Hi all,

On my current build, I decided to construct my own box with some quality wood. But I was curious to know if anyone had suggestions on joinery for the best sound and strength. I went with dovetails just for the fun of it, although I know cigar boxes traditionally use box/finger joints. Any suggestions or ideas would be welcome.

Thanks!

Views: 915

Replies to This Discussion

When building LPG's I use a simple miter joint. Here's an image. After the corners dry I add bracing. These are paired typically with a single coil pup, so the acoustic sound quality is rather immaterial. Its easy. Its quick.

That is more or less how I do mine, much like making a drawer box. You use rubber, I use masking tape. The sides can be planed to unequal heights, the ends different as a result, and the final result is quite easy on the eye.....  Braced in the corners by a bit of quadrant, plus these give the lid and base somewhere to be screwed, or glued to. I often use 5/6mm thick Sapele.   I wish I had taken a few pictures of my earlier builds though...!!!

Hi Chris, I am a real armature at building so no advice from me but question.  I love the looks of dovetail & finger joints as I think this shows 'craftsmanship' 

I live in Thailand so I can’t get cigar boxes and to import will be a 'nightmare' getting tobacco products through Thai customs.  I know there empty boxes but the mention of cigars would raise a red flag.  I will be building making my own boxes from Mahogany or Rubber Wood boxes and necks and fret boards

My understanding is the actual top (soundboard) of the guitar that generates the sound by vibrating like a drum skin. Usually, up to 80% of the sound is created from two vibration points to either side, and just below the bridge. 

The question is 'do the dovetails hold this sound board too tightly and stop the vibration? and do the dovetails alter the sound characteristics of your guitar?’

Also ' what thickness is the wood top, sides and bottom?'

Cheers

Rich

Hi Rich. Good questions. I think the consensus from this discussion is that the thickness of the pieces I have is a bit too much. As it stands, I believe the sides are about 3/8" (far thicker than needed) in canarywood. The top and back are padauk at about 1/4" thick, which is, I've learned, about double the thickness needed. After learning so much from the folks in this discussion, I'm trying to figure out how to thin those down some (the back is already glued on, but not the top).

To your questions, I would guess the tighter the joint the better actually, so that whatever vibration there is in the sides isn't disrupted with gaps, space to rattle, etc. The type of joint probably does alter the sound characteristics, but how is quite the mystery. :) Really, I'm guessing it's not only the joinery, but of course the wood type, the glue-up, and any supports you might add inside that'll make a big difference in sound together.

As others have mentioned in this discussion, that's the fun of it all...finding out what your guitar will sound like when it's all said and done. Kind of like finding out what your baby will look like when it's born (my wife would probably not appreciate that simile).

Hi Chris, thanks for the response.  I will be building in Mahogany and have sourced the box wood

I will let you know how I get on

Cheers

Rich

Don’t worry about the sides being too thick, it’s the thickness of the top that makes all the difference? Just like the LPG pic above? 1/4” is fine, I have several vintage hollow body/arch tops built with 1/4” solid maple tops & the sound is phenomenal?

Chris - I agree with Brian Q - don't sweat the thickness of your sides or the type of joinery (as long as it's tight).  I expect the overall stiffness of the top to have the biggest impact on your acoustic response (that stiffness is a result of thickness, wood species, and any bracing you might have, particularly around the bridge.)   Stiffness of the back would be the second biggest contributor.  Since your top is not attached yet, consider thinning that up but don't get too hung up if you can't get it down to 1/8".  Since your back is attached, thinning it by sanding or planing is about your only option short of trying to remove it entirely, and that may not be worth the risk on guitar #1.  Build on my friend, you'll continue to learn as you go.  If you do remove material from the back, check the thickness before you start and monitor it as you go to avoid going too far.

I agree. Build it, try it, and most important..... Play it.

When the time comes, (and it likely will) build another. Try something different, play that. A lot. 

This can be a lot of fun if you dont get hopelessly hung up on the minutia.

My first two had way too much flex in the neck and were basically not playable. They frustrated me immensely until I finally took the time to add some backing to them and take the time to get everything blended to a nice looking and feeling contour. Both are now great in their own right, but still have unique personalities and fun to play. You're off to a good start with that box, keep the pictures coming!

