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!

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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 Keith Stanford on July 28, 2014 at 12:39pm

Thanks Ellwood....I was thinking that the resonator metal bowls were the 'cones' and since my daughter is a manager at the local Lowe's and I was gonna have her pick me up some of them 'cones'. <grin>

That being said, any ideas on where to get 'cones' like those?

kieta

Comment by Keith Stanford on July 28, 2014 at 12:07pm

Howdy Jim,

Very nice looking work on that resonator.

You mentioned 'Old Lowes cones'What is that, and where did you find them?

Also, you mentioned the sound was very good....I am guesisng thatwas amplified.

How was the sound when played acoustically?

Again....job well doe, amigo.

kieta

Comment by MadGomer on July 28, 2014 at 7:59am
Love it! What strings and tuning did you go with?
Comment by gary sheldon on July 28, 2014 at 6:18am
Jim,
Yes, beautiful work. I am guessing that you built your own box. i am doing that too. I also like being able to open the box.

Does anyone here know how to enable Javascript (for this web site) ? I am using Vista with AOL and I think Internet Explorer. This site wants it enabled.
Comment by Bill Baker on July 28, 2014 at 5:29am

Very creative...Nice...

Comment by Jim Derrenbacker on July 28, 2014 at 3:57am

Thought I'd throw out some pics of my 1st CBG- just finished. It's a resonator, with one of Old Lowes cones. Came out great and sounds better than I could have imagined. I routed the neck for a kind of mortise/tenon thing, which is really solid with box. Also I came up with a neck locking system that I don't know if anyone has used before. A block anchored to the neck slips in a block anchored to the box so the box can be opened. A rosewood peg holds everything in place. Still waiting on hinges/latches for total complete but it's pretty solid as is.P7100184.JPGP7100185.JPGP7270191.JPGP7270192.JPGP7270193.JPGP7270195.JPGP7270196.JPGP7270197.JPG

Comment by Barry R on July 26, 2014 at 2:18pm

I have only built one CBG, with a cat bowl resonator, but I also suspended another bowl from it (my thinking was that it would vibrate more than the top one - there are no rules after all).  It has really good sustain, so I thought I would share it. Next time I will make the suspended bowl the same size as the top one (or bigger).  I haven't seen this before but that doesn't mean it hasn't already been done - but I thought I would put it out there for comment, or for others to try- So here are some pics:

Comment by MadGomer on July 25, 2014 at 11:32am
I take a similar approach to Mr Rivers, using variety of tools. If you have the access to one, use a drill press to minimize the chatter you may get with a hand drill, you'll be happy with the result.
Comment by John Rivers on July 25, 2014 at 11:18am

I have this little grinding stone....bout 1" diameter.....I drill a hole where I want the jack or whatever ...pop this little jewel into the drill put it up to the hole and in 30 seconds or so there is no problem with length

Comment by John Rivers on July 25, 2014 at 11:15am

 

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