Building a Cigar Box Guitar "from Beginning to End"

15% off CBG parts at CBGitty.com if you use this link:
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3 hour Time lapse of a Cigar BoxBuild: Starting with tool overview.
Start by measuring and cutting the maple neck and notching for the headstock and box lid. Using a fret spacing template I cut the fret slots using my "jig" table saw. Next I pre drill the holes for the "nail head" inlay position markers. The heal is cut, glued and clamped. While the heal glue is drying I take opportunity to file and shape the neck using files, sander, cylinder sander and sandpaper. After the neck is shaped install the frets. i use a soldering iron to burn in the position markers on the top side of the neck. Next I attach the neck to the box. First notch the box using handsaw, drill and files. I usually add internal bracing by cutting blocks and glueing them to the four corners. These provide support for the Cigar Box Lid help balance the weight and feel of the instrument. I also add mounting blocks under where the neck attaches to connect the neck securely to the box. This build features two sound holes, a hinge/bolt combo bridge and internal reverb springs. This guitar neck is covered with Boiled Linseed Oil. I use regular screws to connect the neck and the box to the mounting blocks. Standard quarter inch input jack is installed. A Disc piezo pickup is wired straight to the input jack and hot glued directly to the underside of the box top. The tuners are then carefully positioned, marked, measured and installed. I use a small triangle file to cut groove slots in the "jumbo zero fret". This (along withe the eyelets and bolt) help hold the strings in place. The saddle is just the threaded section from a large bolt. I cut it down to size with a grinder. (beware of sparks!!) This guitar is strung with acoustic strings A D G but tuned G D G. The "hook" on the top is so you can hang the instrument from a nail in the wall.
Patreon: / puckettcigarboxguitar

[@AgressiveElevatorMusic]

To anyone thinking about building one of these; do it. Much of this can be done without power tools. Measure 3 times and have a steady hand.

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

true dat !!

[@kewlbns69]

shaping a guitar neck by hand is an art form tho. ;)

[@DevanBishop]

Also you can buy cheap kits that are easy to make as well!

[@B0K1T0]

I just started playing guitar half a year ago but I love DIY projects and this is definitely on my list :D One of the coolest projects I can think of and it sounds freaking awesome too! :)

[@richardruark6422]

@@DevanBishop after a kit....from scratch is more satisfying... But either way ..Do It....

[@darrenmckenna5106]

You have great talent at building these cigar box guitar and playing them. I would love to see this in a 6 or 7 part video at normal speed with you explaining each step. A beginner guide, for beginners. None the less we could see your talent at making a fine guitar.

[@Golubnich]

You've really improved your skills over the last two years, Del. Thank you for posting these videos. Learning from someone else's experience is much more useful than learning from own mistakes.

[@timmcelhannon1883]

Thanks goodness for .5 playback speed. Terrific tutorial of your building process. Really appreciate it!

[@genomitchalinni8106]

So, I'm learning, for my first build, that shaving the neck is real important if you want to shred or play something that sounds homemade. Right? Your teaching rocks, bro.

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

Thank you Geno !! Sounds like you're totally having fun !!!!!

[@triplesevensix291]

Kudos on the spring for reverb man. You are the first I've ever seen doing that but it makes so much sense. Good job sir. ;) This is more addictive than booze or drugs & you get a whole lot more back out of it. Nice one maestro. Thank you for all the vids. ;)

[@The1stGurehaundo]

You just saved the money of a reverb pedal!

[@badbeardbill9956]

Spring reverb is a classic

[@douglashaner6802]

I have seen most of this before EXCEPT for the table saw jig. That alone makes this whole video worth watching. I was afraid of using a hand saw to cut as I would go too deep.

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

going too deep is not as bad as not going deep enough … i’m more worried about tilt and not being perfectly perpendicular…

[@benjaminthomas2626]

Great build, sounds fantastic. I love cigar box guitars. I built a fretless one that I was equally useless at playing... these three stringers are really amazing. I am inspired by this build, maybe I'll try my hand at a fretted one soon. God bless Del, thanks for sharing

[@Insomniugh]

Did anyone else hear the safety guy from work in their head say "hope he's wearing eye protection". Nice work, may try to build one someday, thanks for sharing!

