Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Brendan deVallance on November 23, 2009 at 4:26pm

You do nice work, but personally I like the making part of this scene. And the cheap-ass cigar box for me has great appeal. However, that said there are areas like you point out where a regular cigar box isnt big enough, like a Bass, or a cello. Still i think i would make my own even though it would be much inferior to your handy work. —B

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Permalink Reply by Roger Martin on November 23, 2009 at 4:34pm

If your building the boxes for the enjoyment of building I'd say go ahead.I'm not sure about a market for custom made boxes.In my area the top cost as a rule is about $100.So custom boxes is out of the question for me if I want to make money.Right now we get "runs" on our stock that depletes it when I think I'm caught up.Today I sold 7 pieces to 1 large group of folks that I was doing a demo for.Three or 4 3 stringers and a few DB's.Tonite when I get home from work I have to hit the workshop ( after midnite) and do a quick build of a wood 3 string because I sold the 1 some folks wanted and they wanted 2 matching.I usually only keep 1 of a certain kind of CBG in stock at any 1 time because it keeps the customer from thinking he/she can always come back n get it.
When they think that if they dont get it now it'll be gone it makes it easier to move the pieces.
I love building CBG's but I have to think of it as a business,or I'll lose my shirt.
We also sold all but 2 of the slldes we stock due to all the business we did in this 1 day.So we had to order another shipment and hope it comes in before Thurs.
1 of the sales has to be shipped,I'm not much on shipping because the time it takes to ship 1 piece is time I could have invested in building.I've only shipped 2 pieces this year ,the rest walked out the door with the buyer.
IF your wanting to "test the waters" give it a try,as long as the money is just a nice added plus to building.
Just my thoughts for what little their worth LOL
Sometimes I do envy you guys that have time to do more experimenting then I do,

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Permalink Reply by Todd Plummer on May 8, 2010 at 5:39am

Here's just a quick update. I've made a Cigar Box Mandolin. But used my own box. I made the box out of Cherry, with a Cedar top. The neck is made of Maple with a Walnut fret board. It has a 24 inch scale. It's not quite finished yet, but I have lots of plans for it, and more to come. Hope you all enjoy the pics.

Attachments:

• 04172010482-724182.jpg, 20 KB
• 04172010483-781333.jpg, 16 KB
• 04172010485-733407.jpg, 26 KB

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Permalink Reply by Todd Plummer on May 8, 2010 at 6:05am

Again, Here are the pics of my mandolin. I had forgotten how to embed them... Enjoy There are more pics of my mandolin and of the Kalimba on my website as well as my blog.
www.ToddCreatedWood.com ToddCreatedWood.blogspot.com

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Permalink Reply by Bob Harrison on May 8, 2010 at 7:36am

Todd,
Well I like your idea a lot. I think if a person would make a reproduction cigar box useing "sound" woods and an X braced prestressed spruce top you could have a great sounding instrument. Then the art work could be photoshoped and decapaged on.

It's my thought half of the fun is the art work on the box.

If a person is doing this to compeat in price with a used box I don't think it would work so good, cigar boxs are inexpensive and at times free.

But if a person would like to have the best sounding instrument on ever build, it's a great idea. Reproduction cigar box or simply a "box" guitar. Go for it.

Bodidly basicly had a box guitar, and it worked for him.

Bob :)

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Permalink Reply by Todd Plummer on May 8, 2010 at 7:49am

Bob,
That's just what I've done here; Is to make a 'box' style mandolin. It's made just as a guitar is made, with x bracing and 'sound' woods. The top is made of Western Red Cedar. So are the braces underneath. The neck is mortised into the neck top of the box and the neck support block as well. This is more of a box guitar than a Cigar box guitar. It only takes it's influence from CBG's. The box is made with dovetails and has supports around the edge where the top is glued on and the back will eventually be attached. Just in tapping, it is quite an impressive sound. Without any finish on it, it could certainly have any kind of aplique imaginable. This is not however an inexpensive alternative for Cigar Box builds... This is a high quality alternative.... Extremely personable, and made to order in any size imaginable, as well as any degree of finish needed.

Bob Harrison said:

Todd,
Well I like your idea a lot. I think if a person would make a reproduction cigar box useing "sound" woods and an X braced prestressed spruce top you could have a great sounding instrument. Then the art work could be photoshoped and decapaged on.

It's my thought half of the fun is the art work on the box.

If a person is doing this to compeat in price with a used box I don't think it would work so good, cigar boxs are inexpensive and at times free.

But if a person would like to have the best sounding instrument on ever build, it's a great idea. Reproduction cigar box or simply a "box" guitar. Go for it.

Bodidly basicly had a box guitar, and it worked for him.

Bob :)

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Permalink Reply by Bob Harrison on May 8, 2010 at 12:12pm

Todd,
This sounds very good. How much would an unfinished, built as you discribbed reproduction box cost?

Bob :)

Todd Plummer said:

Bob,
That's just what I've done here; Is to make a 'box' style mandolin. It's made just as a guitar is made, with x bracing and 'sound' woods. The top is made of Western Red Cedar. So are the braces underneath. The neck is mortised into the neck top of the box and the neck support block as well. This is more of a box guitar than a Cigar box guitar. It only takes it's influence from CBG's. The box is made with dovetails and has supports around the edge where the top is glued on and the back will eventually be attached. Just in tapping, it is quite an impressive sound. Without any finish on it, it could certainly have any kind of aplique imaginable. This is not however an inexpensive alternative for Cigar Box builds... This is a high quality alternative.... Extremely personable, and made to order in any size imaginable, as well as any degree of finish needed.

