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Steve's Strings
United States
Приєднався 8 січ 2019
Hi,
I'm Steve Gerardi. I'm an occupational therapist, university professor, novice ukulele player, and cigar box guitar luthier. I started this channel to share my journey of discovery in learning to build and play stringed musical instruments. While searching for videos on how to play the ukulele, I discovered Justin Johnson playing a three-stringed shovel guitar! Seeing him shred that shovel using nothing but three fingers and a slide gave me hope that I could learn to play a musical instrument late in life. From there, I discovered Del Puckett's cigar box guitar building videos and became inspired to build instruments myself. So far, I have built diddley bows, cigar box guitars and ukuleles, candy tin ukuleles, and cookie tin banjos. I have also added instrument reviews to my channel. Join me on my journey of musical discovery. The fun has just begun!
You can contact me at stevegerardicbg@gmail.com
Steve Gerardi
1011 Verde Vista Drive
San Antonio, TX 78216
I'm Steve Gerardi. I'm an occupational therapist, university professor, novice ukulele player, and cigar box guitar luthier. I started this channel to share my journey of discovery in learning to build and play stringed musical instruments. While searching for videos on how to play the ukulele, I discovered Justin Johnson playing a three-stringed shovel guitar! Seeing him shred that shovel using nothing but three fingers and a slide gave me hope that I could learn to play a musical instrument late in life. From there, I discovered Del Puckett's cigar box guitar building videos and became inspired to build instruments myself. So far, I have built diddley bows, cigar box guitars and ukuleles, candy tin ukuleles, and cookie tin banjos. I have also added instrument reviews to my channel. Join me on my journey of musical discovery. The fun has just begun!
You can contact me at stevegerardicbg@gmail.com
Steve Gerardi
1011 Verde Vista Drive
San Antonio, TX 78216
Vangoa MBS-30, 30 Watt Electric Bass Amp Review
In this video, I review the Vangoa MBS-30 electric bass guitar amplifier.
For full disclosure, Vangoa sent this to me at no cost to do a review.
You can find this on Amazon at this link (not an affiliate link):
www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFM8SKRQ?maas=maas_adg_1FED5F2B986657A8A7288BF981685EAC_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas
You can also find it on the Vangoa website at this link:
www.vangoa.com/products/vangoa-mbs-30-30w-bass-guitar-amplifier?_pos=2&_sid=7d8f82e2f&_ss=r
Vangoa official website: www.vangoa.com/
Connect with Vangoa:
Instagram: vangoa_music
UA-cam: www.youtube.com/@VangoaOfficial
Facebook: vangoaofficial
#VangoaMusic #ukulele #relax #music
My channel focuses on these topics:
Stringed instruments
Stringed instrument reviews
Cigar box guitar building
Canjo building
Banjolele building
Ukulele building
Ukulele unboxing
Ukulele reviews
Banjo reviews
Guitar reviews
Guitar kit builds
For full disclosure, Vangoa sent this to me at no cost to do a review.
You can find this on Amazon at this link (not an affiliate link):
www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFM8SKRQ?maas=maas_adg_1FED5F2B986657A8A7288BF981685EAC_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas
You can also find it on the Vangoa website at this link:
www.vangoa.com/products/vangoa-mbs-30-30w-bass-guitar-amplifier?_pos=2&_sid=7d8f82e2f&_ss=r
Vangoa official website: www.vangoa.com/
Connect with Vangoa:
Instagram: vangoa_music
UA-cam: www.youtube.com/@VangoaOfficial
Facebook: vangoaofficial
#VangoaMusic #ukulele #relax #music
My channel focuses on these topics:
Stringed instruments
Stringed instrument reviews
Cigar box guitar building
Canjo building
Banjolele building
Ukulele building
Ukulele unboxing
Ukulele reviews
Banjo reviews
Guitar reviews
Guitar kit builds
Переглядів: 88
Відео
Del Puckett Builder's Challenge Consolation Prize Unboxing!
