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Can I use these small cigar boxes?

Posted by Robert Edwin Keable on January 25, 2010 at 1:58pm in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion

I have bought 2 small cigar boxes  a 'La Corona' 5 1/4" x 8 1/4" x 1 5/8" and a 'La Doncella' 5" x 8" x 1 1/2" are these too small for 3 srtingers?  And what scale length ? plan on piezo bridge pup...

 

Any help much apprieciated . Cheers

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Replies

  • Shawn January 26, 2010 at 9:10am
    My steampunk guitar I used two small boxes. I joined them together to get the scale I was after.
  • Andrew Fowle January 26, 2010 at 2:42am
    Hey Randy, what can you tell us about that fret spacing? It hardly looks like 12tet.
    Randy S. Bretz said:

    19 " scale length, 4 string dulci-jo, frame under the box, 6" hand drum pot.
  • Wichita Sam January 25, 2010 at 6:42pm
    smaller boxes with a standard scale (24-25 1/2") can give you a "vintage" look,,, many older boxes were smallish and were used for CBGsssss.....

    I have not problem with shorter scale length either.... you're the builder, follow your instinct...

    the best,

    Wichita Sam
  • Diane in Chicago January 25, 2010 at 6:38pm
    I'm with Randy, I'd go smaller. 17" or even 15".
  • Jkevn January 25, 2010 at 5:54pm
    An easy way is to prep the box and get it ready for whatever style neck you will be using. Put the uncut neck stock in position and use your tape measure to find a scale that is both workable and looks proportional to the size box your using.

    Find the approximate location for your bridge....pick a scale...measure to the nuts position on the neck...leave about 5 or 6 inches for your headstock. Look at the proportion to your box v/s the length of neck, overall length etc.

    I have to agree that a 22.5 or 23" scale is gonna be what your looking for. Build the guitar in your head first.....those mistakes are easier to correct before you start cutting.
  • Robert Edwin Keable January 25, 2010 at 5:27pm
    Thanks for advice . Love making these things just got to get more boxes a bit thin on the ground here in the uk. cheers.

    c# merle said:
    as long as your realistic about the volume a small box creates, acoustically that is, then go for it.
    iv'e made cbgs from smaller boxes before using a 22' scale and you can get a really good tone from them.
    have fun robert
  • Robert Edwin Keable January 25, 2010 at 5:24pm
    cool, 22 1/2 " scale sounds more in keeping to the scale of the boxes . Cheers.

    ChickenboneJohn said:
    They'll be right..just the job for single string diddley bows or 22 1/2inch scale 3 stringers..I've made loads like that.
  • c# merle January 25, 2010 at 5:09pm
    as long as your realistic about the volume a small box creates, acoustically that is, then go for it.
    iv'e made cbgs from smaller boxes before using a 22' scale and you can get a really good tone from them.
    have fun robert
  • ChickenboneJohn January 25, 2010 at 4:33pm
    They'll be right..just the job for single string diddley bows or 22 1/2inch scale 3 stringers..I've made loads like that.
  • Robert Edwin Keable January 25, 2010 at 4:23pm
    cool H.G this is my first (proper) cigar box guitar (have built one using an old cheap chinese chisel box and it is a bit of a frankenstien looking monster) and was a wee bit concerned that they were too small.

    HOGS GRUNT said:
    No problem with the boxes.
    Try a 24" scale and see how it sits on the box.
    If no good then just make the scale longer or shorter until you get the layout you want.
    Hope this helps.
    Hogs.
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