Anybody built a "tribute" CBG?

Okay, I'm up to number 3 now....with about 10 people on my wait list for on of those "cool cigar box guitars you're building". I'm making one for my grandfather, using a hardwood floorboard from his old house for the neck, part of a deer antler that he found in his woods as a bridge and nut, and looking for an older cigar box for the body. When he saw the first two I built, he started telling me about how his mom, my great-grandma, used to play a cigar box violin, and seemed really interested in having me build him a CBG. He's an awesome man, so I want to make this one pretty cool and meaningful. He worked at GM/Allison for years, so I think I'm going to try to work some memoribila from that in, as well as his hunting/farming lifestyle.

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  • I think it's awesome that so many of us are doing this sort of thing. Lots of good ideas being generated here. Thanks for the inspirations, keep 'em rolling.
  • Haven't built it yet
    But have one in he planning stages for an old high school sweetheart's father who was a Marine Col that passed away

    Planning on using an ancient finger worn 1911 grip somehow with a piece of brass cleaning rod for the bridge, a piece of the cleaning rod for the nut, 223 brass for the fret markers and 45 brass inletted into the head stock
    Also with all brass (gold) hardware and frets, topped off with a Marine logo or Col. insignia in the head stock
    I'm hoping to send it to one of the requests that come in from overseas or maybe to his old unit

    As far as your grandfather's hunting
    You could cut the primer ends of his favorite cartridge off to use as fret markers or simply as a concho in the head stock
    .22 brass could be used as side markers

    They are a little bigger than normal, but would work I think

    I also have been working with the decoupaging that Paul is talking about
    I am using Poly as the sealer for a hard tough finish
    I use a couple layers of spray poly seal any ink in before using a foam brush to layer on the poly
    Sand the coats of spray on with a gym sock between apps

    The photos are poor and the boxes are not finnished but you get the idea

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    DSCF0583.JPG

  • I've made a few "tribute" CBGs using decoupage photos, subjects include Bo Diddley, john Lee hooker, Janis Joplin and Carolyn Wonderland.

    Bo3.JPG

    Bo4.JPG

    Janis.jpg

  • Thanks! This one I haven't installed any electronics, and in my opinion, it sounds great. I may leave it as an acoustic only. Those Curly Head deluxe boxes have a great sound and timbre. They project really good too with a nice warm tone. Also, they have a neat little lip on the inside so you can secure the neck really good.

    Thanks again!
  • I like it!!!!! nice

    Scott McDonald said:
    My favorite CBG guitar I've built (the one I play when the mood strikes me), is a tribute of sorts to Salvadore Dali.

    Salvador Dal Cigar Box Guitar
  • My favorite CBG guitar I've built (the one I play when the mood strikes me), is a tribute of sorts to Salvadore Dali.

    Salvador Dal Cigar Box Guitar
  • Jason that's great , Cann't wait to see how it turns out (be sure and post pics)....I'm sure it will be something that he will always treasure...
  • Loved reading about the git you're making for your grandad- isn't that what its all about? using materials with a connection to that person, materials with meaning.You can't buy that in shops.SOUL.
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