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Building a Cigar Box Guitar 101

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This group is for discussing the basics of CBG building for newer builders - where to start, what to do, common pitfalls, tips and techniques.

Keep in mind that new builders can find other great informative articles on CBG building, as well as most of the parts you'll need, over at C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply!

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Cutting deep boxes in half

Started by Justin Stanchfield. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 20. 9 Replies 2 Likes

Attention 1st time builders!

Started by BrianQ.. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 27. 2 Replies 4 Likes

Brickhouse CBG Wiring

Started by Ian Boyd. Last reply by Ian Boyd Dec 11, 2023. 1 Reply 0 Likes

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Comment by Glenn Reither on April 6, 2012 at 4:10am: Oh, and tapering makes slide playing harder. At least it does for me. Strings the same spacing all the way is better for slide, in my opinion,.

Comment by Glenn Reither on April 6, 2012 at 4:00am: Mike, I've been tapering some fingerboards. It's cool, but on 3 or 4 stringers it isn't necessary or particularly useful. The visual effect is not as apparent as on a 6 string. If you tapered a 2 string neck from 8mm at the nut to 10mm spacing at the bridge, you'd be only 2mm wider (less at wherever you fingerboard ends). On a 4 stringer it is 6mm difference. Hardly worth doing. BUT if you do do it, be very careful not to over taper it. For some reason it is very easy to take too much width out. I just finished a 3 stringer using a failed neck that was supposed to go on a 4 stringer but I took too much width out. Cut your fret slots BEFORE you taper or you'll never get 'em perpendicular. I've had my giggle tapering necks but not sure if I'll do it again.

Comment by MiketheNailer on April 6, 2012 at 3:07am: I may bind the box edges in timber and add C.B.Gritty's corner pieces.

Comment by MiketheNailer on April 6, 2012 at 3:06am: I have sufficient scraps of quality, dry timber in my workshop for the construction of the CBG. I will probably use my Incra fence to cut the finger joints for the box sides. Contrasting sides and ends should look nice.

Comment by MiketheNailer on April 6, 2012 at 3:04am: I wanted to inlay a carbon fibre truss beamto stiffen the neck of my StrumlikeStick. I may epoxy a length of steel bar down the flat and planed neck of my CBG build.

Comment by Wiley Rutledge on April 6, 2012 at 3:00am: Whatever close grained, straight grained, flat wood will work, it's not always about the specific type of wood, but the particular piece of wood. It does need to be straight, flat and have sufficient strength to resist the tension of the strings.

Comment by PhilUSAFRet on April 6, 2012 at 2:04am: In some parts of the country, they don't have maple or mahogany.

Comment by Oscar Myer on April 6, 2012 at 1:41am: If you got a Home Depot or a Lowes in the area, they sell one x two's that measure one & one half" x three quarter" of oak or maple. They make a nice size for a neck. Most people don't take the time to taper them. Just smooth off the edges with sand paper.