I'm in the planning stage for making my first 3-string. I've got two cigar boxes . . . one Padron Exlusivo and one Cuesto Rewy. The Padron has that kind of almost indented printing on it. I want to sand the lettering off. I'm a little afraid of sanding it too thin. Is there any problem with sanding that I should know of before I ruin a perfectly good box?
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Not sure why you would want to sand off the printing,it adds to the character of the instrument.
As Wayfinder said you can always make your own box from solid timber,it will sound better anyway,The wood for this one was sourced from a local model shop
That's an amazing job!
Thanks Wayfinder,George,Greg and Jo.
Wayfinder the top is a western red cedar off cut.
Jo why do you want to sand off the lettering?
I've been thinking about doing my own box out of some mahogany or something, but I'm afraid to put in a lot of effort and more money on my first build . . . hence just using a cigar box. But I like the idea of a nice pretty piece of wood without anything else on it except for sound holes, bridge, etc.
A less expensive option for your own box would be to use 3.6mm ply.
Use stripwood around the top and bottom edges of the sides and ends to increase the glueing area.Likewise blocks in the corners.
My "Day of the Dead" guitars were constructed this way ( see photo's )
Those are very cool indeed! Thanks for the idea!
MFJ.. that is one fine looking instrument.. great job