Cigar Box Guitar: DIY Instrument & Blues Soul

The cigar box guitar represents a harmonious blend of history, craftsmanship, and musical innovation. Its creation merges the resourcefulness of DIY instrument building with the soulful resonance of blues and folk music. The guitar’s neck, carefully selected and attached to a resonant cigar box, forms the instrument’s foundation. These instruments embody the spirit of creativity and musical expression, proving that beautiful music can arise from the humblest of origins.

Ever heard of a guitar made from a cigar box? Sounds a little crazy, right? But trust me, these aren’t just quirky novelties; they’re instruments with soul. A cigar box guitar, at its heart, is exactly what it sounds like: a homemade stringed instrument that uses a cigar box as its resonating body. It’s a testament to human ingenuity and the power of music to thrive in the unlikeliest of places.

The story of the cigar box guitar is intertwined with the history of the blues. Back in the day, especially during the Great Depression, when folks didn’t have much, they made do with what they had. And that’s how these beauties were born! Imagine someone, driven by the need to make music, finding a discarded cigar box and turning it into an instrument. It’s a story of resourcefulness and raw emotion. These weren’t mass-produced, perfect instruments; they were rough, ready, and full of character.

What’s super cool about cigar box guitars is that anyone can build one. You don’t need fancy tools or years of experience. The real joy comes from the process of creation, taking simple materials and turning them into something that makes music. It’s a DIY project that offers immense satisfaction. There’s nothing quite like strumming a chord on an instrument you built with your own two hands.

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know to build your own cigar box guitar. We’ll cover the essential materials, the tools you’ll need, the construction process step-by-step, and even how to start playing once it’s all done. Get ready to unleash your inner craftsman and make some seriously cool music!

Contents

Gathering Your Arsenal: Essential Materials and Hardware

Alright, so you’re ready to build your very own cigar box guitar! Excellent! But before you dive headfirst into a pile of wood and glue, let’s make sure you’ve got all the right gear. Think of this as arming yourself for a sonic adventure. You wouldn’t go into battle without your sword (or… uh… your funky homemade axe), right? So, here’s the lowdown on the vital components that will make your cigar box sing.

The Cigar Box: The Soul of the Instrument

Forget fancy tonewoods for a minute. The cigar box is the heart and soul of this operation. It’s more than just a container; it’s the resonating chamber that gives your guitar its unique voice.

Box Selection: You gotta be choosy! Size matters – bigger boxes generally mean more bass. Shape plays a role too; rectangular boxes are classic, but feel free to get funky with it. Material? Wood is best, but some cardboard boxes can work in a pinch (though, uh, maybe not for your masterpiece). Most importantly, make sure the box is structurally sound. No one wants a guitar that falls apart mid-solo!
Box Resonance: Think of it like this: the box amplifies the sound. A thin, lively wood will resonate beautifully, giving you a bright and responsive tone. A thicker, denser box will be a bit more muted, perhaps, but may have more sustain. Experiment! That’s part of the fun.
Sourcing: Where do you find these magical boxes? Start with local cigar shops – they often give them away or sell them for next to nothing. Online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy are treasure troves too. Just be sure to check the dimensions and condition before you buy.

Neck Wood: Foundation of Playability

The neck is where the magic happens. It’s the backbone of your instrument. Choose wisely, my friend!

Wood Types: Maple, poplar, and mahogany are all great choices. Maple is strong and bright, poplar is affordable and easy to work with, and mahogany is warm and resonant.
Stability and Straightness: This is crucial! A warped or unstable neck will make your guitar unplayable. Look for wood that is straight-grained and free of knots.
Dimensions: Aim for a neck blank that’s roughly 3/4″ to 1″ thick, 2″ to 3″ wide, and long enough to accommodate your desired scale length (we’ll get to that later).

Frets: Marking the Notes

Those little metal strips that sit on the fretboard. Crucial for intonation and playing those sweet blues licks.

Role of Frets: Frets define the notes on your guitar. Pressing a string down behind a fret shortens its vibrating length, creating a specific pitch.
Fret Installation: Accurate fret placement is absolutely essential for proper intonation (i.e., your guitar playing in tune). A poorly fretted guitar is an exercise in frustration.
Fret Wire: Fret wire comes in different materials (nickel-silver is common) and sizes (narrow, medium, jumbo). Experiment to find what feels best for your playing style.

