Building a Cigar Box Guitar 101

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Building a Cigar Box Guitar 101

This group is for discussing the basics of CBG building for newer builders - where to start, what to do, common pitfalls, tips and techniques.

Keep in mind that new builders can find other great informative articles on CBG building, as well as most of the parts you'll need, over at C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply!

Members: 1746
Latest Activity: Mar 20

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

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Comment by Taffy Evans on November 12, 2022 at 11:24am



Hi the two photos above show I do it if I can not get neck blanks sawn on the 1/4, or quarter sawn.

Electric guitar strings are normally a lighter gauge than acoustic, so extra tension may not be an issue.

I have also put hardwood timber in the neck, truss rod style. A hardwood fingerboard also aids stability.
Cheers Taff

Comment by Murray Wall on November 12, 2022 at 9:57am

Considering the neck of my CBG build.  Will be having a magnetic pickup so will need electric guitar strings = increased neck tension.

Have read that the end grain should be vertical (90 degrees to the fret board).  Also read that a laminated neck is stronger.

Which way do the laminations lay?  Parallel to the fret board or at 90 degrees to the fret board?

Looking at using Matai (New Zealand hardwood) for the neck.  My only other wood on hand is Pinus Radiata (pine).

Comment by Michael Fred Johnson on March 5, 2022 at 12:57am

Hi Tyler

One thing about this site, ask for help about a specific problem and you'll be snowed under with advice

Comment by BrianQ. on March 4, 2022 at 10:01pm

Check out the Resources tab or click on the “Essential  pages” tile on the right side of the page where it says  “Freeplans & How to build” They’ll both lead you to the right place? Here’s something that might interest you, doesn’t get any easier than this:

https://www.cigarboxguitar.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/NEW-36-00...

Comment by jonnythumper on March 4, 2022 at 9:46pm
Hey Tyler - I think there are some really good vids on YouTube (Del Puckett,Southern Fire Guitars and Shane Speal are three really good examples) that can get you rolling. Mike Orr’s book on Cigar Box Guitars was how I got started. Take your time and have fun - as all the smart posters here always say “There are NO RULES”
Comment by Tyler Jones on March 4, 2022 at 9:32pm

Hi I live in virginia usa, 

its hard to find some body in virginia near me to help me or teach me to make cbgs., but if yall knew anybody in virginia near mechanicsville richmond area in virginia i would appriced it tyler jones

Comment by Tyler Jones on March 4, 2022 at 9:32pm

Hi I live in virginia usa, 

its hard to find some body in virginia near me to help me or teach me to make cbgs., but if yall knew anybody in virginia near mechanicsville richmond area in virginia i would appriced it tyler jones

Comment by Tyler Jones on March 4, 2022 at 9:32pm

Hi I live in virginia usa, 

its hard to find some body in virginia near me to help me or teach me to make cbgs., but if yall knew anybody in virginia near mechanicsville richmond area in virginia i would appriced it tyler jones

Comment by Tyler Jones on March 4, 2022 at 9:32pm

Hi I live in virginia usa, 

its hard to find some body in virginia near me to help me or teach me to make cbgs., but if yall knew anybody in virginia near mechanicsville richmond area in virginia i would appriced it tyler jones

Comment by Tyler Jones on March 4, 2022 at 9:32pm

Hi I live in virginia usa, 

its hard to find some body in virginia near me to help me or teach me to make cbgs., but if yall knew anybody in virginia near mechanicsville richmond area in virginia i would appriced it tyler jones

 

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New to Cigar Box Nation? How to Play Cigar Box GuitarsFree Plans & How to Build Cigar Box GuitarsCigar Box Guitar Building Basics

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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

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Project Punch!

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Punch Project!

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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...
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