Box Size -vs- Sound?

Posted by James Boutilier on June 30, 2011 at 11:50pm
So, ive been stressing over best box size.
Building is new to me and ive only been able to guestimate some sizes people like for a nice sound.

Ive had some access to about 6"x2"x8 to 9" box.
But it looked like people were using big like 8x12...

So, can i get some input what people find to give a true guitar sound and projection?

Is a box 5x1.5x8 going to sound different than 6x12 or deep box, or square?
Is projection greatly affected? Tone?

My hope is to stick to 3-String Strummers & slides ... mainly bluegrass and irish for strummer and the usual for the slide.

Any thoughts are appreciated
Im just not sure whats best to seeks out of the gate without having to experiment much in the start.

Thanks

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Replies

  • James Boutilier July 1, 2011 at 9:05pm

    Been there Bruce.... thanks mate

     

    I think I might try making my own.  More I look seems maybe for something the size of a strummer and even a guitar if only 3 string, the difference in sizes wont make a huge difference.

  • Bruce Trappes July 1, 2011 at 9:04pm

    Try here:

    http://stores.ebay.com.au/Cigar-Box-Central?_rdc=1

     

    I've had quite a few boxes sent to Australia from this supplier.

     

    Other than that, why not build your own boxes?

  • James Boutilier July 1, 2011 at 6:51pm

    I'm now trying big distributors... I cant believe its this hard. I mean, almost not worth bothering any more.

    I wanted to build more than paper covered things, you know?

     

     

    The gems on ebay either won't reply, or stop replying when ready to buy a bunch, or wont ship to canada or want an extra premium for all the terrible hassle.

     

    Buggers.

     

    Did I say,  buggers ?

     

     

  • 3 String Blues July 1, 2011 at 6:45pm
    I like big wooden boxes...Las Cabrillas "De soto" is the most champiest thang ever! so is big Padrons like a 4000...look out tone comin yer way!
  • Bruce Trappes July 1, 2011 at 12:28am

    Not sure size really matters here James :-)

    In my view, larger boxes are easier to hold, so I prefer to use them if I can get them.

    I think the internal volume of the box is more important, and how you attach the neck.

    With straight through necks I reduce the size going through the box as much as possible to maximise the volume in the box.

    Also having as little of the neck as possible coming into contact with the top & bottom of the box gives "fuller" sound.

    The material that the box is made of is also important in getting good sound. I particularly like Oliva boxes for this reason.

    Shanes Field Holler guitars are around 7 X 9 X 2 and produce great sound.

    You can control tone to some extent by using different gauge strings.

    Size & placement of sound holes will also affect projection.

    At the end of the day I think you are still going to have to experiment to some extent to get the sound YOU want.

    Try watching people playing 3 string CBG's on YouTube. You can see what box they are using and hear how they sound.

    Sorry if I've further added to your delima :-(

This reply was deleted.