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 the anonymous pick on June 22, 2018 at 5:27pm

Double "course"  i think  he meant.

Comment by Mike Simpson on June 22, 2018 at 5:23pm

Hi what do you mean by "double core"?

Mike in Sacramento CA.

Comment by Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear on June 22, 2018 at 5:19pm

Beginner question here from someone who should know better...

What's the best tuning and way to string a guitar to get a double core three string out of a single set of strings? I'd like one wound and one unwound per double core but, as much as I wrack my brain I just can't get my head around this. Ideally I'd prefer a 1-5-1 tuning. Will I need two sets? If so how would you accomplish the double core three string with two sets? Should I just buy a set of twelve strings for a twelve string guitar? I've already got two sets of Rotosound 10s so would prefer to use these if possible but if not then I can stop being a cheapskate and buy the 12 string pack haha.

All help gratefully received. 

Bear :0)

Comment by Alex Russell on June 19, 2018 at 10:36pm

Hi Micheal thanks for your advice and drawing. I've now sorted it out by fixing 2 wood blocks underneath the neck to lift it up to the underside of the box lid so won't move. 

Comment by Michael Fred Johnson on June 19, 2018 at 8:29am

Hi Alex,This drawing shows how I cut away the top and bottom of the neck within the box,only gluing the areas shown.The drawing also shows a neck heel,this could be missed out to simplify the build.

Comment by Alex Russell on June 18, 2018 at 11:54am

Hi Guys, many thanks for your advice on my CBG build. My main concern was the neck not being fixed into the box properly. To be sure I'll add blocks or pieces of wood to bring the neck up close to the underside of the box lid go make sure it doesn't move. Cheers.

Comment by Mark Bliss on June 15, 2018 at 5:54am

Yeah, even re-reading it I think the question is about the top, not the necks strength or rigidity. Correct us if we are wrong!

Another solution I have seen would be to add a block or shim to fill the gap just under the bridge, between the top and neck extension. Like I said in my previous reply, I leave the gap on acoustic builds, but some sure don't. 

Build it. Play it. Repeat.

Comment by Michael Fred Johnson on June 15, 2018 at 5:48am

Alex,if I'm reading your question correctly,you're worried about the top deforming,if so add some struts

Comment by Paul Craig on June 13, 2018 at 8:35pm

Alex, you could glue a piece of wood under the neck inside the box or glue 2 pieces(1 on each side) of the neck inside the box to help give strength back to the neck.

Comment by Mark Bliss on June 13, 2018 at 1:39pm

" Is it likely to move with the tension of the strings?"

Yes it is likely. How much depends on many factors, including box top material, thickness, string gauge, scale length, specific tuning, amount of "break" over the bridge, (the list goes on) 

Without seeing it, and knowing some of these details, one could only guess.

FWIW, I've yet to build an acoustic box where the top contacts the neck below. Some are fine, some slowly sink and need an adjustment later in life As of yet I've never had it cause a "catastrophe"

Shorter answer = "depends"

 

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