I recently picked up a cigar box I would like to make a guitar from. It is a "Luis Martinez Silver Selection" sampler box. I kind of like it because it lacks embellishment, just a plain black cedar box with a 4"x3" label. Kinda classy looking.
I am a little concerned that it might be a little on the small side. It measures 7.75"x 6.75"x1.25". Is this too small to build a CBG out of?
Also, I have a couple of old headphone speakers laying around. Would one of these work for a pickup? If so, any recommendations for mounting them?
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The first rule of CBGs is that there are no rules, if you like it, build it.
I had an old pair of headphones where the ear cushions had disintegrated. When I first heard of someone using speakers as pickups in a stomp-box, I grabbed a 1/8" to 1/4" adapter to plug the headphones in to the input jack on my guitar amp and was pleasantly surprised at how well that worked as a microphone.
My recommendation for mounting: I saw some youtube video's where the builder glued the rim of the cone to the inside surface of the box, trapping the pocket of air under the cone. if the air can't freely get in and out from under the cone as it moves, it won't work as well. I'm cutting up some popsicle sticks to shim up the speaker so there will be some air gaps.
I used a headphone as a mic in a stomp/kick box I made. I used some hot glue to attach it to the back but facing the top. Caulking actually also works very well for this sort of thing. The hardest part of using headphones is getting them soldered to the jack. They work though. You may have to deal a bit with feedback. Worth a try though.
It might, and it won't take much to find out. Plus, it will be a good learning experience. Go for it and let us know what you discover.
That is a cool box! I just did a guitar on a box of similar size. Look in the photos section for ideas. There are many options for you. I would say go for it.