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 Michael Prout on September 6, 2011 at 12:25pm

Question:

I ordered 2x6pack of 500k pots from a site to use for volume knobs on CGBs but one of the packs that came were 250k's.  Before I go the the trouble of calling and trying to return them, can I still use these in place of gain, tone, or volume knobs.  I know some of the plans I have seen require different pots but I don't know what the difference is.

Do I need to add in a resistor or capacitor with it or anything?

Comment by Allen Hall on August 11, 2011 at 9:52am
Hello from Midwest Mojo Guitars,I made a pickup from a new source the other day.A speaker from a digital answering machine I had laying around.Just glued it to a piece of cardboard and glued that to the underside of my guitar,then attatched the wires to a guitar jack and instant sound!Check out my videos,see what you think.Jam on!
Comment by Michael Prout on August 9, 2011 at 4:22am
Since I am a woodworker I do have pretty much all the tools I need.  I was just wondering if there are any that people use specific to guitar building that have made life easier.  I was thinking about the block planners for necks but wasn't sure about the sizes.  I am thinking of investing in some fretting tools too since my coat hangers, while seem to have worked, are a little sloppy.
Comment by Servaas (Der Groovemeister) on August 9, 2011 at 1:05am
You've already built a good one, so i guess you don't need any more tools... If you don't have it already, you could buy a spoke shave for rounding the back of  the neck.
Comment by Michael Prout on August 8, 2011 at 12:50pm
I just build my first CGB and it works great.  I don't play but am learning thanks to a friend that validated my first build for me.  I had a blast with it and I am still haveing a blast learning to play it.  I am planing to continue building but was wondering what tools are a must that people recommend.
Comment by Rand Moore on August 7, 2011 at 3:15pm

Well that search didn't come up with the video I saw, but here's another violin builder reference with willow being used for the two end blocks and four corner blocks of a violin. They describe willow as "a strong, light wood which is easily carved".Here's that link.

 

-Rand.

Comment by Rand Moore on August 7, 2011 at 3:03pm

The only reference to using willow in stringed instruments that i recall was in a video some violin maker had on Youtube (saw it recently) and he used it for internal bracing in the violins he makes. As I recall he was a Swiss violin maker.

-Rand.

 

Comment by Pilgrim on August 2, 2011 at 4:07pm
the outside of the the jack is ground
Comment by Boxy Music on August 2, 2011 at 8:14am
I'll freely admit that my left hand often doesn't know what the right hand is doing, but it never occurred to me that the jack might short when used in a tin guitar. I've made three tin guitars all with piezos and jack sockets directly on the tin, and I've never had any problem...maybe I've been lucky!
Comment by Saner Cigar Box Guitars .com on August 2, 2011 at 7:28am
Thanks Richard!
 

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