Tuning Pegs/Machine Heads: Maintaining the Tune

These little doodads are responsible for keeping your strings at the right tension so you can actually play music that sounds good.

Function: Tuning pegs adjust the tension of your strings, raising or lowering the pitch.
Tuning Quality: Cheap tuning pegs are a nightmare! They slip, they wobble, and they make it impossible to stay in tune. Invest in decent quality tuners – your ears (and your sanity) will thank you.
Types: You’ll find open-gear, closed-gear, and even vintage-style tuners. Closed-gear tuners are generally more reliable and require less maintenance. Choose what suits your aesthetic and budget.

Bridge: The Sound Conductor

The bridge is the middleman between the strings and the cigar box. It transfers the string vibrations to the soundboard to produce tone!

Role: The bridge transmits the vibrations of the strings to the cigar box, making the sound that you hear.
Bridge Placement: Intonation depends on the bridge placement. Getting this right is essential for your guitar to play in tune. The calculation is based on your scale length. We’ll dive into that later.
Materials and Designs: Wood bridges are warm and mellow. Metal bridges tend to be brighter and louder. You can even use found objects like bottle caps or metal bolts as bridges. Experiment!

Nut: Setting the Stage

Another often overlooked piece, but incredibly important for playability! The nut sits at the headstock end of the fretboard and determines string height.

Function: The nut sets the string height and spacing at the headstock.
Nut Installation: A properly installed nut prevents buzzing and makes your guitar easier to play.
Materials: Bone, plastic, and graphite are common materials. Bone is traditional and resonant. Graphite is self-lubricating and reduces string friction.

Strings: The Voice of the Guitar

The vocal cords of your cigar box guitar! Don’t underestimate the power of the string choice.

Gauge and Material: String gauge (thickness) and material significantly affect the sound and playability. Lighter strings are easier to bend but can sound thin. Heavier strings have more sustain but require more finger strength.
Recommendations: For open tunings, medium-gauge strings are a good starting point. Steel strings are bright and loud, while nickel strings are warmer and more mellow. Experiment to find your signature sound!
Type Impact: Steel strings offer a brighter, louder tone, popular for blues and slide. Nickel strings provide a warmer, more vintage sound.

Fasteners: Holding it All Together

Screws, bolts, and glue, oh my! The unsung heroes that make sure your guitar doesn’t fall apart.

Essentials: You’ll need screws for attaching the neck to the box, mounting the tuning pegs, and securing the bridge. Bolts can be used for a more robust neck joint.
Recommendations: Use wood screws with a coarse thread for attaching wood components. Machine screws are better for metal parts. Choose sizes that are appropriate for the thickness of the materials you’re working with.

With these materials in hand, you’re one step closer to building your own cigar box guitar. Next up: equipping your workshop with the right tools!

Tool Time: Equipping Your Workshop

Alright, future cigar box guitar maestros! Before we dive headfirst into crafting sweet, bluesy tunes, let’s talk tools. Think of this as gathering your Avengers for a wood-and-wire showdown. You wouldn’t want Iron Man showing up without his suit, would you? (Okay, maybe he could wing it, but you get the idea.) Having the right tools not only makes the building process smoother than a ZZ Top guitar riff but also helps ensure your fingers stay attached. Safety first, friends!

Cutting and Shaping: Carving Out Your Sound

Saw: This is your main weapon for wrangling wood into submission. We’re talking about slicing the neck, shaping the headstock, and generally bending timber to your will. A good old-fashioned hand saw works wonders for controlled cuts, but a coping saw is your go-to for curves and intricate designs. If you’re feeling fancy (and have some extra space and budget), a band saw can make quick work of larger pieces.
File: Once you’ve wrestled the wood into a rough shape, it’s time for some finesse. Files are essential for smoothing edges, refining curves, and generally making things look less like a beaver project and more like a musical instrument. A rasp is your heavy-duty option for removing material quickly, while a file set gives you a variety of shapes and sizes for detail work.
Sandpaper: Ah, sandpaper, the great equalizer. From rough grit to silky smooth, sandpaper is the key to a professional-looking finish. Start with coarser grits to remove imperfections and gradually work your way up to finer grits for a smooth, touchable surface. Think of it as giving your guitar a spa day.

