Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Scott aka Farmer Ted on March 17, 2015 at 4:19am

Hi Jeff,

Welcome to CBN. Fretboards on cigar box guitars won't often have a radius. Especially with only 3 or 4 strings. Really no need for a radius until you move up to 6 string versions.

Any pickup for standard electric guitars can be used for cbg's, and many people use these. They are relatively inexpensive. Some builders will angle the pickup to get a better alignment of the poles relative to the strings. Other options for factory built pickup include lipstick styles, rail pups, or mini-humbuckers that don't have visible pole pieces.

Some builders, including myself, wind our own pickups to better suit 3 or 4 string builds. Some are designed like a Tele or strat type that requires space below the body top for installation/hookup. Others are ultra-thin surface mount styles that can be installed right on top of the cigar box.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Delys on March 17, 2015 at 5:03am

Thanks for the quick reply.  Regarding winding pickups, any advice on magnet type and number of turns of wire? Surely this must depend on the bobbin type used.  I've resisted winding pickups for a long time because I really don't need another out-of-control obsession, but this might just be the excuse to get that one started.  Also, do you typically use truss rods?  I don't see them in any of the tutorials.  If cost and experience installing are not to be considered, is there a compelling reason not to use one? 

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Permalink Reply by jabes on March 17, 2015 at 5:11am

briefly, truss mainly not used because with 3 string tension there is no need, however some do insert a metal rod around 8" long under the fretboard  just under the 12th fret.,plenty of info on here about pickup winding  and people who will supply same..welcome

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Permalink Reply by Scott aka Farmer Ted on March 17, 2015 at 5:35am

As Jabes said, with 3 strings, truss isn't really needed. With 4 or more strings, probably a good idea.

Out of control obsession? Well, why not add one to the mix? It goes with the territory.

Pickup magnets can be anything from pole type to bar magnets, even round flat disks. No need to worry about if it's alnico 2 or 5. Only suggestion is to avoid rare earth magnets...way to strong for what goes on in a pickup. Wire gauge either 42 or 43, as usual.

Number of turns of wire really is a matter of open debate.  Nobody here will claim to have that number dialed down to a science. Keep it simple, wrap that little booger up until it's full. String it up & play...enjoy.

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Permalink Reply by the anonymous pick on March 17, 2015 at 4:35am

welcome  ..    yup  ,  scott  basically  summed  it  up   for  ya  ;-)

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Permalink Reply by darryl kernaghan on March 17, 2015 at 5:27am

Welcome Jeff,generally with a 3 or 4 string,truss rods aren't necessary if using hardwoods,particularly with a f/board laminate as well,radius of fretboard should only effect the slide if nut,and or bridge are radiussed,and then only margianally,Scott who answered first,makes pick ups as do others here,me included,but i'm far from a knowledge source,but generally on a 3 with pole spacings of 3/8 or so,around 5-7,00 winds will get you in the ball park depending what sound you,re looking for

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Permalink Reply by Keith on March 17, 2015 at 6:24am

Welcome Jeff, Just over the hill from you in Idaho.  A noob to this my self and you can count on CBG's to start all kinds obsessions lots of liitle rabbit trails to follow.  Love to see one of your Teles maybe next time we get to missoula to eat some famous daves..lol

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Delys on March 17, 2015 at 7:14am

Wow, that's a lot of good information. And fast!  I currently have a box I'm building out of maple that is approximately 8" X 15" and maybe 2-1/2" thick.  Made from material originally bought for fretboards and tele tops but re-purposed for a CBG type body.  It's surprisingly hard to find actual cigar boxes locally and shipping on empty ones is more then the purchase price.  I could buy a dozen or so at a time, but then I would have a dozen or so CBG's.  I know this from past personal history.  Anyway, I'm trying my hardest to "wing it" on this build and not get OCD about details.  Not sure how well that's going to go.  The pic is a tele I built some time ago.

    

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Permalink Reply by Keith on March 17, 2015 at 7:25am

my friend that guitar sums up what I'm working toward, it is beautiful and if it plays as well as it looks then you sir are a true craftsman!

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Delys on March 17, 2015 at 8:01am

Thanks Keith.  That guitar was my entry in the 2013 TDPRI challenge contest.  I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.  

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Permalink Reply by Scott aka Farmer Ted on March 17, 2015 at 7:43am

So true about cigar boxes...shipping is more than the box costs. I agree with Keith, great looking Tele. Lots of members here build their own box, just like you're trying. Good idea too, especially to get a box sized larger and with the look you're after.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Delys on March 17, 2015 at 8:38am

The thing that really appeals to me about CBGs is the apparent lack of regard for copying a proven plan or popular style.  No templates to follow and reusing old stuff is encouraged.  Nice!   

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