Building a Cigar Box Guitar - part 11 - the Final Episode.

Video 11 in the Cigar Box Guitar build series with Ben at Crimson Guitars in the UK. www.crimsonguit...
The final video in the Cigar Box Guitar build series. Unfortunately Ben did not finish this build by 5pm, but what an experience anyway. He began filming at 1:30pm and finally finished this cigar box guitar at 5:45pm.
Please Note: Crimson Guitars no longer supplies kits for cigar box builds

[@IhabIAmer]

Ben's passion and enthusiasm is a source of inspiration, add ' taking chances ' to the whole thing we all end up with an exquisite series.

[@poodlenoodlesoup1]

Oh my god! I watched every bit and I wan to thank you so much for the time you spent! I learned so much, not just on how to make a cigar box diddly but in luthier work in general. I have been fixing guitars for 12 years now and I cannot believe how much you taught me. I bought 4 cigar boxes with the intent on making them into guitars and now I feel much more comfortable with what I am doing. Thank you again for all your hard work. Cheers!

[@JoeTheGrunt]

Outstanding brother! You may not know it ..... but this is now one of the best cigar box guitar tutorials on YT now. My name is Joe. I'm the nephew of Harry DeArmond of DeArmond pickups. Was taught by him to build guitars but I have a true love for these cigar box guitars. Not only are they historical and the very guitars that gave birth to the Blues, they are a flat out blast to make. I make some nasty bar room slammers too. LOL Even doing one now that is with "active" EMG pickups and an 18 volt conversion, and a 28 1/2" scaled baritone on a tin body (Texas Special / Rio Grand Bucker). Point: These little guitars can do for more than the short sustain twang boxed many think they are if done correctly. As far as your build here. Pitch that zero fret and go brass or bone nut. On your tail of the neck, do not taper it down. Use an "L" bracket or some other means to "ramp" the strings up just a few millimeters above the surface of the box. Then run them up to the bridge. As far as your speed! Bro, I have never made one in just a few hrs. Good job! LOL :-)

[@timkandy]

I am going to miss having my morning coffee and watching the daily cigar box guitar update. This was fun to watch, thank you for doing it.

[@ThaUltimateDragon]

Fantastic Ben. I've been watching you and your channel/company grow for years now and this has to be one of the best things you've put on youtube to date.

[@pipercub45]

Your enthusiasm showed through the whole series. I hope your family is as forgiving as we are!

[@PaxDrakonis]

This was a really fun build to watch, your excitement is contagious and never fails to give me the urge to make sawdust!

[@BoneheadGuitars]

Loved it, loved it, loved it. Searching KZbin for CBG research is what led me to Crimson in the first place. And Ben's 24 hr build series is the primary thing that led me to move into 6 strings. Watching Ben build a CBG and have a great time doing so was especially interesting for me to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks so much for this. :D

[@escargotomy]

Ben this has been such an intriguing series I found I didn't want it to end. The truth is I have many cigar boxes laying around... my local supermarket sells them for 50 cents! I had the idea about 5 years ago to make a cigar box guitar but the hangup was always getting/finishing a good neck for it. Most of us don't have a workshop full of tools. I would totally buy a neck from you guys if you started selling them. Cheers!

[@fokker313]

Hello from Ohio, I thought I had seen every you tube video on Cbg builds, I somehow missed this one, sadly. What a talent you are Ben, to do this without even knowing cbgs are usually tuned in an open Gdg. You are a credit to your craft. I have been building cbgs for about year and a half and have come soooo far already and have picked up some great tips from your vast experience in building and woodworking. You obviously have a passion for your business. A few tips from a humble builder, the scarf joint I use is set at 15 degrees, and I never have a break angle issue, secondly you might consider use the large key mounted on a wood base, giving you the ability to raise or lower the bridge by the thickness of the wood shim under the key, also in my opinion easier to adjust your intonation. Just my thoughts, as you must already know in the world of cbgs there really is no one way, that's what makes it so COOL! THANKS FOR YOUR EFFORT!

[@jakecarriveau4100]

About a year ago I built a cigar box ukulele in school for a project. It was awesome to build and I would highly recommend everyone to build one, its a blast.

[@impsol101180]

I'm in the middle of making one of these for my daughter right now and this video was very informative. I am now a subscriber.

