New guy here, sayin' hi.

Posted by Christopher Nies on March 16, 2011 at 11:49am

Hi guys!

     I don't actually have experience playing an instrument at all. But I think the idea of building your own instrument and learning to play it is amazing. So I've decided I want to try my hand at making a cigar box guitar. I love the way the instruments reflect their builders.

 

I live in Philadelphia. Listen mostly to electronic music and metal, actually, although I do enjoy a broad range of music. After watching some of the YouTube videos of people playing CBGs, I'm starting to appreciate Blues a LOT more than I used to.

 

Anyway, I can't wait to learn from everyone!

 

-Chris

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Replies

  • Mark Bliss March 17, 2011 at 7:04am

    Chris, I think one of Ben Gitty's kits would be a great way to gather the basic parts for a first build, and his website has some great additional information. He advertises and supports this website, so we like to return the favor in appreciation too. (See advertisement/link on right.)

    The neck however is the tricky area for any build, and given that you mentioned limited tools and experience, learning about the issues involved will be key to some decisions to be made as well as your success.

    I would suggest again doing some reading at the previously mentioned links, and once you have done that taking your further questions on getting started to a discussion area there.

    Hope that helps!

  • David Davies March 16, 2011 at 7:00pm
    Hey Chris. Welcome,I also cant play but enjoy the build AND I'm about 20 minutes from philly in the burbs...... Dave
  • Mick---The Rag Picker Mojo March 16, 2011 at 4:00pm
    Erial NJ
  • Mick---The Rag Picker Mojo March 16, 2011 at 3:48pm

    Erial....NJ

     

    M49
    Christopher Nies said:

    M49,

        That's awesome. I'm in the Rittenhouse Square area - 18th and Chestnutish. Where in NJ are you? I've got friends in Gibbsboro and Cherry Hill.

     

    -Chris

    MickyC49 said:

    Welcome to a lot of fun......I live across the water in NJ...Where in Philly are you??

    M49

  • Christopher Nies March 16, 2011 at 2:30pm

    Haha thanks. I can't wait to get started!

    It's really funny, but there is something about the simplicity and personality of CBGs that makes them so appealing to me. The simpler the guitar, the more the skill of the musician can shine through, you know?

    Lord, listen to me - I haven't even made one yet.


    Dan Sleep said:

    Welcome to the addiction!
  • Dan Sleep March 16, 2011 at 2:27pm
    Welcome to the addiction!
  • Christopher Nies March 16, 2011 at 2:12pm

    M49,

        That's awesome. I'm in the Rittenhouse Square area - 18th and Chestnutish. Where in NJ are you? I've got friends in Gibbsboro and Cherry Hill.

     

    -Chris

    MickyC49 said:

    Welcome to a lot of fun......I live across the water in NJ...Where in Philly are you??

    M49

  • Christopher Nies March 16, 2011 at 2:08pm

    That's reassuring, thank you. I'm gonna try studying the free plans and diving in this weekend.

     

    Question 1: Are kits a good idea? Or should I just suck it up and do it from scratch? I see on Amazon there's a kit for about $40 from "C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply" that includes everything but the neck. Worth it or no?

     

    -Chris

    swampapple slim said:

    welcome you will have a great expieriance here, remember the only dumb guestion is the one you dont ask Slim
  • Mick---The Rag Picker Mojo March 16, 2011 at 1:56pm

    Welcome to a lot of fun......I live across the water in NJ...Where in Philly are you??

    M49

  • Christopher Nies March 16, 2011 at 1:44pm

    Mark,

         Thanks for the suggestions! I'll definitely start going through all of that! I am thinking this weekend I will start shopping around for supplies. I live in an apartment in the city, though, so no scroll saw/serious power tools for me. Hoping I can make do with a dremel and a hacksaw! :D

     

    Oh, this is gonna be fun, all right!

     

    -Chris

    Mark Bliss said:

    Hello and welcome Chris.

     

    If you havent already I would suggest checking out the "how to build a CBG" section in the link top left of the home page. Also check out the "Beginners club" and "building a CBG 101 group".

    Once you have a build underway, you might want to start studying the "how to play a CBG" section, and various groups on playing that may suite your tastes or style, including this group.

    Most of all, keep it fun!

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