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

Hello Cigar Box Nation!

Good day to you all! I wanted to take a minute to introduce myself, since I will be reading and learning from you all. I'm Trey. I come from a metal working background. That changed about 5 years ago. Being in the military, I move often. The last move, I became tired of moving heavy equipment around, so I got rid of everything. Somehow, I started woodworking, and now have plenty of heavy stuff again. I must say, I enjoy woodworking more than I did metalworking, so that is good.

Recently, my son joined the orchestra at his school. He is 9. They gave him the option to play the electric bass, so he jumped on it. He has never played before, and neither have I. So, I am learning to play with him. I have decided I'd like to play an instrument with him, so I've decided to get a guitar. While guitar shopping, I came across cigar box guitars! Being a person who would much rather build something, this really appealed to me.

That brings me to now. I am trying to decide if a CBG is a wise first guitar. I've decided to build one anyway, and see where that goes. At first, I thought I needed a 6 string, but have decided to go with 4. I wanted to do a 6 string because I have a pickup for it in the garage. My reading tells me that given the box size, 4 might be a better move. So that is what I am going to do. I've already picked out a box, and it will be here next week. I still need to get everything else. I'd like to go with frets, tuning keys, and a premade bridge.

While I wait for parts to arrive, and me to make decisions, I will be reading and learning from this site. Thanks to you all for everything you post!

Trey

0 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Thomas "Duck" Petry on September 18, 2016 at 7:51am

Welcome to the Nation Trey. The beauty of CBGs is you can build whatever you like. Sometimes less is more. My builds are primarily 3 string fretless, but I have built a two string and several diddley bows and canjos. Once you build one, more will follow, it's a fun addiction hobby and there are lots of good folks here to help with your journey.

Have fun and enjoy your building.

Permalink Reply by Trey Allen on September 20, 2016 at 12:45pm

I'm afraid that more will follow. But, it could be worse, it could be an addiction hobby that is something else!

Permalink Reply by Gilles C. Caron on September 18, 2016 at 7:59am

Welcome to the club...

Btw, the only detail about using a 4 strings guitar compared to a 6 strings is the way you tune it "normally"... people like a 4 strings tuned in an open tuning. Easier to play, but harder to play with someone else who would play in many keys.

But you can tune your "future" 4 strings to a standard tuning and play partial chords.

Beside that, they are fun to play...

Permalink Reply by Trey Allen on September 20, 2016 at 12:46pm

Thanks for the reply. I have been reading about the tuning aspect, but I have a lot of learning to do still. I think I will probably need 10 CBGs in the next few years to keep me happy.

Permalink Reply by Trey Allen on September 20, 2016 at 12:46pm

Thank you!

Permalink Reply by Blues Frog on September 18, 2016 at 11:05am

Trey,

Welcome to the Nation, and your new addiction. Be sure to get your son into building as well. He can build himself a cigar box bass.

Permalink Reply by Trey Allen on September 20, 2016 at 12:47pm

He has mentioned that he will probably want one. I'm ok with that! It seems like this will be a good time.

Permalink Reply by Rod Lindsey on September 20, 2016 at 1:15pm

Hey Trey, I'm new here too, but have been watching A LOT of YouTube, over the last month and a half. It's where I've gathered most of my VERY limited knowledge about building. I'm not far ahead of you. I've got 2 builds under my belt, and 2 more in the works... lol My first 2 are pretty simple builds. A 2 string acoustic/electric fretless, and an electric diddley bow out of a double bit ax handle and an altoids tin. Enjoy the madness/addiction/hobby. Above all, enjoy the time building and playing with your son. That time is priceless.

Peace

Permalink Reply by Trey Allen on September 23, 2016 at 4:01pm

Thank you. I'm looking forward to my first build. I tried learning to play many years ago, but gave up. Now I have the kids learning as motivation!

Permalink Reply by the anonymous pick on September 20, 2016 at 1:41pm

welcome trey ;-)

Permalink Reply by Trey Allen on September 23, 2016 at 3:58pm

Thank you!

Permalink Reply by Trey Allen on September 23, 2016 at 4:00pm

So, I'm having brain overload tonight. I'm trying to learn to read sheet music, not for this, but to help my kids understand it more. Then I started reading about open G tuning. I think it's time to listen to some music and relax.