[@rparker120]

Loved the build. I’ve been building them for over a year and always learned something new with every build. Thank you!

[@kntrlr]

Just binge watched the entire series, and it was fantastic. I always enjoy watching your videos, and have learned so very much. But seeing someone just have so damned much fun with something was infectious. I know nothing at all about building guitars, and am frankly kind of hopeless with tools, and yet right now....I WANNA BUILD ONE!!!! Thanks for an afternoon of fun!

[@farinhite_4512]

I refer to my daily visit to this channel as getting Ben-t. Great series!

[@cameronj279]

I don't think anybody could be angry for arriving home late when she saw how much fun you had!

[@dhobskin]

i love seeing people happy.. you're going to make other people happy with your kits..

[@Balleerics1]

For something built so quickly and worked out as you went along it's great, nice one Ben :)

[@smeegers]

Started watching this cause I love your vids, I had absolutely no intention whatsoever of actually building one. And now I'm salivating at the prospect! Well done!

[@shooteroffuture]

That is one beautiful piece of fingerboard. Too good for a cigar box. The series was a lot of fun, thanks

[@IamtheActionman]

Amazing series Ben. Really enjoyed each an every episode. Fun to watch a pro flying by the seat of his pants...lol. That fretboard...sick

[@Nijones1110]

Loved the series, love the look and sound of cigar box instruments. Thanks Ben!

[@mttclifford]

I loved this series, now I may have the bug! For the bridge and string break issues an idea may be to use a largish bolt and matching nut at the bridge. Since the head and nut are hexagonal, it would sit flat on the face of the guitar. Also, since the bolt is threaded, you can ensure positive string spacing. at the nut, to ensure proper string break angle, try screwing a Floyd style string retainer bar just behind the end of the fretboard. I understand that you were going for a more old-timey, homemade vibe, but as you mentioned, you sacrifice intonation and some sustain. All things considered, that instrument is surprisingly loud! enjoy!!!

[@oldguy1944]

A fun project to watch. I can see endless possibilities creating a similar instrument. Thanks for the entertainment and knowledge.

[@cumoncents]

Great series Ben, your excitement at the end made the whole project worth every minute watching.I found it hard to believe that an experienced builder like yourself got so ecstatic, but then again I just got the addiction for CBG's about a few weeks ago and am building my 2nd as we speak so I completely understand. Looking forward to what you have in store for the future.Best of luck!

[@TheDudesdad2000]

And another one gets bitten by the CBG bug. Brilliant, and funny to see you light up like a kid. Lots of fun to build. The challenges you came across in episode 10 (bridge, nut) are universal to CBG builders. And typically, the bridge material is last on the list of "to make" for many of us, unless we upgrade to a 3 or 4 string hardtail bridge. Good that you chose to keep it acoustic. Because going electric has one special challenge...how to ground the strings. Great video Ben. Happy New Year from across the pond.

[@pablogriswold421]

I've never seen a bolt-on through neck before, and the first one set the bar high! You are great!

[@fmb936]

this is what I've been waiting for. I originally subscribed to your channel for ideas for building cbg's. excellent work.

[@stewartrea9845]

Loved the series. Can't wait to have a go at building one of these cigar box guitars.

[@eliasruuskanen5840]

You really inspired me to try and make my own cigarbox guitar. This series was awesome!

[@steveo0232]

Thanks for all the great videos Ben. I've built my first guitar after being inspired watching the PAF 25 videos and it's coming along very nicely. I've never commented before but I loved the cigar box series and am definitely going to build one! It sounds great and is such a cool looking instrument.

[@bawilms]

Kudos to your enthusiasm for, mastery of, and dedication to your craft!

[@MaddyB2F]

Just binge watched this whole series. I realy enjoed watching you put this instrument together. I myself have build my very first CBG a couple of month ago, and was realy looking forward to see how you solved the problems I ran into, only to see that you too had trouble with the nut and the bridge :) I didn´t know how to play a guitar or how to build an instrument when i tried it. But i can honestly say it gives you a lot of joy and exitement. Thanks for the great videos!

[@MrGrebgnet]

I really love this series! It is really fun watching you solve problems along the way. I think it's a great way to teach us viewers.

[@sebastienlefevre276]

What a great job and a great idea to make cigar box kit ! I'm very looking forward to see it. Thanks for sharind your challenge with us. Congratulations for this guitar.