Hi guys. Finally got ‘er done! I’ll have some better pics of the thing soon, but aside from a slightly misaligned pick-up and some funkiness on the headstock, it turned out nicely and the sound is beautiful. Aside from the fretboard from CB Gitty and some drill holes, everything is 100% hand-cut, including my first scarf joint for the neck/headstock junction, which was an adventure let me tell you. Thanks for the input on the body joints. I might pop some holes in it at a later date to see how it sounds as more of an acoustic, but for now I’m going to enjoy noodling on this thing.

Pretty sweet!

Very well done Chris!  One down, 2.2412953 million more to go!

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


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

Fretless fret markers

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Michael Myers Apr 20, 2023. 8 Replies

canjo building and tuning

Started by Brenda. Last reply by MadGomer Dec 3, 2022. 5 Replies

Minimum tools needed

Started by Wichita Sam. Last reply by Taffy Evans Nov 14, 2022. 21 Replies

High G problem

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Taffy Evans Nov 3, 2022. 4 Replies

Doubling the high string

Started by Robert Killen. Last reply by Paul Craig Oct 14, 2022. 23 Replies

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

Locations

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

Help please re Bento Box Uke "nut"

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

Clarification on pick ups

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Taffy Evans May 6, 2022. 5 Replies

Licence plate cbg

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Michael Myers May 2, 2022. 5 Replies

Builder's Tips

Started by Wichita Sam. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 23, 2022. 2 Replies

Getting there but needing advice/help please.

Started by Lionhound. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 18, 2022. 8 Replies

Tres Cubano Build

Started by Paul Craig. Last reply by Paul Craig Dec 9, 2021. 18 Replies

CB Gitty Country Roads Banjo kit

Started by Ken Hope. Last reply by Christopher G Daniels Nov 29, 2021. 4 Replies

Latest Activity

A.D.EKER commented on Dar Stellabotta's video
Thumbnail

A Cigar Box Guitar Six Stringer Built by Louie Lamanna

"i See Your ready to Blow away the GRAND STADIUM ! tree strings more of DAR DELIGHT !! Shine Girl !…"
2 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on A.D.EKER's video
Thumbnail

Im Troubled (Tribute) Mc K Morganfield by BCB - A.D .Eker 2024.

"Thank you for the kind comments Doug! Glad you liked the Picture !"
3 hours ago
BrianQ. commented on Dar Stellabotta's video
7 hours ago
BrianQ. liked Dar Stellabotta's video
7 hours ago
Southern Ray commented on Southern Ray's photo
Thumbnail

Project Punch!

" Thank ya again Keith!"
9 hours ago
Southern Ray commented on Southern Ray's photo
Thumbnail

Punch Project!

" Thank Ya Keith!"
9 hours ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on AGP #'s photo
Thumbnail

AGP #527 - ''Led-Zep 2''

"This build really strung you along Alan! Reminded me of all my fishing line experiments; a lot of…"
11 hours ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on A.D.EKER's video
Thumbnail

Im Troubled (Tribute) Mc K Morganfield by BCB - A.D .Eker 2024.

"Diggin’ the slow blues. I like that last pic Andries! Look at all those cool guitars. Yeah!!!"
11 hours ago
Dar Stellabotta posted a video

A Cigar Box Guitar Six Stringer Built by Louie Lamanna

This video is the unboxing and the demonstration of a beautiful, six stringer built by Louie Lamanna. Join Louie and I June 15 at the second annual Pittsburg...
12 hours ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on Doug Thorsvik's video
Thumbnail

Hail the Resurrection Day: 2-String Violin Chugger Cigar Box Guitar

"Happy Easter to you too Andries! The passion is definitely in full swing. Turns out I’m…"
13 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on Doug Thorsvik's video
Thumbnail

Hail the Resurrection Day: 2-String Violin Chugger Cigar Box Guitar

"Happy Easter Doug ! the Passion is in full swing !"
13 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on Ricky D's photo
13 hours ago

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 -->