[@toddsanford7757]

awesome vids, wish i knew the important dimensions like neck length, width, and where to put the frets,

[@74dartman13]

As you're building a cigar box guitar, you don't realize the amount of tools you use. When you had em all spread out at the beginning, it really is a lot! Btw...wish I could build em that fast!👍😎🎸🎶

[@InterWebGuy99]

Very good vid. It was nice to see I'm doing most of what you're doing in the same way. I'm missing some very valuable tools which add to the time and make mine a little less refined. I have no shop, so no room for tools, parts, wood, etc. I build my guitars between my kitchen table and the dining room wall. It's still fun to see a guitar take shape, no matter your limitations.

[@eldar676]

It's great! Thank you from Russia👍

[@elmagnificojh]

Man,that's just way too cool! I love it! I gotta build me one. I normally build or rebuild solid body electrics,but that looks like much more fun. Thanks for the video!

[@robertmiller1461]

Cool!!!

[@TonyBrown-lf5nj]

Left amazed my friend have a gorgeous weekend .

[@frogdogify]

The fret cutting template with the saw set up is so cool!!

[@DevanBishop]

Mice video! I just built one of these from a kit and it’s so much fun!

[@williamd.reinhardt8476]

I've noticed that you leave your round sound holes unfinished, or unlined. For mine I purchase some nylon, slip joint washers(OD = 1 3/8"); rough 'em up some with sandpaper; primer paint 'em; and spray paint 'em with several coats of quality spray paint in the color of your choice.

[@dahlbergt]

Good build, good video and cool sound! Thank's for sharing!

[@TheRokkis]

This is very helpful, thanks man! Was about to start preparing my cigar box and checking what I need to buy, got some really good tips from you!

[@davefoster6156]

Amazing sound and great tone. Excellent

[@liefde05]

Fantastic job. Well done!

[@acesmitty6441]

Everybody says, "Build you own." That's all well and good if you have all the tools that you've just shown in this video...which I don't. Meaning; building these things is not for everyone. I prefer to buy mine. Much easier.

[@AvidEric]

For me it's different, I can't afford buying one - therefore I'd love to build one myself. I even have access to all the tools you could need to build one, but getting all parts needed (especially the wood) for cheap is quite a problem.

[@rwbimbie5854]

Which tools do you not have? The scroll saw can be replaced with a simple hand coping saw, the drill press & belt sanding could just be sanded by hand. The fret slots can be done with a hand miter box

[@skynyrdnemoy2418]

Eric M. Check Lowes and Home Depot and lumber yards, sometimes skids and pallets are hardwood, or lumber spacers are basically pine 2x3s, I bet a straight one of those would make a neck.

[@gigglesgames1]

To be honest all you need is a miter box and saw and a drill. You can make one in a couple hours.

[@zrpcguitars6027]

@@AvidEric www.menards.com/main/building-materials/lumber-boards/hardwood-lumber-boards/mastercraft-reg-1-x-2-maple-board/1046908/p-1444422757932-c-13115.htm?searchTermToProduct=1046908 I'll be doing a build video soon on a Ouija Board guitar. All the wood, and quality hard maple, for $4.49 at menards!

[@spider3093]

That thing sounds nice.

[@robertborger5821]

I just found this channel and have watched a lot of your videos. My granddad had a diddly bow from his Navy days, of course I was not allowed to touch it. But I really want to make one and then progress from there. I have one technical question. Does the peizo pickup, touch both the neck and the face below the bridge like a sandwich? If not please tell me how to set that up. Also for a diddley bow can you recommend a good peizo pick up? Thanks for the awesome content. Really loving your channel.

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

hey Robert!!! welcome aboard 😎. go to the youtube search bar and type in PUCKETT CIGAR BOX PEIZO INSTALL and you’ll get several options and answers to your questions… have fun

[@robertborger5821]

@@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar watching it now thank you.

[@quag1481]

your work is amazing

[@frankwhite1231]

Awesome I wanna come build one with ya

[@marklongy2009]

Right ONNNNN!!!!!

[@timbarnett6781]

Great video. Dell--you need to break down and get a bandsaw off of craigslist.

[@dgz6610]

Any tips for the frets? Quarantined in Brazil trying to build one, I'm thinking about using iron nails

[@jackhardy636]

Can’t really get cigar boxes where I’m from tried so hard to find an answer on wether you can make your own box for it. Any tips?