Переглядів 8314 днів тому
In this video, I unbox and showcase the things I received from Del Puckett as a consolation prize for submitting an instrument for critical review to his "Builder's Challenge". You can see my original video description of the instrument I submitted to the challenge at this link: ua-cam.com/video/3upfYYNQrJo/v-deo.html You can see my companion self-critique to Del Puckett's instrument critique. ...
NOEVSBIG Helping Hands & Fume Extractor Review
Переглядів 12114 днів тому
In this video, I showcase a helping hands and fume extractor from NOEVSBIG. For full disclosure, these were sent to me, at not cost to me, to do a review. These are available at the following links (not affiliate links)" Fume Extractor: www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1CYP32H Helping Hands: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08QYTYX5H Brand store link: www.amazon.com/noevsbig Noevsbig website: www.noevsbig.com
Qlearsoul ONE-Q Vinyl Record Player Review.
Переглядів 35521 день тому
This is my review of the QlearSoul ONE-Q Vinyl Record Player. You can find this on Amazon and on the Qlearsoul webpage. 20% OFF Code: 20STEVEONEQ The code is valid until 2024-12-10 at 11:59 PM PDT. For this product, code '20STEVEONEQ' can be used on both Amazon and QlearSoul's official website. However, since it's not yet available in the CA, UK and EU, the code will be usable as soon as the li...
"Fever Dream" cigar box guitar built for the Great CBG Builder Swap Off - Swap # 10 - Build #31
Переглядів 360Місяць тому
I built this "Fever Dream" cigar box guitar (CBG) for the Great CBG Builder Swap Off - Swap # 10. You can find the group on Facebook at this link: groups/539231240299564 This is my 31st CBG build! My channel focuses on these topics: Stringed instruments Stringed instrument reviews Cigar box guitar building Canjo building Banjolele building Ukulele building Ukulele unboxing Ukulele ...
TODO Music Dodecagon Travel Cajon Review.
Переглядів 290Місяць тому
In this video, I review the TODO Music dodecagon-shaped travel cajon (box drum). For full disclosure, this product was sent to me at no cost, to do a review. I received no other compensation for this review. The TODO Music travel cajon is well-built, looks nice, and sounds as you would expect for a travel cajon. The detachable snare gives the player more sonic options. You can find it on Amazon...
Cigar Box "Walking Dulcimer" Unboxing! My prize from the 10th Great CBG Builder Swap Off!
Переглядів 227Місяць тому
This video showcases the Cigar Box "Walking Dulcimer" I received from Roger McClellan from participating in the tenth Great CBG Builder Swap Off in the Fall of 2024. You can find the group on Facebook at: groups/539231240299564 Check out all the swap compilation videos at this link: ua-cam.com/play/PLP3QtNeXt6_LQlF4NTaglswEPZeP5MRFn.html My channel focuses on these topics: Stringed...
PogoLab 3.5" Wide, Air Cell Cushions, Neoprene Padded, Bass Guitar Strap Review!
Переглядів 942 місяці тому
This video reviews the PogoLab 3.5" Wide, Air Cell Cushions, Neoprene Padded, Bass Guitar Strap! It is available at these links (not affiliate links): www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSDLMWRB lekatodeal.com/collections/guitar-straps/products/pogolab-guitar-bass-strap-3-5-wide-air-cell-cushions-neoprene-padded-47-55 See other PogoLab Products at this link: www.amazon.com/stores/Pogolab/page/1CDC7508-6F79-4D...
Yamaha FG Junior JR1 Guitar review
Переглядів 1 тис.2 місяці тому
This Video reviews the Yamaha FG Junior JR1 3/4 scale acoustic Guitar. You can find it at Yamaha at this link: usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/guitars_basses/ac_guitars/jr/index.html#product-tabs You can find it on Amazon (not an affiliate link): www.amazon.com/Yamaha-JR1-Junior-Acoustic-Guitar/dp/B00009J580?th=1 My channel focuses on these topics: Stringed instruments Stringed inst...