Bob Harrison said:

Todd,
Well I like your idea a lot. I think if a person would make a reproduction cigar box useing "sound" woods and an X braced prestressed spruce top you could have a great sounding instrument. Then the art work could be photoshoped and decapaged on.

It's my thought half of the fun is the art work on the box.

If a person is doing this to compeat in price with a used box I don't think it would work so good, cigar boxs are inexpensive and at times free.

But if a person would like to have the best sounding instrument on ever build, it's a great idea. Reproduction cigar box or simply a "box" guitar. Go for it.

Bodidly basicly had a box guitar, and it worked for him.

Bob :)

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Permalink Reply by Mungo Park on May 8, 2010 at 3:08pm

Well I think you have sort of said it wen you said you want to be luither. I have a full pro shop and can bung together most anything I want with all the tools needed to make it a breeze. BUT a lot of guys here have very little and are scratching these things together mostly like the original builders did, and relly loving it. The pro builders are also keeping it simple as to get them out the door, as many of them have said, again resulting in a simple build. A few lucky guys like us have a slick shop and can build them however we want, simple or complex. I am on the simple side as I know nothing about building instruments and these things are a great fun way to learn without a big investment in time or money. That way I can build as many as I want and figure it out.
So I do not know who is outside this group of above mentioned who will pay for a better box and build a delux CBG or as you said a box guitar.
As stated above build a few and see if they sell, if so rock on, good on ya mate, I am not trying to talk you out of giving it a go. Cheers Ron

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Permalink Reply by Gadsden Guitars on May 8, 2010 at 5:34pm

Todd, your winebarrel base drum kit is crazy cool. I'm a drummer and a woodworker as well as a newbie CBG builder. I've thought about making custom boxes as well, but here's the deal. It seems to me that unless you've got the clientel with some deep pockets your not gonna get much of a return on your time invested. I am currently making a six string CBG out of a Don Carlos box for a blues guitarist who intends to play it at his next gig. I am only charging him for the materials in exchange for promoting my product. After that maybe, maybe I'll start to actually make about $10.00 an hour building CBG's. It's more of a passion for me as opposed to a money making endeavor.
The third CGB I made was a resonator utilizing a 6in aluminum pot lid as the cone and it's actually my favourite to date, that is until I wire up the six banger I'm making.
Maybe it would be best to put the extra effort into the case and keep the CBG's, CBG's.

Keep us posted...

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Permalink Reply by Todd Plummer on May 10, 2010 at 4:50am

I hear what all of you are saying, and you are all in the right. You are not my audience... I was sharing these pics of my work with you because this forum has helped and inspired me so much. Without the homespun do-it-yourself inovation that many of you are doing, there would be no evolution of the craft. So for that I thank you and wish to share my art with you.
I would never try and tell anyone that they should give up on making their CBG's from home made parts and pieces, keeping them as inexpensive as possible. And I would never say that those instruments are not capable of extrordinary quality. I do hope to convey that there is the possiblity for those that would be interested... to get a custom made box, in the construction style of a quality guitar, for their build. Just as you and many others build your CBG's and think of the next design. and will try to have custom pups wired, or put on a fender 6 string neck. Here is your oppertunity to do just the same and try a unique custom made box, with sound woods, and atypical sizes and dimensions.... Made by a fine woodworker... It's not for everybody, I know that! But it is readily available for those who's intersts are picqued... When you look to have something made to order, anything is possible. That's what custom means... And, that's what I am offering.
A box similar to that wich I have pictured without the neck... Could cost about $90-$100. Depending on the design, amount of detail you're intersted in, and the types of woods. If you are, or anyone you know is intersted in anything of this nature, I'm easily found at the above mentioned contact info.
Thanks again for the interest and the feedback.
Todd

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Permalink Reply by Bob Harrison on May 10, 2010 at 5:21am

Todd,
Thanks for all the information and priceing.

Keep building and posting custom built box instruments. When times are more flush for me I will have one built from you.

Thanks
Bob:)

Todd Plummer said:

I hear what all of you are saying, and you are all in the right. You are not my audience... I was sharing these pics of my work with you because this forum has helped and inspired me so much. Without the homespun do-it-yourself inovation that many of you are doing, there would be no evolution of the craft. So for that I thank you and wish to share my art with you.
I would never try and tell anyone that they should give up on making their CBG's from home made parts and pieces, keeping them as inexpensive as possible. And I would never say that those instruments are not capable of extrordinary quality. I do hope to convey that there is the possiblity for those that would be interested... to get a custom made box, in the construction style of a quality guitar, for their build. Just as you and many others build your CBG's and think of the next design. and will try to have custom pups wired, or put on a fender 6 string neck. Here is your oppertunity to do just the same and try a unique custom made box, with sound woods, and atypical sizes and dimensions.... Made by a fine woodworker... It's not for everybody, I know that! But it is readily available for those who's intersts are picqued... When you look to have something made to order, anything is possible. That's what custom means... And, that's what I am offering.
A box similar to that wich I have pictured without the neck... Could cost about $90-$100. Depending on the design, amount of detail you're intersted in, and the types of woods. If you are, or anyone you know is intersted in anything of this nature, I'm easily found at the above mentioned contact info.
Thanks again for the interest and the feedback.
Todd

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Permalink Reply by Shawn on May 10, 2010 at 10:16am

I build 6 string CBGs and finding the right box is some times a pain in the --- but when I do it comes together nice. so I might buy some from you Im looking for 81/2 w by 14 1/2 l by 2 deep. check out my pictures the black one with the flur de les on it is the best box i have found to work with so far.

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