Build a One-String Box Bass

In our never ending search for cigar box guitar plans, we stumbled across these very simple instructions to build a one-string bass with a "whamola" style lever as the tuner.  The plans come from a 1970's children's book. (I've lost the book's name over the years.)

Although the general idea for the box bass is great, the instructions are quite vague in these plans.  It would be great to have an updated version of this plan with measurement details and demo videos.  If you feel inspired, post them in the comments below.

Views: 4813

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Glenn Kaiser on November 1, 2019 at 4:39am

Sweet! My only comment is that using -round- weed whacking string will not only last longer than mono fishing line but also give better low-end. Also perhaps adding just a tiny bit of vaseline in the string slot on the bridge if slotted, or create a round-top wooden bridge, that saves the string from wear. Add a pickkup and YESSSS! Thanks for posting, very cool! -Glenn

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on November 3, 2019 at 11:25am

A Whamola!

Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on November 3, 2019 at 4:26pm

Pre-Whamola 

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on November 5, 2019 at 7:03am

;)

Permalink Reply by Glenn Kaiser on November 3, 2019 at 3:15pm

So I built a version of this. Will post story and pics tonight :) -Glenn

Permalink Reply by Glenn Kaiser on November 3, 2019 at 5:07pm

Here 'tis :) Story and couple more pics at https://gkaiser.wordpress.com/2019/11/04/1-string-lever-bass/

Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on November 3, 2019 at 7:13pm

:D 

RSS

The Essential Pages

New to Cigar Box Nation? How to Play Cigar Box GuitarsFree Plans & How to Build Cigar Box GuitarsCigar Box Guitar Building Basics

Site Sponsor

Recommended Links & Resources

Forum

Are metal frets necessary?

Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Southern Ray 16 hours ago. 8 Replies

AI Search Query - Curious Answer

Started by Southern Ray in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Southern Ray 17 hours ago. 6 Replies

Song lyrics for Steve's new song

Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by BrianQ. yesterday. 4 Replies

UK - Best Place to Buy Cigar Box's

Started by Rich Butters in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Crazed Fandango on Tuesday. 4 Replies

Busking Songs...

Started by Nomad Jack in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods Apr 17. 7 Replies

Joseph J. Rogowski about Current Based Pickup Design

Started by Moritz Voegeli in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 14. 6 Replies

crossover guitar.

Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Apr 10. 14 Replies

Flat bucker under box top. Any Success?

Started by Tom T in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 9. 9 Replies

Has anyone tried this? Thoughts?

Started by Southern Ray in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 4. 7 Replies

just came accross this pickup idea on youtube.

Started by Timothy Hunter in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 27. 1 Reply

VIDEO: Building a CBG with limited resources.

Started by Taffy Evans in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 10. 1 Reply

Free PDF Download: Vintage Guitar Effects Plans - 1967 Fuzzbox and 1969 Treble Boost

Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by BrianQ. Mar 9. 4 Replies

Tune up songs

Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies

Duel output jacks

Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies

No Harmonics

Started by Ken I in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Brian partington Mar 8. 8 Replies

Camera suggestions?

Started by Southern Ray in Cool gear discussion - that's not cigar box related. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 6. 5 Replies

CBG site issues, continued.

Started by Taffy Evans in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 5. 4 Replies

Anyone used a violin-style tailpiece on a CBG?

Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Carl Floyd Mar 1. 15 Replies

Guitar for the grandson

Started by Joe in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Carl Floyd Feb 29. 13 Replies

Building with vintage paper/pressed board cigar boxes.

