I'm planning a 4 string and intending to make my own box. I haven't had a chance to even see an actual cigar box guitar in person yet! I'm wondering if a square shape feels weird on your leg. I know it's going to be a lot lighter than my Epiphone Les Paul, but am wondering if it's a good idea to incorporate some curves on that side of the box?

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i   say  it  depends    on  a    few  things  ,,    size  of  box    etc   , and  even  your   size  etc  .

 some find  it    ok     , and  have  no  issues  ,   others   seem  want to   a leg  support   , and even  then , it's  more  to add  height  and    control  .

 i  believe  most  cbg-ers     use  their    picking  arm     for  control  and   just  hold   it  to  their body    etc  ..  

most  cbgs are  light  and    don't  dig into  the  leg  at  all  ,  some  even  fit  nicely  with  the  corner  tucked  between  your      legs, and  the  neck  upwards    .  

i  say  build  one     in    box  shape    ,  you  shouldn't   have any  issues that you  can't   overcome  . if any .

the only advice  i  would  give  you   ,  is  not to  make  it too  " neck  heavy"  ..  then    it   is  not   as  comfortable  to  play .

 some  folks even add  weight  to  the   body  for that  reason  .

   other than   that  ,  in  my  opinion  .    if you  want a box guitar    ,  build  /  use  a box  ;-)

  hope that  helps 

 

Depends mostly on how many rusty nails you leave sticking out of it

XD

Yup!

if you look at Johnny Lowe's builds he has designed  "comfort" blocks for his guitars, though i like the small size and feather weight of cbg's, you'll get used to it! ;-)

I suspect he does that more for help with balance issues what with the drums and all rather than because of any serious discomfort.

Teds done plenty of that too

Most players position them like a smaller parlor guitar or old timey banjo with the body between the legs and the neck held a little higher than a typical acoustic dreadnaught guitar.  

I have built several heavy guitars made from Milwaukee Sawzall steel boxes and I play them for long periods positioned like a standard acoustic on my right leg.  I don't dislike it at all.  But I don't bruise easy.

I find it's not the leg area that is the problem with a square box it's the area that I rest my picking arm that gets the sharp angle attack even when playing it standing with a strap on. I tend to make a nice curved arm rest on mine for that reason. I play in a band and after a four hour practice I will want some comfort by the time it's done.
Attached is a picture of one of my builds I hope it inspires you.
Attachments:

It looks like you build a box and then add the curved sides to it. Is that right? It looks good!

Well sorta it's an Acid cigar box that I add the sides to. Thanks.

Cool idea!

i got a nice deep permanent bruise under the soft part of my left forearm from playing box guitars, due to an accident in 82 i can't feel any of it at all, and i wear my "cbg scar" with pride! :-)

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