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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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Latest Activity: Mar 20

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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 Wiley Rutledge on March 6, 2011 at 11:20am: Somehow isn't it easier to sit here and diagnose the problems when it's not US who have all the hours, nicks, scrapes and frustrations????

Comment by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on March 6, 2011 at 11:16am: Ha, seems like we all have the same problem at one time or another.

Comment by Scott Messick on March 5, 2011 at 3:52pm: It was the nut. I found a previous post by MichaelS which mentioned the same symptom. I filed the back of the nut a bit more and the buzz is gone. Thanks for checking on me. I always appreciate the support.

Comment by Wichita Sam on March 5, 2011 at 3:41pm: Wiley is on target.... first eyeball the first string to see if you have at least 1 mm clearance at the first fret. BTW, do you mean first string to be bottom string? If so, I'm guessing that it's more likely a flat spot on the nut than an alignment issue with the fret.....

the best,

sam

Comment by Wiley Rutledge on March 5, 2011 at 2:38pm: Sounds like either your first fret is a bit high on the first string or your nut (on your cbg) is a bit low on that side.

Comment by Scott Messick on March 5, 2011 at 2:25pm: I need a little help...finally finished the Brick House collection. My midsize neck has a peculiar phenomenon...the first string seems to rattle when played open but no problem at all when fretted. Any ideas?

Comment by dave jr on March 4, 2011 at 5:34pm: thanks for the tips they really helped

Comment by Alan Roberts on March 4, 2011 at 10:59am: Hey, Dave!

Start out with StewMac's layout for two Fender basses: standard and short neck.

http://www.stewmac.com/commonscalelength.html

Comment by Mark Bliss on March 4, 2011 at 7:16am: Hi Dave,

There is a group dedicated to CB and homemade basses as well as groups where there are extensive discussions on scale length issues and so forth.

Take a look there and you will find a great deal of suggestions and ideas!

Have fun!

Comment by dave jr on March 4, 2011 at 6:46am: someone wants me to build them a cbg bass i dont really know anything about a bass. any tips on scale, number of frets, string spacing? any help would be appreciated.