Cryo - Posted - 02/19/2012:  02:32:39

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I got this great pie box from visiting relatives.  The pie is all gone now.  So what to do with the box?

I am thinking about making a banjola out of it.

I am trying to decide on a couple of things.  First, tailpiece.  I was thinking about using an extra No Knot that I have.  The alternative is an old mandolin tailpiece.

Second, I was trying to see what soundholes would look the best.  I didn't want to encroach on the words on the top.  Thinking about f-holes.  They are lightly marked off on the second photo.

I prepped the box.  More pictures on my homepage.  I plan to update this thread as the project continues.

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This is my first build of a banjola.  I have a neck and coordinating rods on order.  Looking at how to block out the insides.  Plan to build in a transducer pickup.

 

Texas Pie Box

Bridge relative to f-holes

rudy - Posted - 02/19/2012:  04:43:44

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Looks to be a fun and interesting project.  I personally would have opted to cut the top into a large circle to make a wood-topped banjola out of it.  The sides could be kerfed and bent to maintain the logo and lettering, too.  The square shape is OK, but I prefer round bodies on banjo family instruments.

HERE is my own version, the "Wine Box" banjo project.  You might be able to use the string attachment idea or something else from it towards your pie box.

Thinking of pecan pie would just make me drool while playing!

Brooklynbanjoboy - Posted - 02/19/2012:  04:45:01

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A no knot TPC would work, but you might want to consider a wooden style TPC to fit with the wooden box.  I have some unfinished tailpiece templates on my BHO page under photos.  Pick one and I'll send it to you.  You could toy with it, shape it, and finish it to match your box.

 

Lew

Cryo - Posted - 02/19/2012:  08:20:43

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quote:

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Originally posted by rudy

Looks to be a fun and interesting project.  I personally would have opted to cut the top into a large circle to make a wood-topped banjola out of it.  The sides could be kerfed and bent to maintain the logo and lettering, too.  The square shape is OK, but I prefer round bodies on banjo family instruments.

HERE is my own version, the "Wine Box" banjo project.  You might be able to use the string attachment idea or something else from it towards your pie box.

Thinking of pecan pie would just make me drool while playing!

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Thanks Rudy.
I wanted to maintain the square box. The pies from this shop are very popular and these boxes are somewhat known in Houston.
I do like how you maintained the structural integrity of the wine box by having the neck travel thru. I was hoping to accomplish some of this with coordinating rods and a wood frame of sorts in the box.
Continuing to look at options.

Cryo - Posted - 02/19/2012:  08:28:14

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quote:

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Originally posted by Brooklynbanjoboy

A no knot TPC would work, but you might want to consider a wooden style TPC to fit with the wooden box.  I have some unfinished tailpiece templates on my BHO page under photos.  Pick one and I'll send it to you.  You could toy with it, shape it, and finish it to match your box.

 

Lew

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Lew - Thank you for the generous offer. Wood tailpiece? How durable are they? I am interested in learning something new about something that I guess is an old idea?
I was thinking about using the No Knot as I will likely be able to put the L bracket on the connecting rod bolt.
I will have other chrome parts on this one when I am done with it. Got some of my parts together. Will post photos in a couple of days.

Cryo - Posted - 02/19/2012:  13:52:47

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Here is the site where you can get a box (not to mention pie) like this. Apparently they come in different dimensions.

goodecompany.com/

Cryo - Posted - 02/22/2012:  03:18:03

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Here is the photo with the hardware I have so far for this project.  I purchased some - Ant Hill Music in Florida, and scrounged around for others.  Planning to use guitar tuners except for the 5th string peg.

Hardware so far for the banjola

Cryo - Posted - 02/22/2012:  03:20:24

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I glued up a couple of blocks on the inside.  These serve to provide support for the sound board and to give some added structural support.  I am debating whether to brace this further.  Should I have braces that run parallel to the strings?  Would the coordinating rods be sufficient to this regard.  Should I have a brace that is purpendicular to the strings or will the back brace towards the neck be sufficient?

Gluing up inside blocks

Cryo - Posted - 02/22/2012:  03:22:44

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The banjo neck that I purchased has an accomodation for the overhang from the banjo pot.  It is also curved a bit for the round head.  I cut up a piece of shim from a piece of teak that I had around.  Glued it to the box where the neck should be attaching.  Photos below.

Close up for gluing neck shim

Gluing up neck shim

rudy - Posted - 02/22/2012:  05:13:04

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Cryo,  You've got the hypothetically perfect mounting surface for the neck already.  Forget modifying the box to fit the neck curve, just hit the heel end to form a nice flat area that will mount the neck to the box with the back angle you desire.  It will look better, too.