How to Build a DIY Cigar Box Guitar: Complete Guide (2025)
We use affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of these links, we may receive compensation or commission.
Introduction
Ever wondered how to create your own unique, playable musical instrument from a simple cigar box? Believe it or not, DIY cigar box guitar has a rich history dating back to the Great Depression, and they’re making a huge comeback! They’re not just affordable but are packed with character and soul, perfect for blues, folk, and rock music. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned guitar enthusiast, this guide will walk you through each step clearly, ensuring you build something truly special. Let’s get crafting!
Why Build a DIY Cigar Box Guitar?
There’s something magical about building your own instrument. A DIY cigar box guitar isn’t just a project—it’s a passion piece. These instruments carry that raw, vintage charm that big-box guitars just don’t have.
Unique Sound & Aesthetic: No two cigar box guitars sound alike. Each one has its own tone, texture, and attitude.
Affordable & Rewarding: With just a few basic tools and materials, you can craft a playable instrument without breaking the bank.
Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’ve never used a saw or soldering iron, this is one of the best projects to get your hands dirty with.
Cultural Cool Factor: Rooted in blues history, cigar box guitars have been played by legends and modern-day creators alike.
Essential Tools and Materials for DIY Cigar Box Guitar
Don’t let the word “DIY” intimidate you. You don’t need a full workshop—just a few hand tools and a bit of patience.
Cigar Box: Choose a sturdy wooden box. Avoid cardboard; it doesn’t resonate well. It doesn’t ha ve to be strictly cigar box. Reveal your creativity. My first CBG was made of tea box lid.
Neck Wood: Hardwood like maple or poplar works best for stability and tone. But for the first make I would recommend the poplar, If you are not plan to uise pre-fabricated one.
Tools: Hand saw, drill, clamps, sanding block or electric sander, ruler, and wood glue.
Hardware: Tuners (3 for a 3-string), guitar strings, fret wire, nut (bone or plastic), bridge, and optional pickup if you want it electric.
Pro tip: Always wear eye protection when cutting or drilling. You want to rock, not lose an eyeball.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your DIY Cigar Box Guitar
This is where the magic happens. Take it slow, and enjoy every stage of bringing your instrument to life.
Measure & Cut the Neck: A standard length is about 36 inches. Use a ruler and mark where the box and frets will go.
Prep the Box: Drill holes for the neck and sound holes. Reinforce with scrap wood if the box is flimsy.
Attach the Neck: Fit it through the box, making sure it’s snug. Glue and clamp it in place. Let it cure overnight.
Install Frets: Use a fret template if you have one. Cut fret slots carefully and hammer in fret wire. File edges smooth.
Add Hardware: Install tuners, glue the nut, place the bridge, and attach string anchors. String it up loosely for now.
By the end of this section, your guitar should look like a real instrument. Almost ready to play!
Adding Electronics to Your DIY Cigar Box Guitar
If you’re into electric sounds or playing through an amp, adding a pickup is a game changer.
Pickup Options: Piezo discs are easy to install and cheap. Magnetic pickups offer a fuller tone.
Basic Wiring: Solder the pickup to a jack. If you’re adding volume/tone knobs, add a potentiometer.
Install the Jack: Drill a hole for the output jack—usually on the box’s side—and secure it with a nut and washer.
Noise Reduction: Use shielding tape or foil inside the box to cut out buzz and feedback.
Adding electronics takes your cigar box guitar from campfire to concert-ready.
Finishing and Customizing Your Cigar Box Guitar
Here’s where you get to flex your creative muscles.
Sanding & Staining: Smooth out all edges. A light stain can bring out beautiful grain in your wood.
Protective Finish: Use polyurethane or tung oil to seal your build. It helps with durability and feel.
Decoration: Add vintage cigar labels, paint, metal accents, or woodburning designs.
Upkeep: Wipe it down after use, check hardware tightness, and store it somewhere dry.
Trust me, it feels amazing to play something you’ve made look so good.
Playing Your DIY Cigar Box Guitar
Time to make some noise!
Tuning Tips: Try open G (GDG) or open D (DAD) for that classic blues slide sound.
Slide Guitar Techniques: Use a glass slide or even a socket wrench to start. Practice vibrato and sustain.
Chords & Riffs: You don’t need to know music theory. Simple three-note shapes go a long way.
Online Resources: YouTube has a goldmine of tutorials. Facebook groups and forums are great for tips and inspiration.
There’s a reason so many people fall in love with these guitars—they just feel different.
Conclusion
Building your own DIY cigar box guitar is more than a weekend project—it’s a personal, musical journey. From selecting your materials to tuning up for your first jam, each step teaches you something new. The sound you get isn’t just music; it’s a reflection of your hands, your ideas, your style.
Don’t forget to show off your build in online groups or even start your own collection. Once you’ve built one, it’s hard not to build a second… or fifth. Keep learning, experimenting, and rocking that handmade tone.
