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

What am I supposed to do with this?! Box puzzle.

I bought a box on eBay last night for my first build and I've not made it easy for myself. It's 300mm x 220mm x 110mm (don't laugh) but the biggest issue is how it opens. It's a top loader and I have no idea how I'm going to be able to cut the space for the through neck. I can't take it apart because it's leather bound and I don't want to ruin the leather or destroy the integrity of the box. It looks thick wood so it'll have to be electric. Good job with the leather? First thing first though, how would you cut the space for the neck to go through? What tools would you use? I've got a drill and everything else is hand tools. How would you physically get into the space and work on the area needing work?

My old high school teachers were right. I need help! Help me, Obe Wan Kanobi, you're my only hope.

Thanks.

Bear.

P.S. Here's the box seen from the top down.

0 members like this

Attachments:

box open.jpg, 192 KB

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear on January 21, 2016 at 8:28am

Massive help. Cheers mate. I think I'll use two timbers then since it gives height. I'll be using a magnetic pickup from the start I reckon, given the thickness of the wood, so I'm going to need that height. Shame that I can't use pine because I've got plenty of that. Better to get it done properly from the start than have to do it again later on though.

Permalink Reply by Denis U on January 21, 2016 at 11:28am

If you are struggling to find suitable wood, I've got a chunk of maple. Message me.

Denis

Permalink Reply by Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear on January 21, 2016 at 11:37am

Thanks Denis. Not really struggling just haven't been to get any yet luls. I'll have some by the time the box and other bits arrive next week but thanks for the offer.

Permalink Reply by Fomhorach on February 23, 2016 at 7:28am

I'm thinking cigar box chello.

Has anyone made one yet?

Permalink Reply by JL on April 26, 2016 at 12:37am

So what did you eventually do? I was going to suggest gluing a block to the inside of the box, make a neck with a really big/strong heel, and bolt it on through the end, like this....

Permalink Reply by Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear on April 26, 2016 at 3:08am

Eventually just did a massive chunky support through one side of the body attached to the inside of the box on the other end. Attached a salvaged guitar neck to it and Bob's yer uncle. Piccies and a couple of videos over on our page.

Thanks for the comment. Much appreciated :)