Lekato LGS-7 leather guitar strap review
Переглядів 1403 місяці тому
This video reviews the Lekato LGS-7 leather guitar strap. Lekato sent me the strap, at no cost to me, to conduct a review. It is available on Amazon at this link (not an affiliate link); www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSDMD7L7 See other Lekato products at this link: lekatodeal.com/ My channel focuses on these topics: Stringed instruments Stringed instrument reviews Cigar box guitar building Canjo building...
A Box of Fuzz
Переглядів 1493 місяці тому
I showcase a cigar box fuzz pedal built by Kale Feelhaver of Musical Miscellany. You can see him build it at this link: ua-cam.com/video/yqSWvfnzB-E/v-deo.htmlsi=XWPbZyC7iBR5yaoL You can see the inspiration for the backstory of this build at this link: ua-cam.com/video/7r59yoZhEtU/v-deo.htmlsi=GLkt57KjQgtuZ2ZQ You can see two videos from Kale Feelhaver that are also part of the back story at th...
An in-depth critique of my 1st canjo build! Learn from my mistakes!
Переглядів 2964 місяці тому
This video is a self-critique of my 5th instrument build. In this case, it was a dulcimer-fretted cookie tin canjo! It was also my first fretted instrument. You can see my original video description of this instrument at this link: ua-cam.com/video/3upfYYNQrJo/v-deo.html I've made this video as a companion to Del Puckett's instrument critique. You can see Del Puckett's critique of this instrume...
JOYO JA-05G Plug & Play 5W Guitar Amp Review
Переглядів 2,6 тис.4 місяці тому
In this video, I unbox and review the JOYO JA-05G Plug & Play 5W Guitar Amp. It's a nice little practice amp that is worth a look. For full disclosure, this product was sent to me at no cost, to do a review. I received no other compensation for this review. You can find it on Amazon at this link: amzn.to/3yavld4 You can also find it here: www.joyoaudio.com/product/282.html My channel focuses on...
Great CBG Builder Swap Off #9, Spring '24, Compilation Video - 4 of 4
Переглядів 1905 місяців тому
This video showcases the instruments built and swapped by the cigar box guitar (CBG) builders who participated in the 9th Great CBG Builder Swap Off in the Spring of 2024. You can find the group on Facebook at: groups/539231240299564 Check out all the swap compilation videos at this link: ua-cam.com/play/PLP3QtNeXt6_LQlF4NTaglswEPZeP5MRFn.html My channel focuses on these topics: St...
Vangoa F-style mandolin review.
Переглядів 7315 місяців тому
In this video, I review the Vangoa F-style mandolin. For full disclosure, Vangoa sent this to me at no cost to do a review. You can find this on Amazon at this link (not an affiliate link): www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTBJS5F2/ Official Website: www.vangoa.com/ Connect with Vangoa: Instagram: vangoa_music UA-cam: www.youtube.com/@VangoaOfficial Facebook: vangoaofficial #Vango...
Great CBG Builder Swap Off #9, Spring '24, Compilation Video - 3 of 4
Переглядів 1885 місяців тому
Great CBG Builder Swap Off #9, Spring '24, Compilation Video - 3 of 4
Great CBG Builder Swap Off #9, Spring '24, Compilation Video - 2 of 4
Переглядів 2595 місяців тому
Great CBG Builder Swap Off #9, Spring '24, Compilation Video - 2 of 4
Great CBG Builder Swap Off #9 Compilation Video - 1 of 4
Переглядів 3106 місяців тому
Great CBG Builder Swap Off #9 Compilation Video - 1 of 4
Deviser Sea Blue Ukulele Gig Bag Review
Переглядів 776 місяців тому
Deviser Sea Blue Ukulele Gig Bag Review
Vangoa VU703 Okoume Concert Ukulele Review
Переглядів 4347 місяців тому
Vangoa VU703 Okoume Concert Ukulele Review
Deviser All-In-One Guitar Cleaning Kit Unboxing!
