Hey Everyone! First post.
I started building a little over 6 months ago and have learned so much since - a lot by just "doing" but also from all the builders here. Thanks!
My first cbg was literally made from scraps in my garage. And since I didn't have a cigar box lying around, just built my box from 1/2" ply. After scavenging several cigar boxes, I noticed that the nicer ones used box joints, so now, mine do too.
I've settled on a basic design (8x11x3 box - 1/4" ply for the bottom - 1/8" ply for the top) and built 5 for my kids this past Christmas. Also added a 2-degree back angle on the neck to get some bridge height. However, I've noticed that there's quite a bit of pressure on that poor 1/8" top so I decided to try bracing.
Read posts, forums and threads on bracing. Looked at lots of pix and it seems there isn't a real consensus on the issue. Figured I couldn't really do any harm, so I ripped some pine screen molding down the middle, tapered the ends and notched for a very simple x-brace.
Strung the first one up and... wow! This is a totally different animal! It's louder, brighter, fuller and a touch easier to get setup and intonated. I'm sold, but I can also see how this might not benefit a "real" cigar box - at least not consistently.
Just thought I'd share. Thanks to everyone here!
