Building a Cigar Box Guitar 101

Information

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

Comment Wall

Comment

You need to be a member of Building a Cigar Box Guitar 101 to add comments!

Comment by Howling Dick on September 10, 2010 at 7:54pm
PING!!! Stringing up my latest CBG and suddenly the plastic pegs started to fly out. They fit snugly, but they can't hold the tension. Any ideas on why and how I can fix??
Comment by Fitzhugh on September 4, 2010 at 3:13pm
Sherree, that shouldn't be a problem. I've read about fixing guitar backs with cracks: a small square piece of wood can used as a splint. Say the crack is running vertically, you'd turn the splint so that it makes a diamond, with the crack going under two opposite corners. You can use more than one if the crack is long. The most important thing is to make sure the grain on the splint is far from parallel to the crack, or better yet, use two splints along the crack, each with grain at 45 degree angle to the crack and 90 degrees to each other. This could well be all overkill, though.
Comment by Sherree Givens on September 3, 2010 at 10:52am
Thanks Craig. I'll do that
Comment by Craig Cox on September 3, 2010 at 10:50am
Hi Sherree. Welcome to the Nation. Technically, the entire box vibrates to create sound, but the top, as the soundboard, is key. If the crack in the bottom isn't too large, I'd get some Titebond glue into it and clamp it. Should be fine.
Comment by Sherree Givens on September 3, 2010 at 10:34am
Hi all, I'm new here. My name is Sherree. Anyway, question. I have a cigar box that I like a lot and would like to use for a CBG. But the back of the box has a crack in it. Would a guitar made with this box sound flat? Thanks for any info in advance.
Comment by Fitzhugh on August 30, 2010 at 8:47am
I thought I recognized the designs on the gold record! Childhood memories of Sagan on TV...

As for weight and balance, I found I had to add a piece of wood that parallels the neck to the back of the box, though it only extends maybe 6 inches. I attach the strap to it, balances great. So far I just tacked it on with some glue I can remove and plan on making it truly removable, just have to get around to it. There are two 2-3 inch pieces of wood that the long piece attaches to that connect to the sides and hold it a bit off the back of the box - allows the back to resonate (not sure if that makes a large difference, but it seems to make some.

I thought it would ruin the look of the guitar but actually don't mind it, and the difference in playability is such that when I pulled off the first one to use the wood for something else I ended up making another.
Comment by Joe Scislowicz on August 30, 2010 at 2:40am
Beautiful work! Great concept..

Joe
Comment by Shawn on August 29, 2010 at 3:55pm
That's a good looking cbg there welcome to the addiction. May your strings stay in tune and your blues be true.
Comment by Jared King on August 29, 2010 at 3:51pm
Nice, PapaSimone. Love it. Thanks for the great history lesson. That's one thing I really appreciate about being a part of the Nation. It's like sitting down to the table with a bunch of amateur historians who really care about the story of the instruments they play.
Comment by PapaSimone on August 29, 2010 at 1:40pm

Here is the back. His "Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground" was placed on Voyager #2 on a gold record and shot into space as a representation of "Sounds from Earth."
 

Members (1747)

3qt17g550yh6r
 
 
 

The Essential Pages

New to Cigar Box Nation? How to Play Cigar Box GuitarsFree Plans & How to Build Cigar Box GuitarsCigar Box Guitar Building Basics

Site Sponsor

Recommended Links & Resources


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

Fretless fret markers

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Michael Myers Apr 20, 2023. 8 Replies

canjo building and tuning

Started by Brenda. Last reply by MadGomer Dec 3, 2022. 5 Replies

Minimum tools needed

Started by Wichita Sam. Last reply by Taffy Evans Nov 14, 2022. 21 Replies

High G problem

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Taffy Evans Nov 3, 2022. 4 Replies

Doubling the high string

Started by Robert Killen. Last reply by Paul Craig Oct 14, 2022. 23 Replies

Aluminum License Plate

Started by Larry Sobol. Last reply by Larry Sobol Oct 1, 2022. 6 Replies

C. B. Gifty three string fretless kits.

Started by jon neet. Last reply by Taffy Evans Aug 16, 2022. 6 Replies

Frettin' and stainin'

Started by Doug Laffin. Last reply by Order99 Aug 11, 2022. 4 Replies

Bolt on neck to a set neck body?

