Finished Diddley Bow Number 2
Here’s how I built my second Diddley Bow,in pictures.It wasn’t difficult, in fact I was surprised at how easy it was and how quickly I built it! It took around one and a half hours including interruptions and a break for a cup of tea! I reckon I’ll be able to knock half an hour off the time when I build my next one!
-
- Cutting the 1″ Dowel/Brush Shaft to size
-
- Mark out the Machine Head Tuner position
-
- Mark out the guitar string hole position
-
- Cut out the Machine Head Tuner slot with a Rasp,cut to the same depth on each side
-
- Drill out the guitar string hole
-
- I used a 6mm drill to make the hole
-
- Drill out the hole for the Machine Head Tuner
-
- Lay the Cigar Box on top and mark the entry and exit points of the neck
-
- Cut out the wood between the marks with a Rasp
-
- Cut out a little more than the thickness of the Cigar Box lid to allow the lid to vibrate/resonate
-
- Mark the position of the 6.35mm Chassis Socket
-
- File the hole out to size using a Round File
-
- Fit the 6.35mm Chassis Socket
-
- Find the centre of the Cigar Box on both ends
-
- I used a two pence coin as a template as it is the same circumference as the neck
-
- Cut out the hole with a sharp bladed knife and tidy up the cut with a round file
-
- Slide the neck through the Cigar Box an put it in position
-
- Make adjustments to the hole if necessary using the Round File
-
- Insert the pop rivet sleeve into the Guitar String hole
-
- Fit the Machine Head Tuner
-
- Tighten up the Machine Head Tuner using an adjustable spanner
-
- Cut a slot for the Guitar String into the Jubilee/Hose Clip
-
- Fit the Jubilee/Hose Clip and tighten up with a screwdriver
-
- Position the Piezo Pickup (soldered to the 6.35mm Chassis Socket beforehand) underneath the bridge position
-
- Thread the Guitar String through the hole and insert a small nail through the ball end of the String
-
- Tighten up the Machine Head Tuner
-
- Put the threaded bar (Bridge) in position before final adjustment
-
- Tune the Diddley Bow to required key and that’s it!
-
- Finished Diddley Bow Number 2
