Weekly Updates
Week 1
It's the beginning of the project! I'm planning to use this blog post to keep weekly updates of my progress throughout the EPQ to talk about what went well and what didn't as well as staying on course with my progress.
Week 2
This week I started writing my project proposal and created some initial sketches of the cigar box plan. I presented my proposal to the class which was quite nerve-wracking but had to be done. I think I did a great job designing the presentation and creating some initial sketches but next time I need to focus more on what I'm going to say during the presentation and calm my nerves.
Week 3
I started this week by doing some research on youtube about cigar box guitars as there's not much information on their bass counterparts. I decided on this project because I wanted to pick something I'm actively interested in and want to learn more about to keep my motivation up. I also started buying parts needed whilst trying to maintain an inexpensive budget. Overall this week, I'm very happy with how the research went and I even decided to use the bass neck and tuning pegs my mother got me as part of a set, for the final project so that I can stay spending the least money possible. On the other hand, I didn't end up buying too many parts straight away as I was too busy with other work so I'll have to carry this onto next week.
Week 4
It's week 4! I've spent the first half of the week buying all the parts I need to ensure they arrive in time. I also went to the shop and picked out some goggles, gloves, metal files, sand paper, a coping saw and some screwdrivers in person. I also wrote a quick review of the progress I've made so far and a simple plan. I did good this week using both online and in-person shopping to ensure I have all the equipment I need but I also failed to arrange a date with Ollie for the interview so that will have to be pushed back.
Week 5
I started the building this week! At the end of last week I started working on my headstock shape and it took forever so I'm still trying to file it smooth. I decided to test sand paper both wet and dry as I'd seen wet sand paper recommended in some tips online but I can't say it worked as well for me. I finally got round to the interview this week, Ollie still wasn't free so I ended up asking my dad to do it and he was happy to help out so I'm relieved that's out of the way. I'm happy with how the buildings been going so far but I need to try and speed it up to stay on track.
Week 6
This week has been extremely busy. I've been trying to get all the construction of the bass finished but it's proving to be stressful. I don't think I'll get around to writing the evaluation this week so I'll have to work hard and get it done next week. I managed to test the bass today and I'm super proud it works, I messed up the measurements slightly it seems as the strings are off center but now I know where to be more careful next time.
Week 7
It's the final week! The bass is finally done and I presented it, it's not perfect but I've given it a go and learnt a lot. I'm just finishing off my evaluation and polishing all my work before the deadline but I'm so happy with what I've accomplished and how I've kept going even when parts went wrong. This project has encouraged me to try building an instrument again when I have the time, perhaps something unusual again, and try to use my gained knowledge to improve.