anybody have any suggestions for a fretted build kit that has the right action for both?
I have the same issue with the fretted CBG I use in this video. Having the right action for both will be a bit of a compromise I suppose: If the action is raised too high at the nut then the intonation will be out and it won't be in tune when fretting notes and chords. I am experimenting with a 'jumbo' zero fret on my latest build so I'll let you know how that goes.
@rickreed123 That's a very valid question. I could indeed have put fret markers on the fretboard but I chose not to simply for style reasons and I thought it would look 'cool' :-) Have a look at a fuller explanation and a secret revealed at th-cam.com/video/mP0KqTFxJAg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=TuyPAElZlt_SMvs5
In regards to a person wanting to learn to build your own CBG, here's my take. Build the one you really want to play and jump right into it all the way. Get some medium/medium fret wire, watch all the YT how-to videos about installing frets, leveling, crowning and dressing the frets, get the proper tools and learn it by doing it. It won't be easy at first but it'll definitely give you tons of satisfaction in achievment.
I agree it is incredibly satisfying to have built the CBG you want to play and really gives a great incentive to master the instrument!
Started with a fretless last year, learned the basics, how to use a slide, etc., upgraded to fully fretted recently. Not so difficult, same thing just a lighter touch to miss frets. More versatile too. Also I’m surprised how quickly I picked up the chording. They’re both fun to play.
Yes, CBGs are definitely fun to play!
Great presentation Old Man. Can tell the difference, prefer the mellow Fretless as the slide sounds harmonic. With Frets, sounds clunky on a slide. Keep them coming
I really enjoyed the video. You have a great voice and presented the information well. Instant Sub. The playing was great too!
Thanks Jared, that's very kind of you to say so. Glad you like it!
Great video thank you, I am considering building my first 3 string cbg and I think the first one will be a fretless for the simplicity of the build, once I can play it I will attempt a fretted cbg, best regards, Scott 👍🏆.
Sounds like a good plan. Fretless are definitely easier to build. Good luck!
I have never played a fretless. One day I hope to have the opportunity.
Thanks for watching John. Fretless is definitely a different playing experience :-)
Excellent video Tony, and both guitars sound great! A couple questions on your fretless cbg....what scale length is yours, and how does the string action compare to the fretted CBG? Also, what kind of pickup are you using in the fretless guitar? It sounds excellent. Keep your videos coming!
Thanks David. The scale length on the fretless in the video is 22.5 inches and the string action is a lot higher than the fretted cbg. The pickup is a flat humbucker from MGB in the US and I'm playing it through a Vox mini 5 at the AC15 setting.
Suggestion: try putting thimbles on your fingers to play individual notes on a fretless guitar.
I live 85 miles from the nearest place to buy a thimble, so I can't say this works.
That's an interesting suggestion James, it put me in mind of Tony Iommi from Black Sabbath.
I have a fretted as my first build but it has what's called a "zero" nut for easy playability. This however is not good for a slide as if you just literally touch the strings with your slide your hitting frets. Does anybody have any suggestions for a fretted build kit that has the right action for both?
I have the same issue with the fretted CBG I use in this video. Having the right action for both will be a bit of a compromise I suppose: If the action is raised too high at the nut then the intonation will be out and it won't be in tune when fretting notes and chords. I am experimenting with a 'jumbo' zero fret on my latest build so I'll let you know how that goes.
Fretless ❤️
Good choice :-)
Why not mark where frets would be on a fretless?
@rickreed123 That's a very valid question. I could indeed have put fret markers on the fretboard but I chose not to simply for style reasons and I thought it would look 'cool' :-) Have a look at a fuller explanation and a secret revealed at th-cam.com/video/mP0KqTFxJAg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=TuyPAElZlt_SMvs5