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 Paul Craig on February 25, 2022 at 11:52am

Looks great Rich, no problem making your own box. ;)

Comment by Rich Butters on February 23, 2022 at 7:25pm

OK, been building for a few weeks now.  First I made a prototype just to get a 'hang of' the woodworking then made my for electric 3 string.  I cant get the proper cigar boxes so I make my own from 8mm plywood.  The neck is scrap palette wood and the electrics supplied by Chickenbone John (in the UK)

Turned out OK and sounds good

Comment by Kigar on December 27, 2021 at 8:05am

Found a new source for boxes - Total Wine.  Sort of big box store for booze. Claim to be the largest seller of cigars in the US.  Anyway, one opened near me and they had a lot of boxes at only $1.25 each.  And wood wine boxes for $5.  Not sure if that is at all stores but maybe worth a look.

Comment by BrianQ. on November 18, 2021 at 9:52am

Nut oils are also one of the best for necks/fretboards, on the pricey side tho, but I happen to live in a part of Cali that grows almonds & walnuts commercially, so I get it straight from the farm after it’s processed at wholesale price? Post a pic, so we can see your project :)

Comment by Taffy Evans on November 17, 2021 at 6:48pm

Hi, as James says Teak oil, I use Teak wax, is good, I have used the wax version for over 30 years. It uses a mix of different natural oils. 

Danish oil, I understand, has a lacquer mixed with it apparently. 

I usually put the wax over a couple of coats of Shellac to get a smooth semi gloss finish.

Taff

Comment by John Mark Perchalski on November 17, 2021 at 10:42am

James Pobog...I mean, you technically probably COULD but I surely wouldn't advise anyone to do so. The Russ used something during the early part of the 20th to pack rifles that was the equivalent of our cosmoline and was reputedly a mixture of beeswax and diesel. It'll preserve an old Moisin against the end of the world, but when things warm up it tends to ooze out of the wood and all over everything else. 

TL;DR -- Cute joke, but not impossible, and not recommended. ;)

Comment by James Pobog on November 17, 2021 at 10:28am
"Jan, FYI pretty much, any non-perishable oil will work as an oil finish? "


Makes me want to try used motor oil...
Comment by BrianQ. on November 17, 2021 at 8:58am

Jan, FYI pretty much, any non-perishable oil will work as an oil finish? 

Comment by jan Pili on November 17, 2021 at 8:48am

ok. Thank you for the help!

Comment by BrianQ. on November 17, 2021 at 8:47am

The fishy smell could come from the way or where it was stored? 

 

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