I never see anyone post about this, though there could be a group for it. I can't keep track of the groups except through e-mail notifications. So... Let's talk about part of the reason we're all here. Cigar Boxes! I'l number them so they're easy to reference in discussion;
1) Where do you get cigar boxes, and how much do you pay for them?
2) What are your favorite ones, and why?
3) Anything you look for in a box?
4) Are you box crazy? How many do you have, or keep on hand at any given time?
5) What do you make with yours?
6) (Since we prob make more than one thing) What's your favorite thing to make with cigar boxes?
7) Is there something you plan on making with cigar boxes that you haven't made before?
8) Are there boxes you're looking for / would trade for / buy?
I'm pretty new to CBG making though I've worked on guitars for a long time. Just interesting to see what people like. And trying to create some discussion! I'll post an answer separate... Feel free to add a question too!
Replies
I got a few good ones out of my Dad's shed after he passed and a few free ones from a local tobacco store. Now I always get the "We don't have any" response. They probably sell them on the bay now.
My latest build is a Cedar box that I made from a Cedar fence plank from Lowe's for a whopping $2.55. It isn't oil impregnated, dried it in the oven and it has a great tone to it. Good Poplar, Pine, Fir and Red Oak can be had for little dollars if you don't mind making your own box. That can add greatly to your build or not depending on your abilities.
CBG sized boxes can be had at Hobby Lobby and other craft stores for less than 10 dollars and sometimes you can find a good box at a thrift store(silverware case, makeup case, small money box or other) for a couple bucks.
This one fell out of the bag from the other day. I'd LOVE to get another one of these Foundry boxes. Great graphic on this one. Going to turn this one into a high gain diddley bow for downtuned crust hardcore fun. Maybe a Strat sized blade humbucker so I don't have to chop the top too much.
I started by buying a box of 10 boxes through Amazon. (you get what they send you) But I got a great variety. All wood boxes. Some small ones have becomes amps and the bigger ones are being made into CBGs.
I also had a friend give me three old ones he had lying around. All the same brand, but different sizes. One is a three string, one is a Diddley Bow, and the third is in the works as a 3 stringer.
I firgure I can check with the tobacco shops around here when I need more, but haven't had to replenish just yet.
I get mine at cigar stores. I have 3 main stores fairly close by, they charge $1.00 each and donate all of that to charities.
My favorite one ever is a Punch Chateau, I've never found another one.
I look for size, the bigger the better, prefer wood and I tap on them to hear them resonate. I often use the bottom as the soundboard as they are usually thinner.
Must be crazy if you see how many I have and, I gave away over 100 before moving to New England 4 years ago.
I make instruments, mostly 3 stringer acoustic/electrics and some amps. Also use the boxes to store parts and tools.
I've thought about making some steampunk looking lamp out of one someday.
I would love to get some more of those Punch Chateau boxes!!
Do you have a picture of one? I've got a 'Cafe Royales' Punch box I think would make a great cigar box cajon. A little smaller than the one I made w/ a Arturo Fuente box, but it has the same snap and sound. I tap on them too.
1) Local cigar shops, for $2-4. I really try to stick to $2. I went to the next city north (Green Bay), and bought 20 boxes to get them down to $2. I'm shocked that one store I called wanted $4-10 for them. One local store gives them away, though other arts & crafts or CBG people know it.
2) I like Undercrown boxes for my guitars. Love the graphics, how sturdy they are, the way the wood stains. I horde these a bit. LOL. I like the large Acid boxes for amps best, and then Omar Ortez, Foundry, Tabak, Illussione... I like the Esteli boxes Wayfinder uses for wedge amps, but the magnets in my speakers are often too big to use them. For amps I look for a bigger square /cube box, and the sturdier the better.
3) I like dovetail corners. Cool graphics can get me to buy a not-sturdy box.
4) Yeah, I am box crazy right now. I bought 20 today. Most of them for amps, so they'll go out inside 90 days. But I found a new box I like (Comacho, with the Scorpion graphic and gloss tops. Bought four.), one with a Luchadore wrestler face, one with a lion's head, one beauty Perdomo... Mostly because they'll get used, and I made a 30 minute drive.
5) Amps mostly. CBG's and a 1 string bass. Electric washboard. My TV is on a cigar box entertainment center right now.
6) It really is the amps. I love electric instruments. Mostly cuz of amps and crazy fuzz.
7) Diddley bows! Working on a group of them. One is a sweet resonator for me. Then I want to make a skateboard cbg. Also was asked to make a cigar box stereo - mp3 player today.
8) I'd trade boxes for amp-size or guitar-cbg parts if someone can't get boxes or has to pay $10 each from a store or ebay. None I'm looking to buy.