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best size box for builds?

I'm in the process of building my very first cigar box guitar and I decided to build a 3 string cbg as my first build, hopefully if I get the 3 string right on my next build I would like to try my hand at building a 4 string.

What is a good size box to use for a 4 string?
Is there a best size box to use for any builds 3 or 4 string?

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Permalink Reply by Mortimer Snerd on August 28, 2009 at 10:24pm

There is no "Best" around here. Use the Force Luke, use the Force. The size is what ever you want it to be, this isnt rocket surgery. A deep box will be a little uncomfortable, if you look at the pictures in the slide show here, you can get an idea what most guys are using, or making.

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Permalink Reply by Cynthia on August 29, 2009 at 11:26am

I'm new too and I've never seen a cigar box except in pictures....lol... so all it know it is likely bigger than a cd jewel case and smaller than a bread box...so I also wonder the same thing....so....

When Mortimer Snerd says 'what's comfortable to hold' is good advice... and you can audiiton boxes you find for that
criteria by holding it...

As for the fretboard, I looked at some dulcimer makers websites and they suggest 1 1/2 inches is a comfortable size for a fret board - dulcimers are often 3 strings, but some are 4 (usually the 3rd string is doubled) although occassionally now they make 4 equadistant. Dulcimers are played on the lap, but have 3 recognized styles so it would seem to be a practical test. Besides, there is info out there for this config if you get stuck...and you can also use the dulci fretbaord layout - fewer frets but you can still play quite a bit...

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Permalink Reply by Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates on August 29, 2009 at 12:40pm

Tutu: "The plans, the plans. Boss I see the plans"
Mr Roake: "Shut up Tutu. Go get the plans." "Ahh greetings everyone and welcome to CBG Island. I am Mr Roake, your host. Now if you will proceed to the *Free Plans* above we can get started."

Seriously though, you can make a 3 or 4 string out of most size boxes you see in our PHOTOS section above. No difference. Same box.

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Permalink Reply by BT Cohosh on August 29, 2009 at 1:34pm

The best box is always the box you have.

I've made a raft of 3 stringers out of these little Romeo y Julietta boxes, maybe 5 by 6, probably "too small", but they make a nifty little nasally twang.

If you've got a box, any box, make your guitar. Put as many strings on it as you feel like.

It will play and you will love it.

Worst case scenario: something doesn't work out, and you salvage your tuners and move on to the next one.

Have fun building!