Greetings To All,
Was wondering if there is anyone in the New Port Richey, FL area who has built a cigar box guitar and could give a few helpful hints. I have researched this for about two weeks, and my head is filled with information but still do not feel confident to actually put wood to saw -- totally frustrated. Just joined this group yesterday, and not really sure how it works.
Replies
I agree with Jan - you can go easily without most power tools but a decent drill is necessary and a hand held sander is also very useful. Almost everything else can be done by hand. Good luck :)
Alice; I have been a woodworker / cabinet maker for a long time but when I saw the first CBG my mind went blank as to how to approach this new field. Within 2 hours of seeing my first CBG I ordered a kit from CB Gitty. It came out great and gave me confidence to build from scratch. You don't need a big shop with allot of tools, although it is nice, but basic hand tools are fine. There are allot of hand tools that I use now that I haven't used for years. Bottom line, for me, the kit got started in the right direction and I still refer back to the kit instructions from time to time. By the way, I am in Key West.
JimO
I totally agree, as it is too cold these days to work in the garage that serves me as a shop (in summer) I started bulding my 1st cbg right on the kitchen table without any power tools except a drill. Now I am working on numbers 4 and 5 and still use hand tools - two high quality japanese Kataba saws, a few clamps, lots of sanding paper, drill and a draw knife, thats about it. Did I mention sanding paper?
Just get a box, some wood cut to the right size and you'll be playing your first selfmade cbg in no time believe me.
Hi Alice,
Don't be afraid! The absolute worst thing that can happen is that you ruin a cigar box or a 1X2. When you make a mistake you actually learn something. Just pick one task and execute that task patiently. Ask questions about that one task and when that task has been completed move on to the next step. You can do this. When I joined here I didn't know how the pieces went together and I'm still trying to figure things out, but just one step at a time and you will get there. This is so much fun you will be hooked in no time at all.
Charlotte
Boys, meet Alice.
Alice, the Boys.
Hi Alice! I'm on the other side in Ft. Lauderdale, but happy to help if I can. Welcome to the addiction!
Hi Alice,
I'm just down the road in Odessa.
Terry
Terry, is there any way I can get in touch with you in Odessa?
Alice
A quick way to find Florida builders is to join the CBN Group, Florida's Folks:
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/Florida
Just follow the link. I know Dave Onastik is in Winter Park, Florida, Hippy Chip is in Clearwater, Habanera Hal is in Fort Lauderdale; they are all Nation Friends of mine. You could try contacting them each personally by going to their individual profile pages. They are all experienced builders.
Ms Alice ,, U about to get bombarded with all kinds of info .. U can go to all the differnet blogs as well as the site thaT cater to the style u wanna build ,, uke ,,guitar etc ,, look at ms charlotte henry's page to see some beautiful scarfed neck blanks
Just so many to choose from .. and best thing to do is just start !!!!!! Once u get one made ,,this things is like rabbitts ,, u ganna have a buncha them in a short time