[@brandonhinchman6792]

What key was the song you played? I've been playing guitar for about 6 months and I would like to transfer my knowledge of Blues to guitar. I mainly know piano

[@DickieboyBradders]

That looks like great fun ..now where’s the cigar box I put away 🤔😂🎸

[@celesterobbins5830]

Bad ass!

[@a.c.basicelectronicsaudio8425]

wwwoooowww boyyy!!

[@agungwayne3090]

Damn that was fast.

[@makrele2487]

Cool. 😎👍

[@onemanhouseband5840]

What is the name of the screws you use on the bottom of the box? I tried “button screws” but didn’t find the exact thing. Thanks for the videos. So helpful!!!

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

Sheet rock screws with finishing washers

[@onemanhouseband5840]

Puckett Cigar Box Guitar Thanks!

[@guitar1977man]

Excellent! Fender who? Gibson what?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

have you heard of a guy named “Martin Taylor”?

[@davewettlaufer7885]

that was cool thank you. Question, is the spring for better resonation?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

reverb 👍🏽

[@petrvotava4345]

Is piezo good for live concert in pub

[@cous1961]

Hi there, just started looking into cigar box guitars, enjoying your vids very much. Just one question tho, you may have explained why in earlier vids I haven't seen, but why is the bridge or saddle on a slite angle?. Thank you

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

intonation

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

watch my videos on intonation

[@AvidEric]

I'm wondering if the buzz (there is some buzz, I'm hearing that right?) when playing unplugged comes from the spring or if the action given by the zero fret might be a little too low (or the other first few frets not flat enough)? Also, where are you getting these machine heads (and the other parts) if I may ask? Are these form cbgitty? (I'm asking since their shipping to Europe is quite steep.) Anyways, that's a nice little Guitar that I wouldn't mind to have...

[@plywoodcarjohnson5412]

Essentially it is a neckbuild. I have done two necks. So I have to find boxes. The spring is beyond me. What is it for? Anyway great video! Thx man!

[@markhoffman3100]

perfect third interval on a fretboard scale??? How is this accomplished?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

alignment of the frets with the harmonics

[@markhoffman3100]

@@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar Not really sure how this applies to my question. Help???

[@elvismemphisgs]

Hi What about the wiring And input That's what I'm interested in

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

i have many many videos showing the wiring configurations for a bunch of different circuits… keeping watching 😎

[@janiefuller5638]

My disclaimer-I know nothing of playing guitars, but yours sounded fantastic! Esp after u 'plugged it in.' My questions- what did u 'plug it in' to? And what was that small disc u were soldering? Thanks for the video-i plan to check out the others (hopefully slower) to learn more!

[@lachiec9475]

The small disc was the pickup (which doesn't use magnetic poles), and was plugged into an amplifier you would assume.

[@mattschannel1502]

How imperative is it that the neck goes right through the inside of the box as this must compromise the acustic slightly? Could it be done withe using a piece of freaded bar wound into the neck then pass that through the box and secure with a nut and bolt?

[@attilasipeki1418]

Great video! May I ask wht kind of amp and pedal do you use? Thank you!

[@litllethinks3822]

👍

[@bigshed51]

Awesome.

[@neelonghunglow]

Should have played Hungarian dance number 2! Very nice!

[@romainvilleneuve]

did i need to make a notch for the acoustic sound for cbg guitar with a cbgitty bridge i have a single coil and piezzo i want to add in home made maple wood box because i dont find cigar box in my region in canada can you help me

[@ju12nah]

Building my second box, but this one is going to be a bass. What's the spring for?

[@leealpha2177]

it made me giddy bro

[@marcsoler2409]

What's the name of the round and flat piece of the minute 7:40? Thank you.

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

piezo transducer pickup... picks up vibrations

[@marcsoler2409]

ok, thank you. Very good videos.

[@MadHatterMattMMM]

Sorry for the ignorant question.. what is the spring for ?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

Reverb 😎

[@MadHatterMattMMM]

THX!!!! actually I found on another video of yours all the info about size and number of the springs!! I'm trying to figure out a way to have my student to built their own Gr8 work and again thx for sharing the process!!

[@fatchild9299]

What’s the name of the song you played at the end of the video

[@nepfume]

I think some music would really do you good in these types of videos. Like while you work, so it isn't just silent.

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

Youre right

[@pipflynnofficial]

What string are on this little smoker?

