I am looking to build a couple cigar box guitars for the first time.  I am looking to build a simple base (standard) acoustic guitar first, then I would like to try to build a resonator model.  Is this too much for a first timer.  I have become obsessed with building some three string CBG's so I can then learn to play.  I've worked with steel most of my life as a mold maker and now I want to try my hand at wood working with these cigar box guitars.

Any advice for a first timer would be appreciated.

Brian Geisel

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I would build a three string slide-only guitar first.  Then a fretted one.  

To set the string action (Height), you need a little back-angle on the neck.  On a slide guitar, it matters little.  (you don't want low action).

most of all, have fun.  My first builds were notched necks, no fretboard.  I found that string trees are necessary to ensure enough downforce on the nut.  Now I make scarfed (angled) necks.  Also, with a separate fretboard you don't have to notch the neck as much, making it a little easier, but you do have another glue joint to contend with.

Keep in mind, there are no rules, have fun!

Dive on in, tons of info on this site, and we were all newbies at one time. Welcome to the obsession!

John,

Thanks for the reply.  So you're telling me I don't need an angled head for a slide CBG.  When I graduate to frets, then I will want the scarfed neck?  Can you explain what a string tree is?  I am waiting for a DVD from Red Dog Guitars on CBG building.  In the meantime, I am doing as much research up front as possible while gathering materials.

Brian

Gittyman.com sells an ebook on building cigar box guitars. I have used it and have built a very good slide CBG. His name is Mordecai Bondurant.

I agree and I really like and appreciate his personal service, too.

I spent the money for this as well.  I plan on cutting something this weekend.

Brian

Have faith, with the help of this crew, you can build a fine CBG.  I once built a dulcimer from a kit and trust me, you will be able to build a playable instrument that is fun to play on your first try.......as long as you adhere to the old adage "measure twice (3 times is better) and cut once, LOL.

Phil,

I may even check a fourth time for the heck of it!

Brian

Start simple and keep it simple is my motto and my advice.To get some experience with fret measurements,building the neck,etc (it's the neck that takes most time),I made some Canjo's and Spamjo's,then a rod piezo Diddley Bow and then a 2 string mag pup CBG.All unfretted and all for slide.Next is a 3 String fretted CBG which, with the experience (and mistakes!) I've had with the simple first builds should not be too much of a struggle.

Also, a lot depends on your skill levels,your expectations  and the equipment and working space you have.I'm an average DIY'er with simple hand tools working in a tiny shed full of crap at the bottom of the garden.

Many people on here have a liking for for a particular type of build and for me,it's the Grandfather of them all,the Diddley Bow.Simple to build,great fun to play and it teaches you so much regarding building and playing.

Keep it simple,have reasonable expectations,look for and ask questions on here but most of all have fun with it all....p.s,a string tree is a guide on the headstock for guiding the string into the correct position on the nut and down the neck.Look it up on here.....

Mick,

Thanks for your two cents.  I do plan on mistakes.  It is the nature of building anything.  I plan on simple to start.  I don't want to get discouraged.  I want to be able to master the basics before graduating to the more complex.  Everybody says the same thing, "there are no set rules for building, start simple, ask questions and most of all have fun."  I'm taking that advice and running with it.  I am in the process of gathering the tools and parts I need as I embark on my stab at this.  I will definitely share photos of my first attempt at CBG building. (good or bad)  

Brian, I am about 70% through with my first build, and my only regret is that I waited so long to start.

I read a lot about CBG construction before starting.  In fact, I probably read too much.

I still don't know very much, but I know more from building than I learned from reading.

-Tommy

Since you are building an acoustic guitar, be very careful when picking out the box you want to use.  Get one as large and deep as possible.  Look at the lit very carefully.  If it is absolutely perfect on the top, with no wood grain, beware.  It may be made of MDF (medium density fibreboard).  Something like compressed paper.

I have had good luck with Cohiba boxes.  Most are a little small for guitars, but a couple of them are ok.  

Ashton boxes sound real good, but also a little small.  I have used one on a Uke and it sounds great.

You won't know how the box is going to sound until you have finished it and strung it up.  Then, you may have to throw out the box and get a different one.  

Also look at the top carefully.  You want one as thin as you can find.  The Ashton has a plywood top, but it is thin and it sounds good.

I had a couple of Lost City boxes that looked good, but no decent sound.  I finally started digging into the top and found it to be made of MDF.  It was very cleverly disguised with veneer on both sides.  I replaced the tops with some nice, thin plywood and they came out ok.  Often the bottom is thinner than the top.  Some people flip the box over and use the bottom as the top.  Not a bad idea.

Hope this helps  These groups are not getting much action these days.

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