Drilling and Fastening: Holding it All Together

Drill: A drill is your hole-making hero. Whether you’re creating tuner holes, mounting hardware, or adding decorative touches, a drill is indispensable. A cordless drill driver is a great all-around option, but a drill press can provide more precision for critical holes.
Screwdrivers: It may seem obvious, but you’ll need screwdrivers to secure your hardware. Invest in a set with various sizes and types (Phillips and flathead) to avoid stripping screw heads and cursing the heavens.

Measuring and Precision: Accuracy is Key

Measuring tools (ruler, tape measure, calipers): Precision is paramount when building a guitar. A ruler and tape measure are essential for general measurements, but calipers are your secret weapon for ensuring accurate scale length and component placement. Trust me, a millimeter off can make a world of difference in how your guitar plays.

Fretwork Tools: Taming the Frets

Fret Saw or Fret Slotting Saw: These specialized saws are designed to create perfectly sized slots for your frets. They ensure that the frets sit snugly and evenly in the fretboard, which is essential for proper intonation.
Fret Hammer or Press: Once you’ve cut the slots, you need to seat the frets securely. A fret hammer or press allows you to install the frets without damaging the fretboard or bending the frets themselves. It’s all about controlled force and precision.

Electronics (If Applicable): Amp Up the Volume

Soldering Iron: If you’re planning on electrifying your cigar box guitar, a soldering iron is essential for wiring your pickup, potentiometers, and output jack. Invest in a decent soldering iron with adjustable temperature control for optimal results.
Solder and flux: You will need solder and flux to make secure electrical connections.

Clamping and Securing: Holding Tight

Clamps: Clamps are your temporary extra hands. They hold things in place while glue dries, ensuring a strong and permanent bond. Invest in a variety of sizes and types to handle different clamping situations.

Safety Gear: Protect Your Precious Self

Safety Glasses: Seriously, don’t skip this one. Flying wood chips and metal shards are no joke. Protect your peepers with a good pair of safety glasses. You only get one set!
Dust Mask: Sawdust is the enemy of lungs everywhere. A dust mask will keep those tiny particles out of your respiratory system, allowing you to breathe easy and focus on your build.

Crafting Your Vision: Design Considerations and Techniques

Alright, so you’ve got your cigar box, your wood, and a whole lotta tools just itching to get to work. But hold your horses! Before you start hacking away, let’s talk design. This is where your CBG goes from a pile of parts to a personalized blues machine. Think of it like this: you’re not just building an instrument; you’re crafting a vibe. The choices you make here will seriously impact how your guitar plays, sounds, and looks. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Scale Length: Setting the Range

Ever wonder why some guitars feel easier to play than others? A big part of that is scale length. Simply put, it’s the distance from the nut (that little piece at the headstock) to the bridge. This distance dictates how far apart the frets are spaced, and crucially, how much tension the strings have. A shorter scale (like 23 inches) means less tension, making it easier to bend notes—perfect for that weepy blues sound. Longer scales (like 25 inches) offer more snap and sustain, great for a brighter tone. Think of Goldilocks – you’re looking for the just right length.

String Count: Simplicity or Complexity

Now, how many strings do you want on this beast? The most common options are 3 or 4 strings. Three strings are simple, raw, and undeniably cool. It’s a minimalist approach that forces you to get creative with your playing. Four strings offer a wider range of notes and more chord possibilities but require a bit more finesse. Three-string CBGs tend to excel in slide playing, while four-string versions can handle more complex melodies. There’s no right or wrong answer – it all boils down to what kind of sound you’re chasing and how you want to play.

Tuning: Finding Your Voice

Tuning is where the magic really happens. Forget standard guitar tuning! With a CBG, you’re entering a world of open tunings. Open G (D-G-D) and Open D (D-A-D) are two popular choices. These tunings allow you to play a major chord simply by strumming all the open strings – instant blues gratification! They’re also fantastic for slide guitar. Here’s a quick rundown:

Open G (D-G-D): A classic blues tuning, perfect for that gritty, Delta sound.
Open D (D-A-D): A bit brighter and more resonant than Open G, great for fingerpicking and slide.