Started by Chance in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Feb 22. 12 Replies

Blog Posts

I'll be fashionable this summer =)

Posted by Vlad on March 31, 2024 at 11:48pm 0 Comments

Everyone can make CBG. And I did it =)

Posted by Vlad on March 6, 2024 at 2:32am 5 Comments

.✨. Cover Me ..♪♫•*¨*•. ~ the Delta Blues Outlaws

Posted by billy jones bluez on February 28, 2024 at 2:09pm 0 Comments

Q&A with Arkansas-based talented blues musician Billy Jones, one of the very best authentic modern artists

Posted by billy jones bluez on February 17, 2024 at 11:00pm 0 Comments

Big Power Bank for Small CBG =)

Posted by Vlad on February 11, 2024 at 1:06am 1 Comment

Latest Activity

Randy S. Bretz posted a photo
Thumbnail

On the Bench

22 seconds ago
0 Comments
Keith Rearick liked David Hopkins's photo
Thumbnail

Hopkins Ligtnin 2x

30 seconds ago
Keith Rearick liked David Hopkins's photo
Thumbnail

Anti-Body Guitars 18,19 and 20

50 seconds ago
Keith Rearick liked David Hopkins's photo
Thumbnail

Angel 1 - Anti-Body #17

1 minute ago
Keith Rearick liked David Hopkins's photo
Thumbnail

Angel 2x Anti-Body #17

1 minute ago
Keith Rearick liked Darryl Tuttle's photo
Thumbnail

Old portable heater

2 minutes ago
Doug Thorsvik posted a video

Shout with Joy to God: 2-String Chugger License Plate Cigar Box Guitar

Cigar Box Guitar Slingers - Spokane, 199th Zoom Mtg 04/22/24. Only 1-finger chords, free songbooks here: https://www.cbgslinger.com/download CBG SOF Songbook...
1 hour ago
0 Comments
A.D.EKER left a comment for David Hopkins
"They look a lot like the Roger Farrington creation's from 1980!"
2 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on A.D.EKER's video
Thumbnail

All You Got to do is put your Mind to it ! BCB - A .D .Eker 2024

"Yes he was ! Uncle John ! thank you for the like and kind comment ! Dang me !"
2 hours ago
Uncle John commented on Gary O'slide's video
Thumbnail

Acoustic folk box cigar box guitar @RhialtoPurple

"Nice.  Bright and sunshiny.  Feeling good music.  Thanks!"
3 hours ago
Uncle John commented on A.D.EKER's video
Thumbnail

All You Got to do is put your Mind to it ! BCB - A .D .Eker 2024

"Roger was extra special.    And fun. Wailing harp there, A.D.!    Good tribute!"
3 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on A.D.EKER's video
Thumbnail

All You Got to do is put your Mind to it ! BCB - A .D .Eker 2024

"    You can Rollerskate in a Buffalo Herd !!"
6 hours ago

CigarBoxGuitar.com Knowledgebase Articles

Add a Panel-Mount Gain to a C. B. Gitty Amp Board

Cigar Box Guitar Building Tip: Neck Reinforcement with Humbuckers

A Step-by-Step Guide On How To Make a Straight Headstock

Cigar Box Ukulele Kit Assembly Guide

Advanced Cigar Box Guitar Building guide by Joshua Gayou

“Open A” AEA Tuning on your Cigar Box Guitar: 4 Methods, with String Sizes & Sound Clips

“Open E” EBE Tuning on your Cigar Box Guitar: 4 Methods, with String Sizes & Sound Clips

“Open D” DAD Tuning on your Cigar Box Guitar: 4 Methods, with String Sizes & Sound Clips

“Open G” GDG Tuning on your Cigar Box Guitar: 4 Methods, with String Sizes & Sound Clips

Diatonic (Dulcimer-Style) Fretting – What it is, How and Why to Use It

Events

Music

© 2024   Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

\uastyle>\ud/** Scrollup **/\ud.scrollup {\ud background: url("https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/963882636?profile=original") no-repeat scroll 0 0 transparent;\ud bottom: 25px;\ud display: inline !important;\ud height: 40px;\ud opacity: 0.3 !important;\ud position: fixed;\ud right: 30px;\ud text-indent: -9999px;\ud width: 40px;\ud z-index: 999;\ud}\ud.scrollup:hover {\ud opacity:0.99!important;\ud}\ud \uascript type="text/javascript">\ud x$(document).ready(function(){\ud x$(window).scroll(function(){\ud if (x$(this).scrollTop() > 100) {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeIn();\ud } else {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeOut();\ud }\ud });\ud x$('.scrollup').click(function(){\ud x$("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: 0 }, 600);\ud return false;\ud });\ud });\ud \ua!-- End Scroll Up -->