Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on September 26, 2010 at 8:17am

I like a box that is in the 8x10 inch range, and I try to make sure the lid is no deeper that .75 inches, since I use 1x2 red oak or maple sticks for the necks. If the lid is too deep, then when I notch the neck and lid to make sure the fingerboard is at least flush with the lid, I don't end up with a space between the lid and the bottom half of the box where the neck joins.

Other than that, I try to find ones that are visually pleasing, since I think most CBG buyers initially are attracted to the box first.

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Permalink Reply by Outhouse Instruments on September 26, 2010 at 8:49am

BIG Helix boxes work well.
I guess the "Macanudo Porto Fino Cafe" boxes are the Holy Grail, but they do sound good.
The brown Montessinos with the red and green trim work well for me.
I consider good sized Arturo Fuente boxes to be a cbg standard.
I also like the Romeo&Julietas for mandos.

Just remember, the bigger the better.

Matt

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Permalink Reply by Diane in Chicago on September 26, 2010 at 9:00am

Las Cabrillas with the ship on the lid, all wood
Don Pepin Garcias, all wood
Indian Tabacs, paper covered wood, on account of that great label and a really deep box
Chateau Real, all wood with great paper decal on the edges
that trapezoid one, La Flor Dominicana that I can never manage to get a hold of

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Permalink Reply by Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates on September 26, 2010 at 10:02am

See Tom, I like this discussion as opposed to 'What is the best box to use". I don't have a specific dimension in mind, tho my fave boxes are

1) Macanudo Portofino Cafe
2) Any other larger Macanudo box
3) PUNCH Gran Puro Sesenta

-WY

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Permalink Reply by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on September 26, 2010 at 10:31am

I like any box I can get cheap, but if you need names.

The Macanudo Hampton Court Cafe is a good box, I've done 2 and like them both but it has to have a plywood lid, some are pressboard.

Arturo Fuentes with plywood lids I like, I made one on the backside but the lid back flex's too much for my liking.

Any paper covered box with neat graphics.

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Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on September 27, 2010 at 11:16am

The bigger the better, at least for acoustic tone and volume. Most are a bit small to have much volume. I go for the "sound" of the box next. Tapping with fingertips to get a feel of how "live" it sounds. I often end up using the bottom as the soundboard as it is usually thinner and vibrates more. Then there are some that all this goes out the window for cause they are just so pretty that I have to have them!

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Permalink Reply by Catalyst on September 27, 2010 at 2:50pm

So far my favorites are the larger Padron boxes and the Punch English Market Select boxes, also the Cabrillas box 'that Diane was taking abt are good noise makers too.

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Permalink Reply by Tom on October 9, 2010 at 5:55am

Good question, as I was wondering this myself and I am sure many wonder which might be better suited than others.
My first ( which I am starting on now ) was with 2 kind of small boxes. When I realized ( woke up to that fact ) I corrected it by glueing the two together. They sit drying in the shop now. Will see how it goes.

Thanks for the good info everyone.

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Permalink Reply by Paisley Straenj on October 9, 2010 at 7:54am

I don't think there is a wrong size, I tend to use things that jump out at me and I think have style. To me the most important question you have to ask is this, what function is the box going to serve? In my first build I used the old "glass bottle for a bridge" trick, so my box is used to house the hardware (pickups, knobs, wireing). and has very little impact on the sound, at least not enough to be heard over the bottle's effect. But I think is important to get a box that is in decent shape other than that, just keep in mind the rule is the same with necks as with boxes, the bigger, the deeper.

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Permalink Reply by L.J. on October 9, 2010 at 9:10am

Ive used a bunch. My favorites usually have a lil depth but you never know till you build it. I can agree with Bluesheart I always tapp them to make sure they have some tone.
I finished a fuente today. I was building it for a charity auction so I wanted it to have an authentic cbg look since it was not going to be played untill purchased. So I used a fuente box figuring thats the most popular cigar sold in my area. I have built many of these boxes over the years and I am never overly pleased with the tone. The one I finished today sounds great! I was so amazed at the volume and the projection Comming from it. The only thing I did different from my other builds was use 80/20 strings that I only paid 3 dollars for. Its also been a while since I used poplar but I know I used poplar on these boxes before. Threw me for a loop.
My favorite boxes that always please me tone wise are the Romeo and Julietta boxes. They never fail for a great sounding CBG and they look nice for the selling side of the fence.

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Permalink Reply by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on October 9, 2010 at 9:30am

I just came home with 69 box's from one shop, stop drooling only a few are usable for cigar box's, still don't have a favorite though.

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Permalink Reply by Tom on October 9, 2010 at 9:39am

Thanks Mike,
There I was feeling a little guilty bringing home four boxes the other day. Sitting there wondering, just what am I going to do with all them boxes :)

Glued 2 together and now only have 2 left. They go quick huh :)

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