[@clarencejohnson9554]

I'm a machinist / welder. Have you ever thought about making an aluminum box cigar box guitar...curious.

[@chrisdiehl8387]

I watched a video where a guy built one out of an old metal gas can. Sounded good too

[@thenicky7836]

Do you sell these I grow plants cuz I cant build things but just discovered the box guitar last night and really want to learn the 3 string

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

I do.. I do... email me for details

[@thenicky7836]

@@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar at the risk of looking dumb I dont know your email brother I'm new to all this

[@tommypetraglia4688]

@@thenicky7836 Click on his channel next to Subscribe, then go to the 'About' page. His email is there, as well as his web address and Insta link [e-mail]

[@BrianHeward]

Those Tuners are gorgeous! Who makes them?

[@claytonroberts344]

Is the nick a 1 x 4

[@MarkRuslinzski]

How much would you charge to make me one, I'm really interested

[@marianetew]

Hi man, another great video, thanks. What is the spring for?

[@roy1966hill]

could u build a pore boy one

[@fabiobarbati6029]

Really low-fi!

[@robertsnell734]

what's the size of the bolt you're using for the bridge?

[@jade5773]

Awesome video! Does the cigar box have to have a ply top, or is MDF ok? Thx.

[@patsox2004]

LOL, I have that "fret" saw from Harbor Freight as well. Just picked it up a few weeks ago. I haven't used it yet for frets but I did do a test and find it lacking in power. I imagine it will do though when I make my table top jig for it like you did. You just have to be slow with it. Where'd you get your blades for it?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

i get the blades online. google "jewlers blade .023 kerf" 1/2 arbor. i use the 4 inch blade with a stabilizer. as far as lacking in power... i have had no issues. i'm only cutting 1/16 or so. i go slow enough to not burn the wood or the blade. i've cut nearly 100 fretboards so far and no sign of dulling. i use mainly poplar for the fretboard which isnt really all that 'hard"

[@paulcrouse9987]

I have built several diddly bows in the past but always have an issue with the neck bending out of proportion when tuning the strings, leaving a variation of 1/4 to an 1/8th inch string height between the fret board and the strings. I have used only hard woods on the necks sold by C.B Gitty guitars and still cant get a low action on the neck even in various tuning due to the bend of the neck. I found a cure for this by putting two pieces of 3/4 inch, quarter round on the back of the neck but there is still issues with it. any suggestions?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

hhmmm i've never had that issue. but i always incorporate a slight back angle to enhance playing action. and i drop tune to reduce string tension...i also strive for vertical neck grain and straight pieces to begin with...

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

Okay you used to Maplewood for the neck. What about warping from the string tension. I know guitars have a steel rod to keep that from happening. Or am I missing something here. LOL

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

Yup... i dont use metal rods ... i only build 3 stringers... and i slack tune to reduce string tension

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

@@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar thanks for the reply. So overall do they warp much to where they are not playable doing cords and only useful with a finger slide ?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

@@RANDALLOLOGY i have had only two necks twist on me so far ... out of hundreds. I try to pick straight peices to begin with...

[@dgraytcps]

Hi Dale, another great video, thanks. Question: what is in that green can when you are installing the Piezeo?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

dgraytcps solder flux...

[@3Blindspot3]

Hey man I was just wondering do you sell any of your creations

[@HiltsyAdventure]

Nice build bud, what saw blade did you use to cut the frets I need to get me a table saw setup for that looks faster.

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

not only faster but each cut is the same depth and angle. helps with intonation and creating a nice overall 'feel" - i got my blade online. i forgot where but google (jewlers blade .023 kerf 1/2 arbor) the mini saw i got from Harbor freight. good luck

[@jaimiec2404]

where do you get the springs? I can't find a spring anywhere except tiny ones.

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

Janice Conner Lowes and Home Depot

[@jaimiec2404]

Puckett Cigar Box Guitar I will look again. I will go to another town. Thank you for the reply.

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

Janice Conner ask an employee... Grab the 2 inch that stretches to bout 5 inches. All you need is one spring

[@jaimiec2404]

Puckett Cigar Box Guitar thank you

[@alexandretst11]

Quais as cordas foram utilizadas?

[@michaellumetta7700]

What are the measurements

[@daverichardson4183]

Sorry Del, but I am going to use some of your ideas in my DWR guitar builds :D

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

Dave Richardson I would be honored!!