Started by Paul Craig. Last reply by Paul Craig Jul 17, 2022. 14 Replies

Locations

Started by Roy Smith. Last reply by the anonymous pick May 15, 2022. 2 Replies

Help please re Bento Box Uke "nut"

Started by Al Lobe. Last reply by BrianQ. May 10, 2022. 18 Replies

Clarification on pick ups

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Taffy Evans May 6, 2022. 5 Replies

Licence plate cbg

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Michael Myers May 2, 2022. 5 Replies

Builder's Tips

Started by Wichita Sam. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 23, 2022. 2 Replies

Getting there but needing advice/help please.

Started by Lionhound. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 18, 2022. 8 Replies

Tres Cubano Build

Started by Paul Craig. Last reply by Paul Craig Dec 9, 2021. 18 Replies

CB Gitty Country Roads Banjo kit

Started by Ken Hope. Last reply by Christopher G Daniels Nov 29, 2021. 4 Replies

Latest Activity

BrianQ. commented on Dar Stellabotta's video
2 hours ago
BrianQ. liked Dar Stellabotta's video
2 hours ago
Southern Ray commented on Southern Ray's photo
Thumbnail

Project Punch!

" Thank ya again Keith!"
4 hours ago
Southern Ray commented on Southern Ray's photo
Thumbnail

Punch Project!

" Thank Ya Keith!"
4 hours ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on AGP #'s photo
Thumbnail

AGP #527 - ''Led-Zep 2''

"This build really strung you along Alan! Reminded me of all my fishing line experiments; a lot of…"
6 hours ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on A.D.EKER's video
Thumbnail

Im Troubled (Tribute) Mc K Morganfield by BCB - A.D .Eker 2024.

"Diggin’ the slow blues. I like that last pic Andries! Look at all those cool guitars. Yeah!!!"
6 hours ago
Dar Stellabotta posted a video

A Cigar Box Guitar Six Stringer Built by Louie Lamanna

This video is the unboxing and the demonstration of a beautiful, six stringer built by Louie Lamanna. Join Louie and I June 15 at the second annual Pittsburg...
7 hours ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on Doug Thorsvik's video
Thumbnail

Hail the Resurrection Day: 2-String Violin Chugger Cigar Box Guitar

"Happy Easter to you too Andries! The passion is definitely in full swing. Turns out I’m…"
8 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on Doug Thorsvik's video
Thumbnail

Hail the Resurrection Day: 2-String Violin Chugger Cigar Box Guitar

"Happy Easter Doug ! the Passion is in full swing !"
8 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on Ricky D's photo
8 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on A.D.EKER's video
8 hours ago
Keith Rearick liked Doug Thorsvik's video
12 hours ago

Events

Music

© 2024   Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

\uastyle>\ud/** Scrollup **/\ud.scrollup {\ud background: url("https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/963882636?profile=original") no-repeat scroll 0 0 transparent;\ud bottom: 25px;\ud display: inline !important;\ud height: 40px;\ud opacity: 0.3 !important;\ud position: fixed;\ud right: 30px;\ud text-indent: -9999px;\ud width: 40px;\ud z-index: 999;\ud}\ud.scrollup:hover {\ud opacity:0.99!important;\ud}\ud \uascript type="text/javascript">\ud x$(document).ready(function(){\ud x$(window).scroll(function(){\ud if (x$(this).scrollTop() > 100) {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeIn();\ud } else {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeOut();\ud }\ud });\ud x$('.scrollup').click(function(){\ud x$("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: 0 }, 600);\ud return false;\ud });\ud });\ud \ua!-- End Scroll Up -->