Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by HOGS GRUNT on January 25, 2010 at 8:31am

No problem with the boxes.
Try a 24" scale and see how it sits on the box.
If no good then just make the scale longer or shorter until you get the layout you want.
Hope this helps.
Hogs.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Edwin Keable on January 25, 2010 at 10:23am

cool H.G this is my first (proper) cigar box guitar (have built one using an old cheap chinese chisel box and it is a bit of a frankenstien looking monster) and was a wee bit concerned that they were too small.

HOGS GRUNT said:

No problem with the boxes.
Try a 24" scale and see how it sits on the box.
If no good then just make the scale longer or shorter until you get the layout you want.
Hope this helps.
Hogs.

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Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on January 25, 2010 at 10:33am

They'll be right..just the job for single string diddley bows or 22 1/2inch scale 3 stringers..I've made loads like that.

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Permalink Reply by c# merle on January 25, 2010 at 11:09am

as long as your realistic about the volume a small box creates, acoustically that is, then go for it.
iv'e made cbgs from smaller boxes before using a 22' scale and you can get a really good tone from them.
have fun robert

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Permalink Reply by Robert Edwin Keable on January 25, 2010 at 11:24am

cool, 22 1/2 " scale sounds more in keeping to the scale of the boxes . Cheers.

ChickenboneJohn said:

They'll be right..just the job for single string diddley bows or 22 1/2inch scale 3 stringers..I've made loads like that.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Edwin Keable on January 25, 2010 at 11:27am

Thanks for advice . Love making these things just got to get more boxes a bit thin on the ground here in the uk. cheers.

c# merle said:

as long as your realistic about the volume a small box creates, acoustically that is, then go for it.
iv'e made cbgs from smaller boxes before using a 22' scale and you can get a really good tone from them.
have fun robert

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Permalink Reply by Jkevn on January 25, 2010 at 11:54am

An easy way is to prep the box and get it ready for whatever style neck you will be using. Put the uncut neck stock in position and use your tape measure to find a scale that is both workable and looks proportional to the size box your using.

Find the approximate location for your bridge....pick a scale...measure to the nuts position on the neck...leave about 5 or 6 inches for your headstock. Look at the proportion to your box v/s the length of neck, overall length etc.

I have to agree that a 22.5 or 23" scale is gonna be what your looking for. Build the guitar in your head first.....those mistakes are easier to correct before you start cutting.

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Permalink Reply by Diane in Chicago on January 25, 2010 at 12:38pm

I'm with Randy, I'd go smaller. 17" or even 15".

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on January 25, 2010 at 12:42pm

smaller boxes with a standard scale (24-25 1/2") can give you a "vintage" look,,, many older boxes were smallish and were used for CBGsssss.....

I have not problem with shorter scale length either.... you're the builder, follow your instinct...

the best,

Wichita Sam

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Fowle on January 25, 2010 at 8:42pm

Hey Randy, what can you tell us about that fret spacing? It hardly looks like 12tet.
Randy S. Bretz said:

19 " scale length, 4 string dulci-jo, frame under the box, 6" hand drum pot.

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Permalink Reply by Shawn on January 26, 2010 at 3:10am

My steampunk guitar I used two small boxes. I joined them together to get the scale I was after.

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