Cohiba Cigar Box Guitar: A Unique Story Behind My Creation
Introduction to Cohiba Cigar Box Guitar
Once I was visiting my hairdresser Alex. As usual, we were chatting about what was going on in our lives. We discussed the news, just an ordinary small talk.
And among the other things I told him that I make instruments from the cigar boxes.
He looked intrigued and even stopped to do his job. Then he went to the storeroom and came back with a nice Cohiba cigar box from there.
He gave it to me with one condition: I should make a cigar box guitar from it.
That is how this project “Cohiba Cigar Box Guitar” has begun.
Materials Used
First, I needed to collect all the necessary parts before starting the project:
- DIY Pickup. I made it from a spare transformer coil and the neodymium magnets from the broken headphones.
- 3/4″ input jack – for connecting the cable from the amplifier;
- Resistor 250K – for volume control;
- Door hinge – for the improvised tailpiece;
- S-shaped small screwdriver used as a bridge;
- 2 grommets to cover resonator holes;
- 3’ poplar plank as a neck;
- Small bolt as a nut;
- 3 very basic tuners.
A Few Words About DIY Pickup
When I had just started making the cigar box guitars, I was wiring the pickup coil myself.
But later, when I found the trick with the transformers, I became too lazy to do it. So now I am:
- finding a spare transformer;
- getting rid of the E-shaped core;
- and secondary coil.
And voila! I have a professionally wired coil on the plastic base. Then I fill the cavity of the base with neodymium magnets, and my pickup is ready to go!
The Build Process
- Step one is making the neck.
Firstly, I curve the headstock and place the tuners. - The process of the fretting the neck is the theme for a separate post. Nevertheles I would put it as a step two.
- I attach the pickup to the neck and carve the hole in the front deck to let pickup through.
- Attach the neck to the box with 2 bolts.
- Make 2 resonator holes and fit in the gromets.
- Attach the door hinge to the lower part of the neck.
- Install the input jack and resistor.
- Solder between the pickup, the resistor, and the input jack.
That’s pretty much it. All parts are installed on the front lid, what is very convenient: you have a full access to the parts. Just open the lid.
The hardest part for me was carving the headstock. You have to be very coutious not to crack the wood. And at the same time you don’t want to cut too much, for headstock had to hold quite significant tension.
Cohiba Cigar Box Guitar. The Final Instrument
The finished Cohiba cigar box guitar is a testament to both creativity and craftsmanship. Its sleek, polished Cohiba box body retains the original branding, giving it an authentic and eye-catching aesthetic. The wood’s natural tones, combined with the iconic Cohiba logo, create a visual appeal that blends elegance with a hint of rustic charm.
The neck, crafted with precision, complements the box perfectly, both in alignment and style. The strings rest securely over the carefully placed bridge and nut, ensuring smooth playability. The hardware, including the DIY pickup and input jack, is discreetly mounted, maintaining the box’s integrity while showcasing your ingenuity.
When it comes to feel, the guitar is lightweight yet sturdy, making it comfortable to hold and play for extended periods. The neck is smooth and easy to grip, catering to both experienced players and beginners.
Plugging it in unveils its true magic. The DIY pickup, crafted from a transformer coil and neodymium magnets, delivers a raw and dynamic tone. The sound is rich with character, blending the warmth of traditional cigar box guitars with a unique edge, thanks to the custom pickup design. Whether played clean or with a touch of overdrive, it produces tones perfect for blues, slide, and experimental music.
This instrument is more than just a guitar—it’s a story, a piece of art, and a testament to the power of resourcefulness.
Conclusion
Building the Cohiba cigar box guitar was more than just a project—it was an adventure in creativity and resourcefulness. From the moment my hairdresser handed me the cigar box, I knew it had the potential to become something truly special. Each step of the process, from crafting the DIY pickup to assembling the final piece, brought its own challenges and rewards. The satisfaction of transforming a simple box into a fully functional and beautiful musical instrument is unparalleled.
This guitar is not just an instrument; it’s a story—a reflection of the people, moments, and ingenuity that went into its creation. It serves as a reminder that with a little imagination, even everyday items can be turned into something extraordinary.
For anyone considering their own cigar box guitar project, I encourage you to give it a try. You don’t need advanced tools or expensive materials to get started. All you need is a vision, some basic components, and a willingness to experiment. The process will not only teach you new skills but also deepen your appreciation for handmade instruments and the music they produce.
Take the leap, let your creativity flow, and enjoy the journey. Who knows? You might just create an instrument that’s as unique and meaningful as the music you’ll play on it.
