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newbie just gathering stuff for a 4 string build

I am in the process of gathering the the stuff for 4 string cigar box guitar project. As of now I have 3 different cigar boxes,and an old cheap electric guitar for the pick ups and volume,tone,jack etc. I might use the bridge from the old guitar because it looks simple and resembles a telecaster style bridge. I will probably pick up the neck wood from the local hadrware store. I just looking for any beginners advise for this project. Ive Got a bad habit of not finishing projects so I hope this forum can keep me interesting in this winter project. My inspiration for this cigar box guitar build is from watching Harry Manx play his on you tube....He really nails " Im on fire " by bruce springsteen with a modified johnny box cigarbog guitar.

Any info and tips would be greatly appreciated

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Permalink Reply by jabes on November 19, 2013 at 4:24am

I think you'll find it all on this site. just use the search facility with a bit of thought..good luck

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on November 19, 2013 at 4:43am

Check the beginner videos I have posted on my profile here on CBN. They may help you out.

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Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on November 19, 2013 at 5:37am

Measure three times!

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Lee dixon on November 22, 2013 at 1:56pm

I now have 3 different cigar boxes and 2 different pieces of popular neck stock 1 1/2 x3/4 and a 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 .

The dark box measures 7 1/2 x 8 3/4 ...the Macanudo box measures 8 5/8 x 6 and the Arturo Fuente box measure roughly 9 1/2 x 6 3/4. Which box would be the best for my first build?....They are all wood but 2 are paper covered.

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Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on November 22, 2013 at 10:43pm

Use the paper boxes first; if you eff something up on the first one, you have a second to correct it on, before attacking the pretty wooden third with your new-found knowledge. Mac paper, Arturo paper, dark box, in that order.

Is how I'd do it..

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on November 23, 2013 at 12:08am

I've said it before and will again. Practice on plenty of average looking ones so you know what you are doing with the pretty ones and don't embarrass yourself. Also applies to CBGs.

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Permalink Reply by darryl kernaghan on November 23, 2013 at 1:04am

agree with oily,hold off on the dark one,it,s got a future

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Permalink Reply by Rick on November 24, 2013 at 1:02pm

Another newb here, I just joined yesterday after ordering fret wire, tuning pegs and piezos.... I'm thinking about using "found" wood from pallets at work for the neck and maybe the body. I'm leaning towards a licence plate guitar for my first build.

I've been poking around the site and checking things out. Looks like a great source of information and inspiration.

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Lee dixon on November 24, 2013 at 3:39pm

We have plenty of oak pallets at work....already bought some popular from the big box store..still got to buy some basic tools to get started soon...all I have is large saws and stuff..lol

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Permalink Reply by Rick on November 24, 2013 at 3:57pm

I'm no expert on identifying wood, but the 2X4 part of the pallets I've seen look like oak. I've seen some nicely figured boards on them also. I'm really looking forward to my first build.

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Permalink Reply by Rick on November 26, 2013 at 10:53pm

I'm having second thoughts about using "Found wood" for my first build. I think I'll just simplify things and head to the local wood supplier and buy some nice maple for my first time.

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Lee dixon on November 29, 2013 at 6:40am

yea.. I only have about 8 dollars in both pieces of popular I bought at lowes....The pallet wood was my first option also but I would have to cut it down a lot.