3 string resonator

Well it's almost done I put the strings on her and set her up last night. I think she sounds great, I am very happy with the response the folks that have seen her have had. Keni Lee seemed very excited with the look and would like to see one as a 4 stringer. I might just make him one and build one for myself while I am at it.

Well it's kind of late but when you have a day job. You have to work on CBG's when you can. I just finished installing the frets. Next step is going to be the nut and tailstock.

I really think the Bacote fingerboard with the Tiger Maple binding is going to be a show stopper. I think I am gong to use Corian for the nut and either make the tailstock or use my last hinge. My supplier moved and I have not been able to find anyone else that carries that style.

I have to say that the weight of this CBG is pretty cool. I can't wait to see if the steel in the neck has any noticeable impact on the sound. I am leaning towards adding brass corners to this model just to dress it up even more. That's all for now - Jim

Another great one from Mr. Keni Lee Burgess

Man those day jobs sure get in the way of guitar building.......



So the new build is underway ... Dobo inspired 3 string with resonator cone and cover, tiger maple binding on bocote fingerboard, sloted headstock, re-enforced neck and f-holes. I am certain there will be a few more tricks as the build continues.

Hey check out Keni Lee Burgess' he has a gig playing Time Square starting this month. I wish I was going to be able to make it. If you are in the area you ought to check him out. Oh and take a couple of bucks to throw in the hat for him. We have to support the arts... Who else will. Stay tuned......

Saturday Morning Market and next build

Okay - well I have a new day job and I have spent a lot of time on the road now. So the blogging and building has taken a definite back seat. It's getting hot in Florida so not the best time to be in the garage building anyway. But check this out - it's an old suitcase that I am thinking might make a really interesting resonator. Crazy ?????

I have a little extra time for the holiday and I hope to be able to get started. The real question on this build is if I am going to have to take the top off to cut down on the width or if 5 3/8 " will work. I would like to hear your thoughts if you have any experience.


Angel and I had a great time at the Saturday Morning Market. Everyone was very positive when they got up close. We would hear things like, look Cigar box purses, wait a minute, what are those... are they guitars, banjos? Regardless, if you have not taken a CBG out in public it's a very cool time when you put one in someone's hands and see them smile.....


What is really fun is to see parents when you put one in their child's hands. I don't know about you but I think these are great starter instruments. First of all, they are much stouter than a conventional stringed instrument. They are smaller and fit the child better. They have fewer strings (easier to keep track of ). Everything you learn can transfer over to six strings.

But the most fun is to see a child's face once they have the CBG in their hands. Magic! So even with the new job we will be back this fall for one Saturday a month.

One word of caution if you are gong to do one of these you are going to be busy! The whole time we were talking and playing. CBG's are real attention getters and people want to know more about them. As far as sales went we did not make a sale at the market. Since my focus is to build at the higher end of the product line, I was not surprised and felt that I met my objective which was to create a buzz and to start to develop my market.

Lastly, thanks to all of our friends who made the trek to St. Pete to support the effort. You guys are the best. I am sorry that we did not get to spend as much time together as I would have liked.

Okay time for bed

Who knew? It's almost midnight and I am just finishing up. We have to leave at 6am to make it to the market and be ready for 9am. I can hear all of my art show buddies laughing already. They have lived through all the late nights getting ready for their shows, why should my little event have been different.... One thing for certain Angel has been right there all the way helping me get it done...

Working, Working ( it's great )

Getting ready for Saturday here's a few shots of my newest build that I hope to have at the Saturday Morning Market (downtown St Pete 9- 2 this Saturday)