[@tracymcdougal6381]

The spring? Does it add a little depth sound to the guitar or something?correct me if I'm wrong? Confused

[@tracymcdougal6381]

Also is there longer shaft tuners

[@tracymcdougal6381]

Very nice, the spring made a difference in the sound.

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

reverb... give it a try :-)

[@tracymcdougal6381]

I will give it a try, groovy man thanks

[@paulofmarinho]

QUAL É A FUNÇÃO DA MOLA

[@fanchant]

reverb

[@rwbimbie5854]

Where are you getting the Maple? Home Depot near me only has poplar & oak

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

RWBimbie I have had good luck with every wood including pine. I have built over 150 guitars and have only two warped necks . One poplar the other walnut

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

RWBimbie I get wood wherever.... I don't remember

[@rwbimbie5854]

Well, I'll get the oak & poplar then. Its been 20years since I put saw to wood, so I'm not going to try to make an heirloom first try. Thanks for making these vids, yours & some others have inspired me to give it a try.

[@cnukem1]

What is the internal spring for?

[@badbeardbill9956]

Reverb, like old spring reverbs

[@BoTTanker]

Do you sell these somewhere

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

tankerc31 DelPuckettcbg.com :-)

[@aboutdoors3046]

How’d u get the fret spacing template?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

AB Outdoors there everywhere online. I purchased mine from cbgitty.com

[@keddano]

brian-c.github.io/fretboard-template-generator

[@keddano]

Put in the size scale and # of frets you want and print it out.

[@sandrinerobe9642]

Bonjour , j'aimerai savoir à quoi sert le ressort accroché au manche à l'intérieur de la boite ? merci ;)

[@paulterl4563]

Cool!!! How much time you spent normally to build one up?

[@ecalzo]

Hey Dell.. tell me please if you think it will be the best installing some hinges in order to put the string at the bottom of the cigar box guitar or maybe the best option is to let the neck come trough the bottom of cigar box and then string the guitar throught 3 holes drilled directly into the neck itself? this is the cleanest option for me.. but i got some thought in mind ... the hinges make easier the grounding of the string to a piezo pickup ground wire... or ... better... do you think it will be useless to ground the strings on a pure piezo pickup cigar box guitar? ;-)

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

ecalzo you dont have to ground the Piezo system... if you do it won't hurt but its not necessary

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

ecalzo i like both hinges and string thru... i tend to mix them up to keep things interesting...

[@ecalzo]

Hey Del i almost finished the new guitar and thanks to your tips i'm thinking i did well ... photos.app.goo.gl/juxOlv5ZF17FLowg2 i carved the neck ... i used a scrap piece of wood to keep the neck solid into the cigar box ..i braced all the inside with wood.. i put the neck through and string through the neck too with some nipples to protect the wood.. i also kept the neck a little higher over the lid of the cigar box to have better action at the twelve fret in the end .. will see.. now i will let the glue to dry .. but i used screws too ;-)

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

ecalzo looks great!!! im currently finishing up a ukulele. i should have a video ready early next week. congratulations mate!!

[@ecalzo]

Puckett Cigar Box Guitar Great. . guess what. i've already finished 2 days ago' an ukulele for my little nephw.. here photos.app.goo.gl/LX57gVfrpbaiSmS32 ... but on the cigar box guitar i was left with very small clearance between the lid and the carved neck.. i hope that under strings tension the bridge will not let the lid touches the neck on the inside..

[@gregprocknal9232]

Describe what your doing

[@LifeandLifeMoreAbundantly]

❤️❤️🎸😘

[@ayobamiolamide190]

pls i need empty cigar box pls

[@thedarkestwaffle9775]

Look for them at yard sales, flea markets, good will, ect. I find most of my at good will for $2

[@chadsterken7285]

Or if there is a local cigar shop you could call and ask if they have any I scored mine from a local cigar shop

[@johnhartley3196]

Too fast. Makes me dizzy watching.

[@dustinmorgan9884]

Slow the video down

[@romeliapolly2519]

I've heard good feedback about the Stodoys plans.

[@rocket9244]

time lapse, not a how to video.

[@keepupwithspeedy]

way too fast to see what all your doing.

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

What??? Too fast for "Speedy" 😃

[@RetroPlus]

Speedy go to the video settings and select 0.50 speed, it should be half speed then.