Pro-Tip: There are a ton of other cool CBG tunings out there. Experiment! Find what speaks to you.

Acoustic or Electric: Amplify Your Sound

Do you want to play unplugged on the porch or crank it up through an amp? That’s the acoustic vs. electric question. An acoustic CBG relies solely on the cigar box for its sound. It’s simple, portable, and oozes vintage charm. An electric CBG, on the other hand, uses a pickup to convert the string vibrations into an electrical signal. This lets you plug into an amplifier and unleash a whole new world of sonic possibilities. To build an electric CBG, you’ll need a pickup, a potentiometer (for volume control), and an output jack. Don’t be intimidated – there are tons of affordable pre-wired kits available.

Neck Attachment: Different Strokes

How you attach the neck to the cigar box affects the instrument’s stability and tone. There are two main methods:

Neck-Through: The neck extends through the entire body of the cigar box. This provides excellent stability and sustain, but it’s more complex to build.
Bolt-On: The neck is attached to the cigar box with bolts. This is simpler and allows you to easily swap out necks if needed.

Bolt-on is definitely the way to go if you’re starting out.

Headstock Style: Form and Function

Finally, let’s talk headstock. This is the top part of the neck where the tuning pegs are mounted. The headstock is an opportunity to add some serious personality to your CBG. You can keep it simple with a straight-cut design or get fancy with curves and angles. Functionally, the headstock needs to provide enough space for the tuning pegs and ensure that the strings have a straight path to the nut. Beyond that, it’s all about style.

5. From Box to Blues: The Construction Process

Alright, you’ve got your parts, you’ve got your tools, and you’re itching to turn that cigar box into a blues machine. Let’s get our hands dirty. This is where the magic happens, where raw materials transform into an instrument that can wail, moan, and sing the blues. Follow along, and soon you’ll be strumming your very own cigar box guitar.

Neck Preparation: Shaping the Soul

First things first, let’s talk about the neck—the lifeline of your cigar box guitar.

Neck Shaping: You need to carve that piece of wood so it fits comfortably in your hand. Imagine you’re sculpting it, feeling the wood, and creating something unique. Start by marking out the desired profile (C-shape, D-shape, whatever feels right). Use a rasp or file to remove wood gradually, constantly checking the feel in your hand. You want a neck that encourages you to play for hours, not one that makes your hand cramp after five minutes. Remember, slow and steady wins the race here – you can always take more wood off, but you can’t put it back on!
Fretboard Preparation: Now, let’s get that fretboard attached to the neck. Before you glue it down, make sure both surfaces are clean and smooth. A thin layer of wood glue spread evenly will do the trick. Clamp it down tight and let it dry overnight. This bond needs to be solid, so don’t rush it.

Fretwork: The Key to Killer Notes

This is where precision matters. Frets are like the landmarks on your musical journey, each one marking a different note.

Fret Installation: Carefully tap those frets into the fret slots. You can use a fret hammer or a specialized fret press. The key is to make sure each fret is fully seated and level with the fretboard. This is crucial for good intonation (more on that later). If you’re using a hammer, use a caul (a small block of wood) to protect the fret while hammering. If you mess up, don’t panic, frets can be removed and re-seated.
Fret Leveling: Now, even if you did a great job installing the frets, chances are they won’t be perfectly level. High frets cause buzzing and make the guitar unplayable. Grab a fret leveling file or a long, flat mill file and gently level the frets. Then, re-crown the frets with a fret crowning file to restore their rounded shape. Polish them up with some steel wool, and voila, your frets are ready to sing!

Assembly: Bringing It All Together

Time to put all the pieces together. This is where your cigar box guitar starts to look like… well, a cigar box guitar!

