For those new to cb fiddle building, permit me to share some hard-earned tips to get you started right.

1.   Getting Started:   If you want to build a full-size (4/4) violin, it is critical that you get the correct measurements for the string length from the nut to the bridge, and the height of the bridge must be the same as a real violin. Bear in mind that a violin has an arch top, which raises the bridge height. Your cigar box will have a flat top, so to compensate, you must angle…

     So in my last blog on building your own truss rod, I promised I'd share what I had learned on making your own fret scale pattern. So here goes ...

     For my first CBG, I wanted to test my limits and see how far I could go with building a guitar. None of these "fretless three-stringers" for me; no, I wanted a fret board and at least four strings, which I felt was the limit before I'd have to worry about bowing the neck. So, wanting to be sure I was understanding all I…

     In my continuing adventure into the amazing world of CBG's, I soon discovered that my local music store, while interested in my builds and willing to carry them, thought that the playability and professionalism of them would be greatly enhanced by placing truss rods in the necks.

     While the thought may be anathema to the true CBG purist, there is without doubt among those of us who are building guitars about the nagging problem of the sagging neck! Under the tension of…

     Well, can't believe I've done it, but what a rush! It started when a friend gave me a copy of Guitar Player, I think it was, which had an article featuring cigar box guitars. The four beautifully photographed guitars an the feature page stopped me dead! I was hooked! Being a street busker myself, I thought, "This is just the ticket to get the real tips!"

     I found a website mentioned, and, determined to purchase one for my next guitar (I have quite a collection!), I was dashed…