Blues Box Guitar, the BBG slide guitar. Unboxing, assembly & review. cheap cigar box guitar.

[@juanmaperera]

I´ve been looking for a proper review of this guitar and as you say there all very unclear. Thank you very much for taking the time and for putting together this great review.

[@guitar-academy]

Thank you . . I really pleased it was helpful 😊

[@adriandouse9661]

Björn Perera I’ve got one and for a first timer it’s great, I’ve also got a mini Marshall amp with overdrive works well together, Hope that was helpful, Adrian

[@adriandouse9661]

If you’ve got one of these three string guitars get a mini Marshall amp with overdrive and have fun. Adrian

[@guitar-academy]

sound good . .

[@quequechanbushcraft1451]

Got me a mini fender deluxe

[@bearflagmercantile8113]

I bought one today before I saw this review. I got mine at Guitar Center for $34.00 usd total. I'm very satisfied with my purchase. It's well made for what it is. I was able to hand fit the holes for the sting easily. On an amp it sounds good, but if you want that gritty blues sound your going to need a pedal. Distortion, sustainer or a note compression. But if your amp has a reverb your good to go. I'd buy it again, and I'd buy it for a gift.

[@young1939]

I had never come across a kit like this. I especially like that you played it at the end. You are a very talented craftsman and musician.

[@guitar-academy]

thank you very much . . 😊😃

[@jameswhitman3934]

Those finger nails. You must play a lot of finger style or classical music

[@guitar-academy]

Yes indeed . . I the time I did this video I was making a series of videos on fingerpicking. . . thanks for watching 😊

[@barksgillsandslabs6364]

They look horrible

[@omarilewis2871]

@@barksgillsandslabs6364 imagine wanting attention so badly that you insult helpful strangers on youtube videos. yikes.

[@chartaerichardson7182]

You Sir are an excellent instructor! Thank you!

[@guitar-academy]

Thank you, you are very kind . . . 😊

[@leosag816]

Thank you! Such a great video. I only wish I’d come across the guitar & your video months ago. I’m looking forward to playing this now that it’s put together.

[@guitar-academy]

Glad it was helpful! thank you 😊😊

[@hopefulhyena3400]

It's weird to me that someone would buy an instrument that is traditionally homemade, but I suppose not every town has a smokeshop to get the boxes from, and not every person who wants to play guitar happens to know their way around woodshop tools.

[@guitar-academy]

Agreed . . it's a great introduction and could lead on to better things . . 😊

[@BWilde-rj5rm]

It's not weird to you at all, you're just hoping to come across as pretentious which, incidentally, is not a good look.

[@shootmojak]

Great video I purchased the guitar after watching your video I just put it together and I was easy after watching you do it I can’t wait to start playing with it Thanks again

[@guitar-academy]

Glad I could help! I have you have lots of fun with it . . . 😃

[@robbee23]

Just received one as an Xmas gift from my girlfriend. I love it. So much fun !

[@guitar-academy]

👍😊

[@richardsilva3422]

Interesting. This little guitar does make a great noise 👍

[@guitar-academy]

It does doesn't it, but I don't do it justice . . That style of guitar it is very different from other guitars and would take some practice to get use to.

[@RelaxingSoundsofNature-p7j]

The Wannabe Busker has a lot of info on cigar box guitars

[@motioninmind6015]

This is a very good video and I like my BB, but, how the heck do you play this thing electrically without all the screeching feedback? I'm going tear into mine and add a volume pot and ground wire

[@guitar-academy]

Thank you . . . I didn't have that problem because the pickup in mine is weak if anything. Good luck with the project 😊😃

[@alanbooker1955]

Really good and informative review, thank you.

[@guitar-academy]

Thank you . . . 😃

[@philippinefandango2859]

Your presentation couldn't be much clearer.. I have a friend who is interested in something like this.. Thank you so much.. Appreciate it...