Attaching the Neck to the Box: This is a critical step. You want the neck to be firmly attached to the box. Use glue and screws or bolts for maximum stability. Make sure the neck is aligned properly – you want it straight and true. Clamps are your best friend here. Let the glue dry completely before moving on.
Bridge Placement: Intonation is key to making your guitar sound good. The bridge needs to be in the right spot to ensure that notes play in tune all the way up the neck. To find the correct placement, measure from the nut to the 12th fret, then double that measurement. That’s roughly where your bridge should sit. Fine-tune the position later when you’re setting the intonation.
Nut Installation: The nut sets the string height at the headstock end of the neck. You want the strings to sit comfortably in the nut slots – not too high, not too low. Use nut files to shape the slots. If the slots are too low, the strings will buzz against the frets. If they’re too high, the strings will be hard to press down.

Stringing and Setup: Making Music

Almost there! Time to put on some strings and make some noise.

Stringing: String up your cigar box guitar, making sure the strings are properly seated on the bridge and nut. Use the tuning pegs to bring the strings up to pitch.
Intonation: Now comes the fun part – setting the intonation. Play the open string and then fret the same string at the 12th fret. If the fretted note is sharp, move the bridge back slightly. If it’s flat, move the bridge forward. Keep making adjustments until the open string and the 12th fret note are both in tune.

Electronics (If Applicable): Plug It In!

If you’re adding a pickup to your cigar box guitar, now’s the time.

Wiring: Follow a wiring diagram to connect the pickup, potentiometers (volume and tone controls), and output jack. Soldering is required here, so be careful and use proper safety precautions.

Finishing Touches: Making It Shine

Time to give your cigar box guitar a personal touch and protect it from the elements.

Finishing: Apply a finish to the neck and box. This could be varnish, lacquer, oil, or even just a coat of wax. A finish will protect the wood and give it a nice sheen. You can also add aesthetic details like staining or painting to make your guitar truly unique.

And there you have it! You’ve built your very own cigar box guitar. Now go forth and make some music!

Finding Your Tribe: Resources and Community

So, you’re hooked, right? You’re itching to build your own cigar box guitar, and maybe you’re thinking, “Okay, I’ve got the tools, I’ve got the wood… but where do I go when I inevitably mess something up?” Or maybe you just want to see what other folks are doing with these crazy contraptions. Don’t worry, you’re not alone on this wonderfully weird journey! There’s a thriving community out there, just waiting to welcome you with open arms (and maybe a three-string blues riff or two). Let’s dig into where you can find your fellow cigar box guitar aficionados.

Online Communities: Your Digital Back Porch

The internet is your best friend. Seriously. It’s where you’ll find a treasure trove of knowledge, inspiration, and people who are just as obsessed with these things as you’re about to be.

Online Forums/Communities

Cigar Box Nation: Think of this as the town square for cigar box guitar builders. This is a fantastic place to ask questions, share your builds (even the disastrous ones – we all start somewhere!), and generally soak up the collective wisdom of experienced builders. It is also a good resource for news, reviews, and interviews about all things CBG.
Reddit (r/CigarBoxGuitars): Reddit is the wild west of the internet, but in a good way! The r/CigarBoxGuitars subreddit is a lively community where you can find everything from build logs and troubleshooting advice to videos of people shredding on their creations.
Facebook Groups: Search for “cigar box guitar” on Facebook and you’ll find a bunch of groups dedicated to the instrument. These are great for quick questions, sharing photos of your progress, and connecting with builders in your local area.

YouTube Tutorials

Shane Speal: This guy is a legend. Shane Speal is a master builder and entertaining instructor, he offers tons of free tutorials on everything from basic construction to advanced techniques. His channel is a must-watch for anyone getting started.
StompBoxBlues: Another great channel with a wealth of information on cigar box guitar building and playing. He covers a wide range of topics, from setting up your guitar to playing different styles of music.
Justin Johnson: While not exclusively about cigar box guitars, Justin Johnson’s channel is packed with amazing blues guitar lessons and slide guitar techniques that are perfect for the cigar box guitar.

Inspiration and Education: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

Sometimes you just need a little inspiration to get the creative juices flowing. These resources will introduce you to some of the best cigar box guitar builders out there and provide a deeper understanding of the instrument’s history and construction.

