How to Build a Cigar Box Guitar: Unleash Your Inner Bluesman

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Cigar Box Guitar: Instead of Introduction

Cigar box guitar – oozing with rustic charm and surprisingly powerful sound – has captivated musicians for over a century. These DIY instruments, born from Inventiveness and a love for music, are perfect for anyone who wants to craft a unique instrument and explore the world of blues, folk, and slide guitar.

Building the cigar box guitar is surprisingly easy.
First. You find a stright enough plank of wood.
Second. Take two nails and a hummer.
Third. Place and hummer the nails at the opposite ends of the same side of the plank.
Forth. Find the fishing line. If you dreamed about the electrified instrument, then find some metal wire. Guitar steel string would be a perfect variant. Secure it to the nails. That will be your string.
Next. Take an empty beer bottle. Or you may take a full of beer, but empty it before applying to the instrument. Place it between the plank and string closer to the one of nails. That will be your bridge.
An extra step for the electrification. Take a single coil or even the humbacker pickup and put it next to the bottle under the string. I don’t care how you will fix it to the plank. You may use even a duct tape.
OK, the magnetic pickup looks like overkill in this configutration. Use the piezo elements then. It’s so cheap you can buy it in bulk on eBay for a couple of dollars.
That’s it! Your cigar box guitar is ready!
Sounds easy and not realistic, right?
Right. But have a look at Jack White.

OK. This will be not exactly a cigar box. It’s so called “didley bow”. And, yes, that was a joke.
But the main principle is here: – you create a unique instrument for yourself and you use the things which you can find in your household. Unless you do it for sale, it shold be like that if you want to step into the shoes of the real bluesmen.

Building your own cigar box guitar is a rewarding and surprisingly accessible project. It requires minimal woodworking experience, and readily available tools, and lets you unleash your creativity. So, are you ready to ditch the store-bought and embrace the satisfaction of crafting your own instrument? Let’s start then!

Gathering the Goods: Your Cigar Box Guitar Shopping List

Before we get started, you’ll need to gather the necessary supplies. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:

The Cigar Box: The star of the show! Choose a sturdy wooden box with a flat soundboard. A classic rectangular box is a great choice, but don’t be afraid to getcreative with rounded edges or unique shapes. Look for boxes with interesting designs or markings that will add character to your finished instrument.
Neck: You have options here. Pre-made necks from online ret
ailers or craft stores are readily available. Alternatively, you can use a broomstick or a piece of hardwood fashioned into a neck.
Wood Slats: Thin strips of wood (around ½ inch thick) will be used for the neck brace and soundpost (explained later).
Tuners: Standard tuning pegs (4 or 6 depending on your preference) are readily available online or at music stores.
Strings: Depending on the number of tuners you choose, you’ll need a set of guitar strings (acoustic or electric).
Fretboard (Optional): While not essential, a fretboard with pre-installed frets will allow for more complex playing.
Bridge: A small piece of hardwood or a pre-made bridge will be needed to hold the strings in place.
Pickups (Electric Only): If you’re aiming for an electric cigar box guitar, you’ll need a pickup and output jack.
Hardware: Screws, nails, sandpaper, a ruler, a pencil, and a saw are some essentials.

Bonus Items:

Slide: A slide – a smooth object like a bottleneck or a metal pipe – is a staple of cigar box guitar playing.
Decoration: Let your personality shine through! Paint, stencils, and other embellishments can transform your creation.

Building Your Blues Box: A Step-by-Step Guide.

With your supplies gathered, it’s time to unleash your inner luthier! Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the building process:

Prepare the Box: Remove any labels, hinges, or hardware from the cigar box. Sand down any rough edges and ensure the surface is smooth.
Attach the Neck: This is a crucial step for stability. Fashion a neck brace from the wood slats and screw it securely to the inside of the box, ensuring proper neck alignment. Attach the neck to the neck brace using screws or wood glue.
Install the Soundpost (Optional): A small wooden dowel placed strategically between the soundboard and the top of the box can enhance sound quality.
Crafting the Bridge: Design and build a bridge from hardwood or use a pre-made option. The bridge will hold the strings in place and transfer their vibrations to the soundboard. Position and secure the bridge at the end of the box furthest from the neck.
Drilling for Tuners and Strings: Following a pre-determined design (you can find templates online), carefully drill holes for the tuners on the headstock (the end of the neck opposite the body). Drill holes for the strings to pass through the bridge and body.
Fretboard Installation (Optional): If using a fretboard, carefully position it on the neck and secure it with glue.
Mounting the Tuners and Strings: Fasten the tuners into the pre-drilled holes on the headstock. Thread the strings through the bridge holes and tie them securely to the tuning pegs.
Electrified Blues? (Optional): If you opted for an electric cigar box guitar, install the pickup and output jack following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Tuning Up and Playing: Tune your strings using a guitar tuner (available online or as phone apps). Experiment with different tunings and techniques like slide playing to discover the unique voice of your cigar box guitar.

Taking it Further: Tips, Tricks, and Customization

Building your cigar box guitar is just the beginning! Here are some ways to elevate your creation and personalize your instrument:

Pickups and Effects (Electric): Explore different pickup types (single coil, P-90) to achieve your desired sound. Experiment with effects pedals for distortion, reverb, and chorus to add depth and texture to your playing.
Crafting a Tailpiece: A tailpiece, anchored at the bottom of the body, holds the tension of the strings. You can design a simple tailpiece from scrap metal or wood, adding another unique touch.
Alternative Tunings: Cigar box guitars are perfect for exploring open tunings like D major (DADF#A) or G major (GDGBD). These tunings allow for easy chord formation and a distinct sound.
Slide Magic: Master the art of slide playing! A slide worn on your finger allows you to glide across the strings, creating smooth, soulful notes. Experiment with different slide materials for variations in tone.
Amplification: For a louder sound, plug your electric cigar box guitar into an amplifier. Start with a small practice amp and explore the tonal possibilities.

Unleashing Your Creativity: Decorating Your Masterpiece

Your cigar box guitar is a blank canvas for your artistic expression! Here are some inspiring ideas:

Paint Job: Transform your box with vibrant colors, patterns, or even a personal message.
Stencils and Decals: Stencils or vinyl decals can add intricate designs or logos to your instrument.
Pyrography: For the artistically adventurous, try woodburning designs onto the wood for a rustic touch.
Carving: If you’re skilled with a carving knife, consider creating unique patterns or shapes on the body of the guitar.

Remember, there are no rules! Let your imagination run wild and create a cigar box guitar that reflects your unique style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need special tools to build a cigar box guitar?

No, you can build a cigar box guitar with basic hand tools found in most home workshops. However, having a drill and a saw will make the process easier and more precise.

2. Can I use any cigar box for my guitar?

While you can technically use any cigar box, wooden boxes provide the best sound quality and durability. Avoid using cardboard or thin metal boxes as they may not withstand the tension of the strings. In my first cigar box guitar I was using a tea box instead of cigar box, for example.

3. Do I need to install frets on the neck?

Frets are optional. A fretless neck allows for slide playing and can be simpler to build. If you want a fretted neck, you will need to accurately measure and cut fret slots and install the fret wire. A tip: at my first CBG I used a tooth picks as a frets. And it still works.

4. What type of strings should I use?

You can use either acoustic or electric guitar strings, depending on your preference. Acoustic strings give a more traditional, resonant sound, while electric strings can be used if you plan to amplify your guitar.

5. How do I amplify my cigar box guitar?

You can add a piezo pickup to your cigar box guitar for amplification. These pickups are affordable and easy to install, allowing you to plug your guitar into an amplifier.
But I find the piezo pickups quite “noizy”, so I use self-made magnetic pickups.

6. Can I decorate my cigar box guitar?

Absolutely! Part of the fun of building a cigar box guitar is personalizing it. You can paint it, add stickers, or inlay decorative elements to make it truly unique.

Conclusion

Building a cigar box guitar is not just about creating a musical instrument; it’s about embracing a piece of musical history and unleashing your inner bluesman. With some basic tools, materials, and a bit of patience, you can create a unique instrument that reflects your personal style and musical passion. Whether you’re playing Delta blues or just strumming along at home, your handmade cigar box guitar will be a source of pride and joy. So, grab those tools and get started on your journey to crafting a piece of blues heritage. Happy building!