Переглядів 3667 місяців тому
Deviser All-In-One Guitar Cleaning Kit Unboxing!
Cookie Tin Guitar Built for Shane Speal for the Great CBG Builder Swap Off - Swap # 9
Переглядів 8917 місяців тому
Cookie Tin Guitar Built for Shane Speal for the Great CBG Builder Swap Off - Swap # 9
Highlights the 8th Annual Republic of Texas Cigar Box Guitar Festival -2024.
Переглядів 1477 місяців тому
Highlights the 8th Annual Republic of Texas Cigar Box Guitar Festival -2024.
Electric Cigar Box Baritone Ukulele Unboxing - Built by Rusty Taylor of Second Hand Smoke Guitars.
Переглядів 2877 місяців тому
Electric Cigar Box Baritone Ukulele Unboxing - Built by Rusty Taylor of Second Hand Smoke Guitars.
POGOLAB D1 iDM-007 digital metronome review
Переглядів 3667 місяців тому
POGOLAB D1 iDM-007 digital metronome review
XTUGA JTSY23 Wireless Guitar System Review!
Переглядів 5319 місяців тому
XTUGA JTSY23 Wireless Guitar System Review!
The Great CBG Builder Swap Off - A showcase of instruments from Swap #8 - Fall 2023
Переглядів 86911 місяців тому
The Great CBG Builder Swap Off - A showcase of instruments from Swap #8 - Fall 2023
Cherub WMT-565C Tuner/Metronome Review
Переглядів 1,6 тис.Рік тому
Cherub WMT-565C Tuner/Metronome Review
😂 Apparently I'm 3yrs behind... December 2024, I just purchased this after setting aside a Bango-Mandolin to learn the banjo before picking the Bango-Mandolin back up... Seems like a found reasonable winner 😉
Excellent presentation.. thankyou ✅🤗🤗
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! I hope you found it helpful! Check out my other reviews too! Thanks for watching and commenting!
I like that 2-string bass. I have a soft spot for bass amps since bass was my first instrument. I had an old Crate BX25 back in the day. This one kinda reminds me of it.
It's a really nice one! Now I have an excuse to build a bass! LOL! I should have brought it up to you for a sound sample!
What a treat ! Thanks, Steve. I love the styling of the amp. The chrome handles really make it ! Two string fretless bass is always my favourite 🔊 bass. The hub cap gitty sounds awesome. Thanks as always, Steve💛
Thanks, Liesl! Glad you like it! I'm afraid I'm not much of a bass player. Having borrowed this one for the video, I'm inclined to try my hand at making one! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Very interesting video. Thanks. I don't see any dimensions (except the length). Maybe I missed something...
The neck was a 3-foot-long 1x2 piece of poplar, and the box was 7" by 10". You can make the neck any length you want and use whatever string gauges that work for the tuning you are looking for. It will work on most typical medium-sized cigar boxes. Give it a try! Thanks for watching and commenting!
I just got the FD001 I haven’t played in many many years
Cool! How did you like it? Thanks for watching and commenting!
La tengo, es excelente.
I never thought of just using it like a Bluetooth speaker for my phone! Cool
Yah! If you've got some tunes on your phone, you can play along with them! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thanks Steve. Del sent you some cool swag, we have the same slide. 😃
Yep! Now I just have to learn how to use it! LOL!
You no what they say a prize is a prize 😂😂
I got some cool stuff and it was fun to participate. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thanks Dteve.
You are welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Sounds too thin
It is what it is! It's smaller than the typical tenor guitar, so I don't doubt that contributes to the sound. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thanks Steve. 👍👍👍
You are welcome. I hope it was helpful to you. Thanks for watching and commenting!
that helping hands thing is a really good invention, a fantastic idea! thanks for your work and your excellent presentation!
I agree! It will make my life much easier when soldering. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Wow. That’s pretty cool. I was soldering the other day and wishing I had a small fan to help with the fumes.