Cigar Box Guitar Builders

John Lowe (Bluesboy): A modern master of the cigar box guitar, known for his craftsmanship and unique designs. His work is a testament to what’s possible with these instruments.
Del Puckett (Del’s CBG): Del is another fantastic builder with a knack for creating beautiful and functional cigar box guitars. He’s also a regular contributor to the cigar box guitar community.

Books/Articles

“Cigar Box Guitars: The Ultimate DIY Guide” by David Kettlewell: A comprehensive guide to building cigar box guitars, covering everything from basic construction to advanced techniques. A solid choice for delving deep into CBG craft.
Search Online Articles: Blogs and websites dedicated to DIY instruments often feature articles on cigar box guitar building. Explore these sites for tips, tricks, and inspiration.

Supplies and Parts: Where to Find Your Treasure

Alright, you’ve got the knowledge, you’ve got the inspiration… now you need the stuff. Here are a few places to find cigar boxes, hardware, and other essential components.

Suppliers of Parts

C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply: A one-stop shop for all your cigar box guitar needs. They carry a huge selection of hardware, pickups, necks, and even pre-made kits.
StewMac: While not exclusively for cigar box guitars, StewMac has a great selection of guitar hardware, fret wire, and tools that are perfect for building these instruments.
Local Cigar Shops: Don’t underestimate the power of your local cigar shop. They’re a great source for cigar boxes, and you might even find a friendly owner who’s willing to give you a discount!
Online Marketplaces (Etsy, eBay): Etsy is great for unique handmade parts, while eBay can be a good place to find deals on used hardware and cigar boxes.

So there you have it! Now get out there, join the community, and start building! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and don’t be afraid to experiment. After all, that’s what cigar box guitars are all about!

Making Music: Playing and Exploring the Sound

Alright, you’ve built your cigar box guitar! Congratulations, you’re basically a rock star now (or soon will be). But holding a shiny new instrument in your hands is only half the battle. Now, let’s unleash some sweet, raw bluesy sounds. This is where the fun really begins. Forget those fancy scales and complicated chords you might have struggled with on a “real” guitar. With a cigar box guitar, it’s all about feel, experimentation, and embracing the beautiful imperfections.

Tuning Adventures

One of the coolest things about cigar box guitars is that you can pretty much tune them however you want. But if you’re looking for a jumping-off point, open tunings are your best friend. These tunings are designed so that when you strum all the strings open (without fretting any notes), you get a major chord. This makes slide guitar playing a breeze and opens up a whole world of bluesy possibilities.

Open G (DGD): A classic for blues, rock, and everything in between. Think Keith Richards riffs – raw, gritty, and unforgettable. This tuning is perfect for that slide sound! It is quite a popular tuning, it is an excellent gateway into the world of cigar box guitar playing because it allows you to quickly learn a lot of songs.
Open D (DAD): Another blues favorite, with a slightly darker and more mournful vibe. Perfect for those late-night jams when you’re feeling a bit melancholy.
Other Options: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try Open A, Open E, or even some completely wacky tunings of your own invention. There are no rules here!

Sliding into the Blues

Speaking of slide guitar, this is where cigar box guitars truly shine. The raw, resonant tone of the instrument combined with the expressive possibilities of slide create a sound that’s both primitive and powerful.

Slide Guitar: Playing with a slide opens a whole new dimension. The slide itself can be anything: a glass bottle neck, a metal pipe, or even a spark plug socket – whatever feels good in your hand. The important is the right slide material to get the right sound.
Techniques:
- Vibrato: Adding a slight wiggle to the slide as you hold it over the string to create a wavering, soulful effect.
- Damping: Using your fretting hand to mute the strings behind the slide, preventing unwanted noise and creating a cleaner, more controlled sound.
- Finding your Groove: Experiment with different slide positions, pressures, and speeds to discover your own unique voice on the instrument.

The best part about playing a cigar box guitar? There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to do it. It’s all about exploring, experimenting, and letting the music flow. So pick up that guitar, tune it up, grab a slide, and get ready to unleash your inner blues legend.

So there you have it! Cigar box guitars are a blast to build and play, and they’re a fantastic way to unleash your inner blues musician. Don’t be afraid to experiment and get a little scrappy – that’s half the fun. Now go find a cool cigar box and start making some music!