[@guitar-academy]

You are most welcome, Thank you . . 🙂

[@jasonshortphd]

Thank you so much for the very thoughtful review. I would love to see you upgrade one of these as well. I got one as a gift, and now am quite interested in learning more about them.

[@guitar-academy]

I will be doing more videos on upgrading this one and making one from scratch. unfortunately it might be a couple of months before I start, but I will . . . 😊

[@galactusholmes]

@@guitar-academy I would love to see that as well. I got one from my best friend for Christmas and interest is piqued. Subbed for future videos. Be purdy, now!

[@guitar-academy]

@@galactusholmes looks like I'm going to have to get busy then. . . 😊

[@keithredfearn7560]

Please recommend some low cost amplifiers for some just starting out on a budget.

[@guitar-academy]

I will have to make a video about that because it's not just a case of what I think is good. Everyone needs/wants something different. 🤔

[@domenicbarone3215]

Very Neat !!...The Tone is Quite Pleasant .....One could record with its unique sound!....LIKE IT....

[@guitar-academy]

I agree . . it could be used to create something really atmospheric . . 😊

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

I've seen one of those reviews I think you were referring to. I think this being so cheap for what you get compared to the expensive price for what some are charging, well, sort of let's the cat out of the bag (Big profits). Money has a way of making people biased. Sad really. I enjoyed your honest review 👍

[@guitar-academy]

I agree completely with you . . . sometimes cheap is rubbish, but sometimes cheap is great and as good as expensive (or even better) 🙂

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

@@guitar-academy 100% 🙂

[@matro951]

Is this backing track on the CD?

[@guitar-academy]

Sorry but no 🤔. . I knocked this one together for the review 😊

[@archiereece3229]

i just ordered one..my first BBG

[@guitar-academy]

cool, I hope you have fun with it 😊😃

[@theeasywayoutcampers6550]

My OCD wants to click the strings for him. Great video I bought one because of it. Oh and the number of or lack of wraps is killing me.

[@guitar-academy]

😊

[@silenceisgoddd]

You have to upgrade it and show us the result! It would be very nice to watch. Thanks for the review now I'm getting one of this

[@guitar-academy]

Thank you for the suggestion . . . I will do that . . . 😊

[@icebob8555]

It’s a primitive instrument hard to mess it up

[@Jacob-eq4ld]

Ice Bob early 1900s is definitely primitive

[@tedse21]

I got one of these from my kids for Christmas from Aldi. The holes were correct and it went to gather well. I am still using it as it plays well.

[@guitar-academy]

😊

[@jonneet2126]

My first one was defective. Second one much better. Would like to lower the strings down a bit. I believe the 2 bolts, nut and bridge/saddle, are both 1/4". I tried 2 bolts half that diameter, and that was too close. I think maybe a couple pieces of .20" round stock might work. I know that many fretless CBG's can be played fingering the notes. Yes, the sound is different with not much sustain, but still playable. Both Blues Boy Jag, and Chickenbone John have KZbin videos discussing this.

[@guitar-academy]

hmmm, personally I wouldn't try to play it that way. It's been designed for slide, that's why the action has to be high. But it's cheap enough to experiment with so it's not a great loss if the fingerboard isn't hard enough to be played without a slide. 🤔

[@velocticz1382]

Nice review I already know how to use real blues slide guitars but I thought this might be a cool little thing to have I just wish it had 6 strings.

[@collier9090]

It is a real blues slide guitar, it has it's own specific style and sound. You don't want more than 3 or 4 strings for a cbg, especially when it comes to a fretless cbg.

[@guitar-academy]

Collier is right, but that was my first thought . . 🙂

[@collier9090]

@@guitar-academy plenty of people make 6 string CBGs, it's also doable. There are no real rules when it comes to them, hell I've seen plenty that weren't even using cigar boxes. It's all about playing what you build and loving what you play.

[@avocadoman8510]

Too much gloss on the guitar would have been better without the shine.