It really helps to keep the air clean when you're soldering! I can usually smell the fumes when I solder. I can’t with this fume extractor. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Nice review Steve, I really like that magnetic helping hands set up, very cool. I may have to check that out. Thanks
Thanks! I think it really helps! I think soldering will now be much easier! Thanks also for watching and commenting!
Hi Steve, I have an aklot. I love its warmer sound. It has a nut at the base or the neck which is accessed thru the sound hole , so the action/height of strings, can be adjusted
I like the warm tone of the Aklot too! Thanks for watching and commenting!
I like the warm tone of the Aklot too! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Love to see the shop and tools you use to produce these amazing cbgs
LOL! You would be disappointed. The woodworking and painting took place in my driveway (because my garage looks like an episode of "Hoarders"). I did not use many specialized tools. I used a miter saw for the scarf joint cuts, some clamps for gluing, and a pull saw and belt sander to thin and shape the headstock and bridge. A farrier's rasp and Shinto rasp made short work of shaping the neck. I used a drill, a screwdriver, a combination square, a rubber mallet (to install frets), fret nippers, a file, a fret sanding beam (made from a level), a soldering iron, and a hot glue gun. That's about it. I made a video a few years ago on how to make a cbg without a saw. The point was that you don't need many tools to make a cbg. Thanks for watching and commenting!
sweet job
Thanks! Thanks also for watching and commenting!
You do some really great work Steve. I like the bridge/tailpiece and headstock layers. That gives a nice accent. I also like the way you did graphics on both sides. That top graphic is just amazing.
Thanks! I really liked how it turned out. Thanks also for watching and commenting!
Beauriful work Steve!
Thanks! I think it turned out well. Thanks also for watching and commenting!
Looks good Steve, nice job. I like the head stock. 😎
Thanks 👍 Me too! I’ll have to do this again! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Good job! In this case, the artwork is worth sacrificing some acoustic tone. The sunburst really sets it off.
Thanks, John! I think so too! This was my first attempt at the burst. Maybe next time I’ll try a multi-color burst and a paperless image transfer! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Nice build , did u out a back angle on it , thnks
Thanks! Yes I did. The through neck is raised 1/4 inch at the tail end of the box. compared to at the heel end of the box. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Absolutely stunning work! I love the Fever Dream! The subtle styling really makes her, and what an incredible sound 😊
Thanks, Liesl! You are too kind! The artwork certainly sets it apart. I think next time I will try to do an image transfer rather than a decoupage. I think it will improve the sound quality. Thanks also for watching and commenting!
Nice build Steve. 👍👍👍🎸
Thanks! I'm glad you like it! Thanks also for watching and commenting!
How does it turn if you glue it ? I don't get this.
Good question! This tuner has a gear inside it. The peg is seated in the peg hole but the tuner gear turns to change the tension on the string. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@stevesstrings5243 OK yes, I figured it out. I did not realize that even on the old style, there are two independent shafts not just 1. I just bought my firt 5 string , an old beater so had no idea how that 5th tuner works.
@ I’m glad you sorted it out. Enjoy the journey!
How do you change the strings with that type of bridge ?
Good question! The bridge has pegs that hold the strings in place. You tie a knot in the end of the string, remove the peg, put the knotted end of the string in the hole with the knot below the level of the bridge plate (the piece of would behind the bridge and soundboard), put the peg back in the hole, attach the string to the tuner and tune it up! It's that easy! Thanks for watching and commenting!
I recently bought one, I have the exact opposite issue: the action is waaaaay too high!!! I need to reduce a lot the saddle height + also sand the wood in front of it because it's even too high 😳 + also the height on the nut is too high, that's a lot of job... I regret having bought this one...
I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you can get it adjusted to your liking! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thank you so much for reviewing the TODO travel cajon! Hope you enjoy it!
It was my pleasure! Thanks for the opportunity to showcase your instrument!
I'll be popping over n having a look todo, cheers steve
@ Thanks!
