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 BrianQ. on November 17, 2021 at 8:42am

Yea Joe, same here, but I like to go a little higher 1500-2000 grit :)

Comment by Sean Murphy on November 17, 2021 at 6:58am

I've only used Danish oil once, and found that it had an oddly fishy smell; it's possible that it was just the can that I had but it definitely put me off using it more.

Comment by James Pobog on November 17, 2021 at 6:53am
In my experience with Danish oil on my full size geet builds,it's been generally great. Dries much faster than boiled linseed and you can get it tinted dufferent colors. My favorite is Golden Oak.

One thing...at least for me,...is that the very pourous ed grain of Doug Fir and Redwood can get muddy from the pigment. Regular wood stain is worse. I have started using Teak Oil too. I like Boiled Linseed the best, but it takes forever to dry...
Comment by Joe Caruso on November 17, 2021 at 3:01am

I wet sand the headstock and back of my necks with Danish oil - 400/800/1000 - come out smooth as glass 

Comment by MadGomer on November 17, 2021 at 1:49am

Absolutely

Comment by BrianQ. on November 16, 2021 at 7:46pm

Danish oil is for anything that’s wood?

Comment by jan Pili on November 16, 2021 at 6:00pm

can Danish Oil be used as a finish?

Comment by Taffy Evans on October 21, 2021 at 3:18pm
Hi, and if the nut has a square front face up against the fingerboard, measure from that front face. The scale length is from string contact point at the nut to string contact point at the saddle.

String height [too much] and or lack of compensation at the bridge end can contribute to out-of-tune notes when fretting.

Check your intonation, a string should be the same note strummed open and when fingered at the 12 fret. Only an octave apart.
Cheers Taff
Comment by jan Pili on October 21, 2021 at 12:39pm

oh, ok.

Comment by BrianQ. on October 21, 2021 at 12:35pm

If the nut is rounded like a bolt, yes, measure from the center?

 

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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

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