[@guitar-academy]

Yes . . I agree

[@buenafe]

Do you think I could replace the cardbox and repalce with a real cigarbox or similar wood box?

[@guitar-academy]

Yes I do, I will be doing a video on this soon . . 😊

[@collier9090]

I've done it and it is even more awesome now. I love how different boxes have different tone, I have built 5 different CBGs now. All thanks to this cheap and addictive little box.

[@johncox6204]

does the neck run through the body?????

[@guitar-academy]

yes, the neck goes all the way through 😊

[@johncox6204]

@@guitar-academy awesome thanks

[@guitar-academy]

@@johncox6204 No problem 😊😊

[@Max3851]

Loved that, lovely job, helpfull no nonsense review so mines in the post :D thank you!

[@guitar-academy]

Glad it was helpful! thank you 😊😀

[@johnmacdonald493]

I just ordered this on Amazon , so checked out some vids , this review , is amazing , you should have your own review show ,best review I have ever seen , amazing, Thank you

[@guitar-academy]

thank you very much . . that's really nice of you 😃

[@a3xloser]

thanks for doing this. I was thinking of buying one but was unclear what you get and how much building was needed

[@guitar-academy]

Thank you . . it's good to know the video has been useful . . 😊

[@rtcrtc928]

I bought one recently and the low g goes out of tune a lot. I am going to buy a new set of strings to see if it helps. Has anyone come across this problem? Also can anyone recommend what gauge strings to get.Cheers.

[@guitar-academy]

I honestly doubt the strings can cause it to keep going out of tune. The gauge of each string is in the instructions. It sounds like you might have a problem with the tuner, so before doing anything else check the screw is tight at the back of the tuner.

[@rtcrtc928]

@@guitar-academy will do. Thanks for the reply.

[@guitar-academy]

@@rtcrtc928 No problem . . I hope it is the screw, that would be an easy fix . . . 😊

[@adriandouse9661]

Rtc Rtc this happens to me just tighten the machine head. Adrian

[@michaelcox5096]

Awesome little box guitar. A few mods... it could be really good 👍

[@guitar-academy]

I agree! 😊😃

[@dc-wp8oc]

Great video. Excellent sound and clear photography. A pleasure to watch.

[@guitar-academy]

Thank you very much . . 😊😃

[@judithsopher4711]

How do you finish putting on the strings? Surely you wind a few times around and cut off excess. but I have had trouble with this.

[@guitar-academy]

yes that's right 'wind a few times and cut'. Yours should be fine 🙂

[@MrTodd2000]

EXCELLENT Review ! thx

[@guitar-academy]

Thank you very much . . . 😊

[@kencrowcullen]

Thanks for the vid, Good to know what I have just purchased and I dont play guitar so thanks for the info on why the bolts are the size they are.

[@guitar-academy]

No problem 👍

[@jdalend]

I ordered one after watching this video!! Thank you! Can't wait til it gets here.

[@guitar-academy]

Hope you enjoy it! 😊😃

[@LoafyPhung-vy7jn]

Do you need an amp for these?

[@guitar-academy]

Good question . . you can play them and learn slide guitar without an amp, but if you want to play in a noisy environment or in front of people you will need an amp. I hope this helps 😊

[@LoafyPhung-vy7jn]

@@guitar-academy you’re the best. Love The video. Thank you kind sir.

[@guitar-academy]

@@LoafyPhung-vy7jnThank you very much 😊😃

[@reverendjackdaniel]

Thank you for the video, how do you like the sound of it acoustically, without an amp. Also one other thought, despite the height of the action, if you strung it with nylon strings, is like to use the finger board without damaging it. Thanks again for the video!

[@guitar-academy]

Acoustically it is quiet but the tone is nice. Don't get me wrong it's load enough to practise with but in a room of noisy people it would disappear. Sorry, but even with nylon strings you couldn't use the fingerboard, it doesn't have any frets and the lines are painted on. I think you'd have to search eBay or Amazon for one with frets, but they are a lot more expensive unfortunately.