Great sounding amp, so affordable too ... approx $31USD on Aliexpress. The good thing about this amp is having Bluetooth to allow streaming of a backing track from a phone. Plus it's got a headphone out socket, which makes me think that for a low cost, this little PogoLab amp could drive a Harley Benton GPA-100 (or Seymour Duncan PowerStage700!) power amp connected to a Celestion Vintage 30 loaded cab. Great to see a lot of these little amps with internal rechargeable batteries.
Thanks for the comment, and for the ideas!
Cool. I’m glad they sent this to you. When they reached out to me a couple months ago, I wanted to review that drum but they were having stock challenges. I like aesthetic of the 10-sided drum better than the 4-sided version. I like their idea with the top/bottom tones.
Me too! I think I will now turn this into a guitar! Thanks for watching and commenting!
really an interesting, portable instrument, and it also looks very nice, thanks for the presentation!👍🏻👍🏻
I’m glad you found it interesting! Thanks for watching and commenting!
This is a nice cajon with some unique features. You can find it on Amazon at this link: www.amazon.com/dp/B0D14ZXLRQ/
Is it possible to string it ,get notes but not harmonics ,if it's possible I've done it on a 19 frett ,25 scale kneck ,I've set it at 25 ,
@@Crosshatch1212 i don’t know. It’s not something I’ve thought about.
Thanks for the nice review and kind words y'all
Hi, Roger! Thanks for the nice instrument! How did you set the frets without cutting across the whole width of the fretboard? Did you use a CNC? What did you use for the finish? Is it shellac? What string gauges did you use?
Nice craftsmanship. Interesting very resonant sound. Would be curious to hear some slide quitar music from it. Always looking forward to new variations of instruments from your exchange group.
Thanks for the idea!
That’s a really nice build. I like the way he did the sound holes. I like the dulcimer tuning. Looks like you got another winner.
Thanks 👍
very nice
Thanks! Thanks also for watching and commenting!
Beautiful instrument Steve! I really like the 3+1 sound👍
It is a beautiful instrument. Thanks also for watching and commenting!
It's great to catch up with you, Steve! ✨️. I love Roger's dulcimer. What a treat! The antique brass work really makes it! I just love the dulcimer sound ,you played it well ✨️
Thank you kindly.
Mine just exploded out of nowhere, I keep my room climate controlled and as I was at my desk I just heard a pop, came straight for this video.
I hate when that happens! Well, now you know how to fix it! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Nice! Great video Steve! Thats a nice gitty/ walking dulcimer!
It sure is! Thanks!
I subscribed. You are detailed please what is the name of the tool and how much does it cost?
I hope you found it useful! Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing!
Sounds great Steve!! I have that one too ! Nice review !
Thanks! Thanks also for watching and commenting!
Nice job ,
Many many thanks! I liked how it turned out. Thanks also for watching and commenting!
What kinda of batteries does it take
CR2032 Coin Batteries. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Awesome. I got the same strap in blue color. It seems to be very comfortable
Thanks! I saw your video too! There are so many strap options these days, it's nice to see the options. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Realy disheartens me with the cbg channels .When I was a kid ,teen I’d have paid for this knowledge now that its free views are Horendous on all channels .no h towards the ch holders I’m now a builder myself
I have learned a lot from UA-cam videos. The truth is, there is so much content now, its overwhelming. I'm glad whenever anyone finds something useful in what I create and share. I'm glad you are a builder! I hope you find my content useful. Thanks for watching and commenting!
would like to see you use the product on a guitar
I thought about doing that, but then I thought, who really wants to watch me wipe something on, then off, an instrument! I guess I underestimated folks. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hi Steve. I recently bought the Mango wood version of this baritone ukulele/tenor guitar. I love it! It looks like in your video that the one you have has a pickup system in it. Am I correct on that? If so, what pickup is it? I’m trying to find one for my guitar. Thanks!
Lucky you! I really liked this one! I'm afraid I can't help you. I don't recall that it had a pickup system. I just borrowed the instrument for a few days, four years ago, to do the review. I hope you enjoy yours. Thanks for watching and commenting!