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!

Members: 1746
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 MadGomer on August 24, 2016 at 7:08am
Paul, would you also put that mini or lipstick pup on the cone?
Comment by Paul Craig on August 24, 2016 at 6:25am

Lots of people use a mini-bucker or Lipstick Tube single. I think they sound the best in a reso. Mini's also make a good choice over regular HB's due to small amount of available space.

Comment by PhilUSAFRet on August 24, 2016 at 6:15am

Yes, I am attaching to the cone.  Thinking of using both piezo and humbucker pickups but haven't decided on that yet.

Comment by Paul Craig on August 24, 2016 at 6:12am

I would attach the piezo to the cone. Attaching to the box would dampen the reso effect, but still be heard.

Bridge needs to be directly in the middle of the cone.

Comment by PhilUSAFRet on August 24, 2016 at 6:04am

Good to hear about your experiences with free floating reso cones held in place by string tension.  Would seem to need to fit the hole well. Sounds like I am overthinking my cbg reso!

Comment by Mark Bliss on August 24, 2016 at 5:29am

I think the primary reason some people add or use felt etc. is to reduce the chances of buzzing or rattling, not as a gasket per say.

And FWIW, the nicest playing CBG with a reso cone I have yet to see had nothing, not even screws securing the cone. Nothing holding it together but string tension. Worked perfectly fine.

Comment by T-Gripped on August 24, 2016 at 5:06am

Hey  PhilUSAFRet - I am planning my 1st pet dish build also. Do you plan to go acoustic, piezo, or electric PUP? Can the Tribe weigh in on what are pros/cons of each?? And if piezo, should it be mounted to the bowl or to the box? 

Comment by gary sheldon on August 24, 2016 at 4:21am

I agree with Paul and Fom...  The soundboard is still a soundboard and it needs to vibrate to amplify the sound produced by the "cone".

Also, the box doesn't need to be airtight.  We are not building boats here

Comment by PhilUSAFRet on August 24, 2016 at 2:02am

Starting to sound like a strip club.............."take it off, take it off"

LOL

Comment by Fomhorach on August 23, 2016 at 11:56pm

Yeah. Ditch the rubber.

 

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Discussion Forum

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High G problem

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Started by Robert Killen. Last reply by Paul Craig Oct 14, 2022. 23 Replies

Aluminum License Plate

Started by Larry Sobol. Last reply by Larry Sobol Oct 1, 2022. 6 Replies

C. B. Gifty three string fretless kits.

Started by jon neet. Last reply by Taffy Evans Aug 16, 2022. 6 Replies

Frettin' and stainin'

Started by Doug Laffin. Last reply by Order99 Aug 11, 2022. 4 Replies

Bolt on neck to a set neck body?

Started by Paul Craig. Last reply by Paul Craig Jul 17, 2022. 14 Replies

Locations

Started by Roy Smith. Last reply by the anonymous pick May 15, 2022. 2 Replies

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Started by Al Lobe. Last reply by BrianQ. May 10, 2022. 18 Replies

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