Building a Cigar Box Guitar 101

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Building a Cigar Box Guitar 101

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!

Members: 1746
Latest Activity: Mar 20

Discussion Forum

Cutting deep boxes in half

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

Attention 1st time builders!

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

Brickhouse CBG Wiring

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

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Comment by james mccarthy on November 17, 2010 at 9:13am
Hi... Any comments or ideas on Fretting a neck.... I've used dulcimer necks and that works out O.k. and i've even made one without frets... but I would like to try to make one with frets....
Comment by ledbelly on November 17, 2010 at 8:51am
I NEED GOOD IDEAS FOR WHAT TO USE FOR 3/4 STRING CBGS NUT MATERIAL.I DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO ANY BONE I DO HAVE 6 STRING NUTS FROM BROKEN GTRS BUT WANT THEM FOR 6 STRING CBGPLEASE HELP.
Comment by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker on November 17, 2010 at 7:55am
Good luck David! I hope my fretwire serves you well!
Comment by David Garretson on November 17, 2010 at 7:54am
Build number One has commenced.. Plans and material gathered, cuts are being made, and prayers are being uttered.... Thanks to Wes Yates for all of his pointers, and thanks in advance for the future gripes and questions to come!!
Comment by Wichita Sam on November 17, 2010 at 5:10am
Travis,

YOu can always take lighter strings and that will allow lower tension tuning... I works to the point of "sloppy"... then you can go heavier and tension up for "brighter" sound....

the best,

Wichita Sam

BTW, I've snapped a couple neck at the point of the pickup in my time... I know the pain, but it's great learning... If you've taken more than 5/16s out of a 3/4 thick neck (oak or maple), then be careful, very careful...
Comment by Oscar Myer on November 16, 2010 at 12:11pm
If in doubt, I would wood glue a piece of wood behind it as long as you can get in the box.
Comment by Pilgrim on November 16, 2010 at 10:16am
According to the D'Addario package between ~18 and 22 pounds (8.5-10 kg) per string.
Comment by Jarmo Katajisto on November 16, 2010 at 7:17am
Hi Travis, check my 4- string Dark Sumatra photos, there is mini humbucker in neck position.

I dont know how much tension is but it works and i make my style head stock there too, it ´s working, i use in Dark Sumatra AEae tune and neck or headstock is not going broke yet :D
Comment by Travis Gaines on November 15, 2010 at 1:55pm
anyone know how much tension there is on the neck of a 4 string cbg? I'm building my first with a pickup and am afraid I took too much meat out of the neck where the pickup sits. I don't want to snap the neck. I believe it's maple wood and the grain is running vertical to the fretboard.
Comment by Bruce Dunston on November 10, 2010 at 3:24pm
Oops, mistook Shawn for Shane, I also enjoy my after dinner "adult beverage."
 

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Discussion Forum

Cutting deep boxes in half

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Brickhouse CBG Wiring

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Aluminum License Plate

Started by Larry Sobol. Last reply by Larry Sobol Oct 1, 2022. 6 Replies

C. B. Gifty three string fretless kits.

Started by jon neet. Last reply by Taffy Evans Aug 16, 2022. 6 Replies

Frettin' and stainin'

Started by Doug Laffin. Last reply by Order99 Aug 11, 2022. 4 Replies

Bolt on neck to a set neck body?

Started by Paul Craig. Last reply by Paul Craig Jul 17, 2022. 14 Replies

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Started by Roy Smith. Last reply by the anonymous pick May 15, 2022. 2 Replies

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Started by Al Lobe. Last reply by BrianQ. May 10, 2022. 18 Replies

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