How to Build a Cigar Box Guitar: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cigar Box Guitar / Ukulele DIY

Building a cigar box guitar is a rewarding project for music enthusiasts and DIYers alike. This rustic instrument is steeped in history, offering an authentic, handmade touch to music creation. Here’s a guide to help you craft your own cigar box guitar.

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

Materials:

1. Cigar box (preferably wooden for better sound). Cigar Place has a lot of cool cigar box choices (and they all have flavorful cigars....keep or give them away)
2. Hardwood neck (maple, oak, or poplar work well)
3. Fretboard material (optional)
4. Guitar strings (steel or nylon, depending on preference)
5. Tuning pegs
6. Small screws
7. Wooden dowels (for support)
8. Nut and bridge materials (bone, plastic, or metal)
9. Don't have the tools to create yourself? Try a kit like this.

Tools:

1. Saw (for cutting wood)
2. Drill and drill bits
3. Sandpaper (various grits)
4. Wood glue
5. Ruler or tape measure
6. Pencil
7. Clamps
8. Screwdriver

Watch Video by CMR Woodworks & Guitar

Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Cigar Box

1. Select a sturdy cigar box. Wooden boxes resonate better than cardboard ones.
2. Ensure the box has no cracks or significant damage. Sand any rough edges.
3. Decide whether the box will open or remain sealed. If sealed, reinforce the lid with glue or screws.

Step 2: Prepare the Neck

1. Cut your hardwood to the desired length (around 36 inches for a standard guitar).
2. Mark where the neck will pass through the cigar box. Typically, this involves cutting a slot at one end and an exit hole at the opposite end.
3. Sand the edges smooth to prevent splintering.

Step 3: Attach the Neck

1. Insert the neck through the cigar box, ensuring it fits snugly.
2. Reinforce the neck inside the box using wooden dowels or screws for added stability.
3. Allow a section of the neck to extend past the box for the headstock.

Step 4: Create the Headstock

1. Shape the headstock to fit the tuning pegs. A slight angle (about 15 degrees) helps maintain string tension.
2. Drill holes for the tuning pegs and attach them securely.

Step 5: Add the Nut and Bridge

1. Position the nut near the top of the neck (closest to the headstock). This lifts the strings slightly above the fretboard.
2. Install the bridge toward the bottom of the box. The placement will affect the guitar’s scale length and tone.
3. Both the nut and bridge should be securely glued or screwed into place.

Step 6: Install Strings

1. Drill small holes in the tail end of the neck or box to anchor the strings.
2. Thread the strings through the holes and attach them to the tuning pegs.
3. Tighten the strings and tune them to your preferred pitch.

Step 7: Optional Enhancements

• Fretboard: Add frets to your neck for precise note playing. Use small metal strips or buy pre-made fret wire.
• Pickup: Install a piezoelectric pickup for amplification. Glue the pickup inside the box near the bridge.
• Design: Decorate the box and neck with paint, wood-burning designs, or decals.

Step 8: Tune and Play!

With your cigar box guitar assembled, tune it using a guitar tuner or by ear. Experiment with different tunings and string combinations to find a sound that suits you.

Building a cigar box guitar combines creativity and craftsmanship, resulting in an instrument that’s as unique as it is functional. Whether for personal enjoyment, as a gift, or as a stepping stone into luthiery, your cigar box guitar will be a testament to your ingenuity and love for music. Grab your tools and get strumming!

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