[@reverendjackdaniel]

@@guitar-academy thanks for the reply! I'm a double bass player and don't mind the fretless aspect. functionally speaking, i was hoping it could be done with out damage. Appreciate your video and review. Looking forward to playing and perhaps experimenting with it. Cheers!

[@guitar-academy]

@@reverendjackdaniel I sure you'll have great fun experimenting . . . 😊

[@johnplayzguitar1118]

I recently purchased one of these and was planning on inlaying frets so that i could play more complicated songs. I was also thinking that if bridge height was an issue i could get smaller bolts.

[@guitar-academy]

@@johnplayzguitar1118 By default they are designed as slide guitars and therefore the nut is the perfect height. (a slide guitar should have a high action) But it you're thinking of fitting frets, smaller bolts would be perfect I would think but I haven't tried it. . . . let me know how you get on. It sounds an interesting project 😊

[@derbastelopabaut1355]

Spielzeug! Meine B-Box hat nach einem Jahr k8mplett die Farbe verloren !!!!

[@guitar-academy]

hmm, you must have left it in direct sunlight. I've seen expensive guitars loose colour because they've been stored badly. The one in this review is still the same colour.

[@walterkersting1362]

I can’t believe they let you blokes in England have exacto knives...

[@guitar-academy]

only with adult supervision, or a plastic blade 😊

[@zandermagic]

Thank you, perfect video on the kit!

[@guitar-academy]

Glad y6ou enjoyed it . . thank you 😊

[@repentless1520]

Cool video I ordered one of theese last night and I might get this for my cousin for his birthday

[@guitar-academy]

Cool 👍

[@ellecee453]

A terrific clear instructional video. Really excellent, thanks

[@guitar-academy]

Glad it was helpful! thank you 😊

[@PlayaveTV]

Nice ! Thank you for this movie 🎵🎶👍

[@guitar-academy]

I'm glad you like it . . thank you 😊

[@walterkersting1362]

I have a quart can of marvelous mystery oil, and I might just skip the cardboard box and use the can.

[@guitar-academy]

Yeah . . if you can, do it (get the pun 😒)

[@collier9090]

It works but you really only want one or two strings. I built one for my daughter, it's called a canjo.

[@richardf7885]

I received one for Christmas 2019. Iam very pleased with it . I had a bit of trouble getting the top string tuned so I used a thicker guage and tuned to the G with no problem. Given the fact that I have spent $10 cdn dollars on a slide alone ,what you get with this kit for $30 cdn is amazing! Great review of a great product.

[@guitar-academy]

Thank you . . . I agree, they are great for the money. 😊

[@aaronrose7779]

thanks - great review!

[@guitar-academy]

Glad it was helpful! 🙂

[@vonclap]

Good, concise review I got one because of your review... can now play (poorly) but onwards and upwards

[@guitar-academy]

Glad I could help! They're great fun. I think half of the magic of this kind of guitar is that you don't have to be a great musician to produce something that sounds half descent . . . 🙂

[@kevinmorrice]

@@guitar-academy thats what the blues is about, if you cant play, you just hope to god theres someone worse than you

[@isaacmara4965]

Like the review

[@guitar-academy]

thanks 🙂

[@ZJMusic1990]

I just got one of these at Guitar Center. I love mine!

[@guitar-academy]

they are great fun . . 😃

[@ramenrampage5049]

Wish I had them nails wouldn't need a guitar pick

[@guitar-academy]

🙂 YEAH, someone who actually knows about playing the guitar . . I can't believe how many people leave comments and don't know why I have nails . .

[@Zfairy1]

Thanks so much for the really great video about the cigar box guitar assembly and background very helpful I have a acoustic guitar but not very familiar with this style guitar always wanted to play blues though.

