Cigar Box Guitars: building tips, music and the cigar box culture

All Blog Posts (291)

I'm gettin there

almost there, hey metal man, i'm here. Continue

Added by Dr. Jones on March 8, 2010 at 11:34pm — No Comments

first attempt

took a crack at my first guitar, should be done in a couple days. here are a couple pics so far Continue

Added by Dr. Jones on March 8, 2010 at 11:23pm — No Comments

Chord Chemistry 101 (Introduction) by Keni Lee Burgess (Page 1)

Chord Chemistry 101

Introduction

by Keni Lee Burgess

This series of lectures on musical theory is applicable to any tuning or any stringed instrumen

… Continue

Added by Keni Lee Burgess on March 7, 2010 at 11:30am — 4 Comments

Just Strung Up #003 For The 1st Time

This is my first fretted build. I went Diatonic on this one because there are fewer chances for me to screw up. Lol.
I tried some new stuff. Some worked, some didn't, and some just needs tweaked.
Its volume and sustain are surprising.
The neck is poplar with a red oak fretboard. I put one coat of Colonial Maple stain on it, then sort of unevenly sanded the neck (not the fretboard) to keep it "rustic"
I have some brand new fret wire that I got from CB Gitty, but since this is my f… Continue

Added by Jeff Tinsley on March 6, 2010 at 7:30pm — No Comments

Example 2: Chord Chemistry 101 (Application of music theory: simple song arranging using chords)

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Added by Keni Lee Burgess on March 6, 2010 at 10:53am — 2 Comments

dire srtaits on a three string

Just been wondering if anyone out there knows a way of playing dire straits on the three string ime not music note wise minded i just mess till i like the sound but it seems to me that this would be possible with great effect and would bring a great deal of admaration from peaple out side of the cigar box world.… Continue

Added by crissy b on March 6, 2010 at 10:02am — No Comments

Bulk Medium/Higher Fret Wire back in stock

Just a quick note to let you know that I have my one-pound bulk lots of the Medium/Higher nickel-silver fret wire (same as StewMac #152) back in stock. My price on this one is cheaper than you could get one pound from StewMac for, and this is a perfect size for CBGs. So if you are doing a lot of building, check this out! No better price out there that I know of, and fast shipping.

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Added by C. B. Gitty on March 5, 2010 at 8:39am — No Comments

Example 1: Chord Chemistry 101 (Application of music theory: simple song arranging using chords)

Continue

Added by Keni Lee Burgess on March 4, 2010 at 9:55pm — 2 Comments

Open letter to that Nation

DISCLAIMER: NONE of the comments below reflect those of Cigar Box Nation site or as a whole nor any of its members nor Shane Speal himself or anyone associated with him. These are my thoughts and opinions solely. I don't own the site nor am I admin of any kind. Please pardon the length whatever it becomes. Stop if you had enough. I warn you, its a manifesto. In fact, this might get me kicked off (I hope not tho). Rebut if you will. Its a free country. - WY

Wes,

the Nation is… Continue

Added by Wes Yates on March 4, 2010 at 2:30pm — 4 Comments

Dreaming...

Had a dream about classes showing kids to building their own instruments (CBGs, flutes/recorders, stomp boxes (and other drums), kalimbas, etc.) and then teaching them how to play.

"Imagine..." - John Lennon

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Added by Josh on March 3, 2010 at 7:11am — No Comments

Sometimes you do find gold!

Well, It is safe to say I have the CBG bug something bad! CBG's have been on the mind for many many years. Now that the first one is out of the way, I have many ideas for more to come! I was asked to make a simple one for a friends mother for her birthday. Who am I to say no to that!!!!!!!??????!!!!!!!

I also have a 17 1/2" Edge box that I have had for some time now that I am still unsure in what direction to go with it! 6 string? 4 string? Who knows at this time!

I do ha… Continue

Added by Christopher Call on March 2, 2010 at 12:30am — 2 Comments

2 degree neck angle

Here is a quick google sketchup of a 2 degree neck angle.

-WY

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Added by Wes Yates on March 1, 2010 at 9:18am — 10 Comments

How To Get The Most Out Of My Instructional CD Lessons!

Ideas to unleash the potential of Open Tunings:

1) Watch the whole video through from beginning to end, like a TV show without your guitar. Doing this will help you see the "Big Picture" and you will have a clearer understanding of the approach to playing in open tunings. Mind over Matter. Get the directions first, then walk out the door!

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Added by Keni Lee Burgess on February 27, 2010 at 4:30pm — No Comments

Ron Bross Services:

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Added by Michele Bross on February 26, 2010 at 10:35pm — No Comments

2nd build done!

Found an excuse to do a second build! Giving this one as a gift to a friend. Decided to build it the same as the first since that one worked out so well so I wanted to make sure that the gift would work out well. The experiments and dodgy craftsmanship I keep for myself. This one is built just about exactly like the first except it's a bit sturdier. With the first one, remove one screw and the whole thing will literally fall apart. This one, the lid is glued to the neck and then secured to the b… Continue

Added by KaptnKen on February 26, 2010 at 3:09pm — No Comments

In Honor Of My Father, Ron Bross

To all of my Daddy's friends & members, My Dad passed away peacfully today in his workshop listening to gospel music. My family looks forward to visting this page to enjoy all that my Father has contributed and remember all the joy he brought to everyone who knew him. My Dad was a very talented and passionate craftsman. More importantly, he is the most incredible man that I have ever known. He loved the community and friendships he made here. This is an outlet for his work to live on and

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Added by Michele Bross on February 26, 2010 at 1:48pm — 4 Comments