Building a Cigar Box Guitar 101

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Building a Cigar Box Guitar 101

This group is for discussing the basics of CBG building for newer builders - where to start, what to do, common pitfalls, tips and techniques.

Keep in mind that new builders can find other great informative articles on CBG building, as well as most of the parts you'll need, over at C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply!

Members: 1746
Latest Activity: Mar 20

Discussion Forum

Cutting deep boxes in half

Started by Justin Stanchfield. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 20. 9 Replies

Attention 1st time builders!

Started by BrianQ.. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 27. 2 Replies

Brickhouse CBG Wiring

Started by Ian Boyd. Last reply by Ian Boyd Dec 11, 2023. 1 Reply

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Comment by James Saurbaugh on June 5, 2020 at 2:42pm

Well thank you all for the input. The problem has been isolated to the amp cord itself. It is not consistently making a good connection inside the sleeve that enters the CBG. Of course when I tested it with another guitar, it worked. When I tried the CBG, it stopped. Apparently I give up too easily. With a bit of fiddling and inspection of the solder points inside the plug sleeve, we found the issue. A new solder joint and the CBG sounds awesome! I can't play at all... but I feel like I could do a concert right now. Thanks again for the help. 

Comment by Ted Crocker on June 5, 2020 at 9:49am

Without actually seeing your circuit, here's a wiring diagram I made and you can ensure yours is wired correctly.  http://handmademusic.ning.com/photo/piezo-volume-jack?context=album...

One thought is that it's possible that when soldering the wires to the piezo you inadvertently got a blob of solder on the brass part onto the ceramic part.

Here's a video I made to show how to solder hookup wires to a piezo disk  http://handmademusic.ning.com/video/ted-tv-soldering-hookup-wires

If you still have a problem, find me at my Handmade Music Clubhouse and I'll try to help.

WWW.HandmadeMusicClubhouse.com

Good luck!

Comment by BrianQ. on June 5, 2020 at 6:44am

James, was it a pre wired piezo, did you confirm its wiring is correct, did you follow a wiring schematic? Also piezos can be very quiet when improperly placed, closest to the bridge is best?

Comment by Kigar on June 5, 2020 at 5:27am

James, a dumb one that happened to me was the plug actually went past the inner contact on the jack, it worked slightly backed out.  Do you hear a click or pop when plugging in?

Comment by Oscar Myer on June 5, 2020 at 1:09am

Howdy, James. Assuming that all connections are correct & solid. It's possible you could have a bad potentiometer.I would try jumping the in & out lugs on the volume pot to see if it works.

Good luck!

Comment by James Saurbaugh on June 5, 2020 at 12:31am

Well I am proud to say I just completed my very first CBG build. I am very happy with the way it all turned out and I have three kids who I plan to build one for each of them next. But I added a Piezo disc pickup yo mine with a standard jack and volume control. When I plug it into an amp, I get no sound from the CBG. I confirmed the amp is working with another guitar, but not getting anything from my CBG. Before I crack it open, I thought I'd ask if anyone has a resource for troubleshooting these so I know what to even look for other than an obvious broken solder connection. Thanks!

Comment by Paul Craig on February 28, 2020 at 10:25am

Cut a 45 degree edge on each piece to be joined and glue them together with a square piece in the inside corner for re-enforcement.

Comment by Rich Butters on February 25, 2020 at 9:58pm

Hi Ben,  are the boxes all 5ply wood i.e. top, bottom, sides?  How are the boxes joined with 'mitre joints at each corner another type of joint?

The reason I ask is that I have a 'ton' of plywood and am looking to make my first guitar using this

Cheers

Rich

Comment by Ben Ridgeway on February 24, 2020 at 7:59am

You're right , bolt-on neck

Both of those are champagne boxes

They are built with a 5ply wood top so I deemed bracing as overkill

I make the footprint of the bridge as wide as possible to move the tension more towards the side

I go as far as saying , no trouble so far

Comment by Ben Ridgeway on February 24, 2020 at 7:51am

You're right , bolt-on neck

Both of those are champagne boxes

They are built with a 5ply wood top so I deemed bracing as overkill

I make the footprint of the bridge as wide as possible to move the tension more towards the side

I go as far as saying , no trouble so far

 

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