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What to do with a vintage cigar box?

Posted by Craig Mayhem on May 22, 2013 at 9:28am

So I just won this "Rare 1925 Collectible Uncle Jakes Nickle Seegar Lined Wood Cigar Box".  I got a screaming deal on it!

It's 13"x8"x3.5". Really a perfect size for a guitar. But should I turn it into a guitar or hold on to it to resell? I don't collect cigar boxes, but I love a deal. 

The other issue is the top / label. I'd have to cut into it for sound holes. I'm not opposed to this. I think it would make a super cool instrument, especially if I can source some old wood for a neck.

What are your thoughts?

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Taking suggestions on this one too - not antique but somewhat rare:

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Comments

  • Ron "Oily" Sprague May 24, 2013 at 8:50am
    THAT'S the neck for this build! Yes! So, sound slots, like a Godin? That'll look kewl. Glad to help...
  • Craig Mayhem May 23, 2013 at 4:00pm

    Just bought this parlor neck to attach to it (thanks for the idea, Ron!) It's stright (supposedly) but needs a nut and tuners. No big whoop!

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  • Craig Mayhem May 23, 2013 at 3:56pm

    I think it's going to be a guitar. I don't have it yet but if there's room I think I'll do sound 'slots' for holes on either side of the label. That'll keep the sound projecting forward.

  • Suspect Device May 22, 2013 at 7:35pm

    Yes, build! A couple of small notches and holes here and there never hurt anybody.

  • Ron "Oily" Sprague May 22, 2013 at 12:33pm
    The other box is saying "amp" to me...
  • Ron "Oily" Sprague May 22, 2013 at 12:32pm
    Oooo, 'nother idea: with that tinned interior, you could fit it with a coupla internal sympathetic reverb springs, like pick does with the Swampys! You'd get a kewl echo-verb reso tone that way, I bet.
  • Craig Mayhem May 22, 2013 at 12:06pm

    Good idea, Ron!

  • Ron "Oily" Sprague May 22, 2013 at 11:55am
    Craig,

    For a vintage box, turn it into a vintage guitar. That's why you bought it, right? To build on? Find an old Stella Harmony neck, and slap that on it. Vintage on vintage...multi-vintage! It's a cigar box you scored for a buck, dude! If it were that "rare," a real collector would have seriously outbid you. I'm not saying it's not a kewl find, nor am I denying it's old. Just build the damned thing, then decide to keep it, or market it as a "rare Mayhem." Betcha get a couple hunnert for it that way. As far as sound holes, put one (just one) on the side, like Maddog sez. Don't mess up that label. He dicho!
  • Craig Mayhem May 22, 2013 at 10:38am

    Great find, Randy! Hope it brings you some good $

  • Craig Mayhem May 22, 2013 at 10:35am

    Happy birthday, Maddog... you're not getting my boxes, lol. Yeah I thought about putting the soundhole on the side of the box. I've done that before too. I'll probably do a rod piezo or a surface mount mag like a flatpup or one of my own. wrap it in red paper so it blends in. 

    I was thinking a stealth amp for the Filthy Hooligan box. Get a prop for the lid, etc.

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