[@CPettybone1]

This is cool! I started building a mandolin years ago and I was literally giggling when I finished the neck.

[@frederickthorne2496]

You're awesome, Ben. That was fun!

[@ecaff9515]

Freaking Fantastic...I love my PRS...and I can't wait to build my first Cigar Box Guitar...Thank you...

[@lancefarish4841]

That is so cool looking. You're like a kid at Christmas!!

[@nblythin]

I've really enjoyed this series of videos over the holidays Ben. I happened upon your channel when looking for workbench building videos. I don't play, and have never really been into guitars (although my 3 brothers all play), but after watching a bunch of your videos - and this series in particular - I think I'd like to give it a go at some point soon. Thank you for inspiring me!

[@rayk141]

This was fun to watch. ThX for sharing it. Its fun to watch someone do a first build and that bright eye of a new addiction. I have been building CBG's about 2-3 years now Each one I get a rush when finished. Always something to learn. Currently in the process of making a License Plate guitar, my second of these actually. Hope to see you post another CBG build.

[@Karlfalcon]

Watching how excited you got over playing it for the first time reminds me why I started building these in the first place.

[@patrickjaroch5084]

Loved every minute of this. i was so bummed this morning when i couldnt watch this episode before i left for work. glad you re uploaded it. the 11 minute mark you became a child of light and wonder and it was magnificent. Love Love Love it

[@jpcgordon]

I finished building my first ever cbg today and am relatively happy with the results. One can certainly play with a slide without intonation problems but fretted play is a little off. Either way, after seeing this AMAZING video, I will most certainly be going in for round two, following your guidelines. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this detailed and incredible video.

[@jpcgordon]

Also, how did you end up fixing the intonation on your cbg? Did you just have to adjust the placement of the bridge?

[@dimitriharris]

Excellent series of videos! I just started building one about a week ago and learned so much watching you. Love the way you just dive in and get it done. Thanks!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

My pleasure, thanks for watching. B

[@ericdavis4041]

Excellent videos! I've built eight CBG's so far, they are always a blast to make. You gave me a few ideas for future builds. Thanks!

[@kwenim1]

Nice job Ben, love the maple neck it would be great doing kits of them but if you sell them at a cheaper price I’m sure you’ll sell loads good luck! And thank you Ben for all you do I love watching a truly gifted talent enjoying what you do! Thanks Ben, Si

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Hey Simon, we will be adding cbg kits this coming year.. they are simply too fun not to!

[@fellsantfernandoargentin2072]

Crimson. I am sending you congratulations from Brazil! Great job! You have a good energy! Stay in this way!

[@duks1111]

and now i have to build me a cbg .. best build series ever :-)

[@NKBobcat]

Great job! I like it. Try GDG! You now understand the joy I get building these instruments and when I sell one and the customer plays it for the first time. There are no rules in building these. It's fun and it's an instrument that has a unique sound.

[@9yearsagooner611]

Wow, What a Sunday morning it's been watching you make this masterpiece, thank you for going through all the effort, it's been truely sensational.... right, back to Canned Heat

[@billedwards8249]

I have just got interested in cigar box guitars and found your video to be very informative. It was great seeing enjoy the project.

[@fnersch3367]

Guitar mania rages on: I recently built a Hittite guitar (replica of course) dating from 1450 BC. It was a rage then as now. Keep on making guitars!

[@almfoto]

Completely fed off your energy for this build. Awesome!

[@SBTDesigndotcodotuk]

Great stuff Ben. Loved every episode. Get those kits done! 🤘

[@francescofeltrin8885]

You know what?! YOU ARE MY HERO!!!

[@johncrabtree1553]

Really enjoyed watching this series. I would definitely be interested in a kit.

[@Nghtwnd]

Absolutely LOVE this series! I've always been a fan of your builds, you always do amazing work. I have to say though, this is the first one I think that I could actually pull off myself, with any measure approaching passable quality. Let us know if/when you start making those kits available - it looks like loads of fun!

[@510bass]

Wonderful series, Ben! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@chrisp.5482]

Great build, Ben! I can't wait to check out those kits.

[@andrewmeyer2300]

Sweet! I love the rustic gouge marks at the string anchors!!

