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newbie just gathering stuff for a 4 string build

I am in the process of gathering the the stuff for 4 string cigar box guitar project. As of now I have 3 different cigar boxes,and an old cheap electric guitar for the pick ups and volume,tone,jack etc. I might use the bridge from the old guitar because it looks simple and resembles a telecaster style bridge. I will probably pick up the neck wood from the local hadrware store. I just looking for any beginners advise for this project. Ive Got a bad habit of not finishing projects so I hope this forum can keep me interesting in this winter project. My inspiration for this cigar box guitar build is from watching Harry Manx play his on you tube....He really nails " Im on fire " by bruce springsteen with a modified johnny box cigarbog guitar.

Any info and tips would be greatly appreciated

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Permalink Reply by Barsymes Cratchnee on December 5, 2013 at 9:07pm

Fretting or not?

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Lee dixon on December 14, 2013 at 9:43am

will probably fret it as I am a beginner player and need frets for learning

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Permalink Reply by Duke on December 14, 2013 at 6:53am

I haved picked up several cast off bed head and footboards(solid wood, not pressboard) I believe most are maple but I'm no expert on wood identification. The boards are usually 3/4" thick and stable.

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Lee dixon on December 14, 2013 at 9:46am

good idea...Ive been dumpster diving at local home consruction sites in high end areas hoping for good hard woods left over from mantles and such....all else fails I will use the popular I have.

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Permalink Reply by Slowpaw Steve T on December 14, 2013 at 3:34pm

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/four-string-cigar-box-guitars

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Lee dixon on October 13, 2014 at 3:45am

Hey Guys Im back after losing interest in the cigar box guitar with some new goodies from a tele project. Can I use a stock tele neck pickup for my cigar box guitar. What happened ? I thought you guys were going to keep me interested.....lol

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Permalink Reply by gary herget on October 13, 2014 at 10:11am

The neck will work fine just put something solid behind it ti attach it to. Check out the photo gallery you will find many with these 6 string necks.

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Permalink Reply by Dave S on October 13, 2014 at 12:32pm

Make sure the machine heads will be positioned low enough to get an appropriate amount of "action" (the distance from the string to the fret). That was my biggest mistake on my first build. If it's too high you add wood to the fret board or the back of the head, but even if you don't it'll still work for playing with a slide.

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Lee dixon on October 14, 2014 at 12:54pm

I was just talking about using a neck pickup from a tele not the neck..lol Anyway here is my progress tonight...I didn't center the neck in the box...oops...It's the same front to back but higher up....Just more room below the neck for electronics.....lol.

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Permalink Reply by gary herget on October 14, 2014 at 1:35pm

The pickup will work fine as well. You will need to notch the neck a little where the pickup will be located,the vol. and tone contols can be used as well if you have them. Nice box and don't worry about being a little off center you are probably the only one to notice.