Building a Cigar Box Guitar 101

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Building a Cigar Box Guitar 101

This group is for discussing the basics of CBG building for newer builders - where to start, what to do, common pitfalls, tips and techniques.

Keep in mind that new builders can find other great informative articles on CBG building, as well as most of the parts you'll need, over at C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply!

Members: 1746
Latest Activity: Mar 20

Discussion Forum

Cutting deep boxes in half

Started by Justin Stanchfield. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 20. 9 Replies

Attention 1st time builders!

Started by BrianQ.. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 27. 2 Replies

Brickhouse CBG Wiring

Started by Ian Boyd. Last reply by Ian Boyd Dec 11, 2023. 1 Reply

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Comment by Maddog on December 25, 2012 at 8:01am

As far as the scale length most of my builds are loooooong scale gits between 26" and 31", just ask Uncle John he'll tell you how much I love them loooooong scales. I build shorter scales also down to 16" and it does not affect resonating quality. Watch some of the vids on here and see if yours resonates somewhat close to other folks on here.

Comment by Maddog on December 25, 2012 at 7:54am

Is there space between the box lid and the wood of your through neck? There should be some space between the two to allow the box lid to resonate. Your soundholes are plenty big and the Padron boxes are one of the best boxes for resonating sound in my opinion. I have sealed the inside and did not notice any difference in sound therefore I don't seal them other than a light coat when I do the rest of the git to help with any moisture or bowing issues.

Comment by Tom Baugues on December 25, 2012 at 7:51am

I built this with a 24.5" scale. The nut and bridge is made from some corian material I had. I should probably add that I have nothing to compare this too. This is my first guitar of any kind so it may sound the way it is suppose to just not what I thought it was going to. I think my next one I will seal the wood to see it it makes any difference.

Comment by Thomas "Duck" Petry on December 25, 2012 at 7:29am

Hi Tom...(nice name). For a better acoustic sound I try and have the bridge about one third of the way up the face of the box. You will get better resonance that way.

Comment by Port City Frank on December 25, 2012 at 7:26am

Hi Tom sorry to hear that you'd not like the sound of your cbg. You raise an interesting point onsealing the inside of the box. Check first that yourscale is between. 24 to 26 inches,also what material are you using for the nut and bridge and the gauge of strings make a big difference. Sealing the inside is so final. Your first cbg will always leave room for improvement. Hope this helps.

Comment by Tom Baugues on December 25, 2012 at 7:14am

Ok, I mispelled several things in that last post but I dont see an edit button. My first guitar build IS complete. It was loads of fun to build. I have no idea how to play it yet. Hooked up to the amp it sounds great (to my ear anyway). I will build more.

Comment by Tom Baugues on December 25, 2012 at 7:10am

Hey guys/gals, should the wood on the inside of the box have a sealer of some kind on it or does it not make any difference. I'm thinking this would allow the sound to come out the sound holes better? I'm thinking of using a shellac of some kind. Do you think it will help. My first guitar is not complete but I'm didapointed in it's acoustic sound.

Comment by Tim LaFave on December 25, 2012 at 6:25am

Dave, yes; absolutely. You want the point of contact of the strings to be your zero point.

Comment by Jess on December 25, 2012 at 6:24am

Nice clean build, Dave.

Comment by Maddog on December 25, 2012 at 5:38am

Nice build Dave! Yes center line of the bolt is what I use, first contact point on the nut or saddle with bolt, wood or bone.

 

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