#1 resource for Cigar Box Guitars, Free Plans, How-To, Parts & More!

Cigar Box Nation is sponsored by C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply, your one-stop-shop for Cigar Box Guitar parts and accessories!

pine necks

now i understand the reason that most builders use hard wood for their necks, but as long as i install a truss rod or laminate in a strip of hardwood like oak is there any reason that i can't use pine or some other soft woods for the neck on a build?

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Uncle John on September 6, 2010 at 8:46am

I've used pine necks with a 1/4 or half inch oak or walnut fingerboard. Worked fine for me.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Josh Gayou (SmokehouseGuitars) on September 7, 2010 at 1:40pm

The real test is to see where that action is at after about a year of changing weather and humidity.

werner said:

I'v used pine for my last build, 6-string with toothpicks as fretwire, stays very well in tune, sounds great and the action
is very good. It's already my favourite CBG.
CHRZ. Werner.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mark Myers on September 9, 2010 at 2:26pm

If you are installing a truss rod and laminating it then you should be fine. While it is a very soft wood gets banged up easily it is actually a very good tone wood. People just do not consider it because of its softness. I actually have plans to build a solid body pine guitar very soon but it will have a maple neck just for the strength reasons.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mister Scott on September 9, 2010 at 4:24pm

Not to sound like a broken record, but I'm with the laminated-hardwood crowd. For between $10 and $12, you can go to Home Depot and get a couple of planks of red oak and poplar planks 3 feet long... Laminate them and you'll have a pretty solid neck.

There is, of course, nothing stopping you from using pine, as this is a community that prides itself on the There-Are-No-Rules adage of CBGs. If you decide to do it, report the results.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by HOGS GRUNT on September 10, 2010 at 3:35am

The twin neck guitar I made has a pine neck and is OK and I have had no problems with it. It has got a truss rod in it which stiffens it and it looks real nice with just a clear coat.
My pine can from and old pine door! Good luck with your build.
Hogs.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tom Caneschi aka TC on September 11, 2010 at 5:50pm

I used it once for a finger board and had problems too soft, dents easy and can't fret it, don't think I would ever use it for a neck more trouble that it's worth.If u do use it use a truss rod for sure.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by HERMIT on October 8, 2010 at 5:54pm

I used a length of pine on my first build which didnt work out for me for various reasons.(not all the pines fault!!!!!!!!!!!)
its very easy to over work your piece if not totally focused (denting and splintering and over sanding). laminating is a must unless you want a cigar box bow and arrow (you could have a real chunky neck to compensate).
i would think a short scale length would be more suitable as less tension would be applied,,, HOWEVER..........

I think you should just go for it you never know unless you try right ?..... as there are so many argument's for and against its a personal thing, and if your like me i'd just keep thinking about it more and more until i just said balls to it and make one regardless, remember the no rules policy and have fun... =0)

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on October 8, 2010 at 6:37pm

you can compensate for the weakness of softwoods if you want, but why would you want to? just use some good, easy to obtain hard wood and be done with it.....

softwood neck = the sustain of a noodle