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Questions about Bodys (No Cigarboxes)

My "CBG`S" will not have “Cigar” Boxes but everything else one can imagine. Self built boxes, bought boxes, Tin boxes, Cardboard boxes, Wooden Boxes with Plates, … whatever.

I think i will try out many things.
BUT if you have made Experiences with different Boxes, well, advise is always appreciated. ;-)

It’s important to me that my ”CBG`s” will have a good acoustic sound, even if they will have pickups.

And because I never did build a Guitar before, I know little about “Guitarbodies” and what does have an effect to the sound. I did do some research. But in am not sure about what I have “collected”. So I am asking You.

Back and sides have very little effect on the sound, right?
Does that mean I can built boxes with thick back and sides? Or better to use thin wood and strips to make them stronger?
Is it important to glue the box or can I leave hinges so that it still can be opend?
The Top has the most effect on the sopund, right?
Specialy the last 3^rd?
Wich effect does the soundhole, its form and position have?
What is a good thickness of the top?
Anything special to consider whyle experimenting with “Boxes”?

Yes plenty questions, but if you can answere one or two, it would be appreciated ;-)

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on September 20, 2018 at 5:26pm

Or are you covering for your addiction? Hahahaha

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Permalink Reply by Trevor James Tripp on September 20, 2018 at 4:44am

I'm a general music teacher in Wisconsin. I use cookie tins as bodies because they are much more plentiful than cigar boxes, cheaper, and everybody has a few somewhere. The tin has to be a decent size, not too big. I found round and rectangular tins sound the best, not the odd-shaped ones. However, the odd-shaped have a flair that can't be denied, especially for little kids.

Elvis is my best sounding one. He's a rectangular-shaped tin with eye-bolts for tuners. Elvis is wishing Merry Christmas, of course!

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on September 20, 2018 at 5:32pm

I have a Gas Can 4 stringer, has a wonderful reso tone.

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Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on September 24, 2018 at 7:44pm

Hi Andreas, just to reinforce what I have said earlier I have attached a photo.

The middle cbg was full acoustic, I added the pickup and pot to the top and must have cut the acoustic volume by 50%. Too small a soundboard to get the best of both worlds.

To show the importance of soundholes. The two outside guitars where identical. I added more soundhole area to one of them, and I'd say it has 50% or more volume now. Very noticeable.