[@guitar-academy]

Glad it was helpful! If you already play guitar, would be worth you learning the blues scales to get started . . kzbin.info/aero/PLIQJcXCYbgO2nfuMkk3MvXNF_tUFTnSGC

[@Zfairy1]

@@guitar-academy Thanks so much I am a beginner guitar player lol but sure I will take a look at this info as well for the blues stuff have a wonderful day.

[@guitar-academy]

@@Zfairy1 👍

[@emarkjacobs]

thanks for this

[@guitar-academy]

You're welcome, thank you 🙂🙂

[@MarioHemsley]

Excellent job! I ordered it!

[@guitar-academy]

I hope you enjoy it! 😊😊

[@jamesbutler5995]

Good review thanks for showing!!!

[@guitar-academy]

Thank you . . and thanks for watching! 🙂

[@garylandau7159]

How much is one of those guitars

[@guitar-academy]

just under £30 I think . . but you're best doing a google search in your country . . 🙂🙂

[@davemunroe2167]

Can it be setup to play left handed. If you string it opposite.

[@guitar-academy]

Yes it can. I would be really easy, you just need to put the nut bolt on upside down and the stings opposite. The BBG logo would obviously be upsidedown, but it would effect the way it plays . . . 😊

[@johnnyz3354]

@@guitar-academy Great review, I'm left handed and as you say it would be easy to reverse the bolt and strings but I'm a bit concerned that the jack plug will then be digging into my chest.

[@guitar-academy]

@@johnnyz3354 Good point . . I've just tried it and it doesn't dig into my chest, but it's not ideal either. The wire has to go under your arm. It's a shame they don't make a left handed one. 😒

[@johnnyz3354]

@@guitar-academy Thanks for trying it out lefty style. I have a right-handed vintage strat style with the input socket on the face of the body so its not so uncomfortable when played left handed. Oh well still I might give the Blue box a try as it's not very expensive. I'd like to see a modded version to see how the electrics are situated inside, maybe I could make a hole in the bottom of the box and re route them. Cheers,

[@guitar-academy]

@@johnnyz3354 I've bought some parts and a box to do the upgrade, but I have so many videos to make I haven't got around to it . . Your question has prompted me to get the video done soon . . 😊

[@kaybhee6]

thanks dude,, good job

[@guitar-academy]

Thank you . . 🙂

[@hookerfahce1981]

I love mine

[@guitar-academy]

😊

[@bondinvisible]

Where can I get chords for this I can only find ones for fretted cigar box guitars

[@guitar-academy]

To play chord style you don't want one of these, you want a fretted guitar. You will find tutorials on these for what they're intended for, slide guitar . . . 😊

[@collier9090]

Tune to open G, everything is a power chord. Like it has been stated though, this is a slide guitar and is for a very specific style of blues.

[@curtismarean6963]

The ads work ok, but no vid!

[@guitar-academy]

try again later . . it's working on my machine and as you can see from the comments, other people can see it.

[@humanaddictions]

It took me awhile to get the ferrules through the holes. Mine too were a bit small and rough. I found I had to be exactly erect above the holes and gently they will push through

[@guitar-academy]

well done . . that sounds like the perfect technique to fit them neatly 😊

[@hairburger62]

Channel lock pliers

[@ArrogantBaSStard]

Do you need guitar playing experience to use this? I’ve never played a guitar but I’d like to learn using this. Or is this for experienced players? Thanks!

[@guitar-academy]

No . . it's perfect for a beginner as it's got a booklet with it with some basic exercises. It is very different to a conventional guitar though, having only 3 strings and no frets . . I hope this helps 😊

[@ArrogantBaSStard]

@@guitar-academy thanks! So does that mean that this is not good as a way to start learning actual guitar?

[@guitar-academy]

@@ArrogantBaSStard No . . just different. Do a KZbin search for 'cigar box guitar music' and then you can see if you like it 😊