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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  • Tone control is up to you, remember the rules.... there are none.

  • The pickup will work fine as well. You will need to notch the neck a little where the pickup will be located,the vol. and tone contols can be used as well if you have them. Nice box and don't worry about being a little off center you are probably the only one to notice.

    • I don't have an extra tele control plate. I will probably just use a 500k pot for volume only. I dont really need tone pot do I ?

  • Make sure the machine heads will be positioned low enough to get an appropriate amount of "action" (the distance from the string to the fret).  That was my biggest mistake on my first build. If it's too high you add wood to the fret board or the back of the head, but even if you don't it'll still work for playing with a slide.

    • I was just talking about using a neck pickup from a tele not the neck..lol Anyway here is my progress tonight...I didn't center the neck in the box...oops...It's the same front to back but higher up....Just more room below the neck for electronics.....lol.

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  • The neck will work fine just put something solid behind it ti attach it to. Check out the photo gallery you will find many with these 6 string necks.

    • Hey Guys Im back after losing interest in the cigar box guitar with some new goodies from a tele project. Can I use a stock tele neck pickup for my cigar box guitar. What happened ? I thought you guys were going to keep me interested.....lol

  • I haved picked up several cast off bed head and footboards(solid wood, not pressboard) I believe most are maple but I'm no expert on wood identification. The boards are usually 3/4" thick and stable.

    • good idea...Ive been dumpster diving at local home consruction sites in high end areas hoping for good hard woods left over from mantles and such....all else fails I will use the popular I have.

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