Broomstick Cigar Box Guitar. How to Make it.
Introduction
If you’re a music enthusiast who loves creating and playing instruments, then you might want to try building a broomstick cigar box guitar. This unique and fascinating musical instrument has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century when African Americans created them as a means of musical expression. With just a few tools and materials, you can easily build your own broomstick cigar box guitar and enjoy making music that’s both soulful and unique.
What is a Broomstick Cigar Box Guitar?
A broomstick cigar box guitar is a simple stringed musical instrument that’s made from a cigar box, a broomstick, and a few other materials. It’s a type of “resonator guitar,” which means that it produces sound by vibrating the strings, which in turn causes a thin piece of wood (the “resonator”) to vibrate and amplify the sound.
History of the Broomstick Cigar Box Guitar
The history of the broomstick cigar box guitar dates back to the early 19th century when African Americans created them as a means of musical expression. At the time, they didn’t have access to expensive instruments, so they used whatever materials they could find to create their own. Cigar boxes were a popular choice, as were broomsticks and other scrap materials. Over time, these instruments became more refined, and today they’re still played by musicians around the world.
Building a Broomstick Cigar Box Guitar: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore the building process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to constructing your own broomstick cigar box guitar.
Materials You’ll Need
- Cigar box (preferably wooden)
- Broomstick or wooden dowel. I used the broken dowel from the old showell
- Tuning pegs. 2 pieces in my case.
- Guitar strings. I had chosed to make 2-string instrument
- Headless screw for the bridge
- hinge as a tailpiece
- Nut, I used a small bolt
- DIY Pickup, if you want to make it electric, or Piezo Busser
- 250K resistor for volume control
- 3/4″ input jack
Tools
- Wood glue
- Screwdriver
- Hand drill
- Pliers
- Wire cutters
- Knife
Step 1: Prepare the Cigar Box
The first step in building a broomstick cigar box guitar is to prepare the cigar box. If your cigar box has a lid, remove it and set it aside. Then, using a screwdriver, remove any hinges or clasps that may be attached to the box.
Step 2: Install the Tuning Pegs
It’s time to install the tuning pegs. These will allow you to tune your guitar to the desired pitch. Cut the head of the broomstick in half to make the thickness of the headstock a bit less. At the same time it will create the necessary angle to the strings to be attached, To install the pegs, simply drill small holes into the head of the broomstick and insert them.
Step 3: Install the Neck
Next, it’s time to install the neck.
1. Take your broomstick and measure it to fit the length of the cigar box.
2. Make the holes on the opposite sides of the cigar box so that the broomstick will fit in.
3. Make a groove in the broomstick so that the lid will safely close.
4. Attach the pickup in that groove with a two sided adhesive tape.
5. Make the hole in the lid matching the place wher you install the pickup. You’ll solder it later.
6. Then, drill two holes in the lid of the cigar box.
7. Attach the broomstick to the lid.
Step 4. Time for Soldering. Install the Controls
- Drill two holes, one for the volume control resistor, another for the input jack;
- Install the resistor and input jack;
- Solder the pickup, resistor, and the input jack.
Step 5. Install the Hinge as the Tailpiece
Screw the hinge to the bottom side of the broomstick with two screws.
Step 6: Install the Strings
After the tuning pegs are in place, it’s time to install the strings. Start by threading the strings through the holes in the hinge. If the holes in the hinre are too big then put on some washers which prevents the string to run through.
Fix the strings in the tuning pegs the same way as you would do in ordinary guitar. put the headless screw as a bridge.
Tune the strings.
Tips for Building a Broomstick Cigar Box Guitar
Building a broomstick cigar box guitar can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the process:
- Choose a cigar box that’s made of wood, as it will produce a better sound.
- Use high-quality strings to ensure a clear, crisp sound.
- Be creative with your design. You can decorate your guitar with paint, stickers, or other embellishments.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials. You can use a variety of materials to make your guitar unique and personalized.
Benefits of Building Your Own Broomstick Cigar Box Guitar
Building your own broomstick cigar box guitar can have many benefits, including:
- It’s a fun and engaging DIY project that can be done with minimal tools and materials.
- It allows you to create a unique and personalized musical instrument that’s tailored to your preferences.
- It’s a great way to learn more about how guitars work and to develop your musical skills.
- It’s an affordable alternative to buying a professional-grade guitar.
FAQ
- How long does it take to build a broomstick cigar box guitar?
- Depending on your skill level, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
- What type of wood is best for a cigar box guitar?
- A wooden cigar box is best, as it produces a better sound.
- Can I use nylon strings on a broomstick cigar box guitar?
- Yes, nylon strings can be used, but they produce a different sound than metal strings.
- Do I need any special tools to build a broomstick cigar box guitar?
- No, you can build a broomstick cigar box guitar with just a few basic tools like a screwdriver, drill, and pliers.
- Can I add a pickup to my broomstick cigar box guitar?
- Yes, you can add a pickup to amplify the sound of your guitar.
Conclusion
A broomstick cigar box guitar is a simple yet fascinating musical instrument that’s steeped in history and culture. Building your own guitar is a fun and rewarding DIY project that can help you develop your musical skills and create a personalized instrument that’s tailored to your preferences. With just a few tools and materials, you can easily build your broomstick cigar box guitar and enjoy making soulful and unique music.
UPDATE: I have recorded the demo where I use this broomstick guitar equipped with a DIY magnet pickup made from the spare transformer