[@rickromero7774]

I really enjoyed this series, it brought back memories of when I built my first box guitar. Although I couldn't get a cigar box so I made my own and made it electric and took me a hell of a lot longer than 4 hours, it was the best fun I had in ages. Ps: love your channel and greetings from Australia.

[@jeroenverbeeck7925]

Loved this series! The best part was seeing your enthusiasm for the instrument and luthery, especially at the end! Great videos Ben!

[@jeffsparkman3739]

Awesome series! Loved it. Going to make my own cigar box guitar right away.

[@davidmangan222]

I ran home from work so that I could finish this series. My wife is now wondering when I'm going to start making a cigar box ukulele. I wish I had the time to take a vacation to the UK so I could learn how to build at your shop. At least I know where to go for tools....

[@pinkywittingslow4055]

Bloody brilliant! Hope you didn't get in too much trouble 🤣 I'm going to give this a go myself now. Thank you so much! Keep making.

[@216trixie]

Bravo!.........................I wasn't sure about the headstock shape until you picked it up and played it. It's beautiful. It works with the f-hole. nice.

[@thespookdeville5112]

So brilliant, excellent, well done Rodge David

[@hugelavalava]

Awesome, really enjoyed this series. 😀👍

[@mattinahat6475]

that looked soo much fun to build. love the sound. would love the idea of a kit for it too. great series! love watching these vids. I think I have my grandpa's old tools about somewhere. time to crack out the whet stone perhaps?

[@studiodespenates]

Cool series! Really nice to see Ben having so much fun. That's exactly the way I feel when I complete this kind of built. Except mine take several days and are not that nice ;-)

[@DoscientosSeisHuesos]

Great series of videos. I am making my own indeed. I´ll let you know. Congrats all the way from El Salvador

[@bobiron3899]

Cool series loved it. I have built a box guitar and it's a truck load of fun as you have found out.

[@ecaff9515]

looking good...I hope to purchase a kit soon...Thank you. You give us hope...

[@mcclane12000]

Loved watching all these!

[@georgeoliverjones]

who thumbdowned this video!? this series has been awesome, been waiting every day for the next video. brilliant!

[@jakemartin2613]

I really loved this series!

[@PeterWasted]

I've been watching to see just how late you'd be! I had no interest in building one until you demoed yours at the end. Now I think I want one too! If you do make kits, please consider selling the parts separately. I (and I suspect many others) already have most of what we would need. I'm thinking I might want an oil can guitar too...

[@hayivan]

i dont know why i watched the whole thing but i love it . very nice

[@monkeyshark100]

Thanks Ben. Great video/s. Have made a few myself and great to learn a bit more. Right back to the cigar box uke!!! Cheers.

[@davidchiles1726]

awesome series bro, have been waiting on each single part. looks like so much fun

[@jovanarwegen4542]

Hehe, it's great to see that even a professional luthier like yourself goes into superexited happy mode when you've finished your first cbg! :-) There are really no rules when huilding these things and you can think outside the box ( quite litterally). I've made a 4 string license-plate resonator, a 2 string bass out of a small beer keg and have just finished a 4 string resonator flying V (made out of mdf) with leather covered top, kinky stuff 😉. The real fun about playing these things is that your inspiration goes in overdrive because, as a guitar player, you are challenged to work around the 'limitations' of not having 6 strings... really addictive. Be warned and have fun!

[@michaelrobitaille890]

Absolute loved the series and would like to see more related to CBG. I have built two CBG the second better than the first but I also have problems with intonation and would appreciate if you could show how you go about fixing it. Will miss this series I was about as excited as you were to see the finish product awesome Ben. Great series

[@basvredeling]

thoroughly enjoyed this series. Thanks!

[@christopherberthelet3977]

Cool it encourages me to go ahead with my version. Thank you so much for the series. I'll try to send you a picture of the finished product.

[@rjmcmooseknuckle]

Cheers man , inspiring build , loved the series!!! lol

[@jproulx57]

Great videos! Really enjoyed this series Ben. I may have to make myself one.

[@NKBobcat]

FANTASTIC Series!

[@EclipseGamingTV]

Great great series! Will definitely be grabbing one of those kits

[@AHFxCK]

wow, id love to buy a kit! i love the whole build series!

[@sylvesterado1]

I'm ready to build one now! Thanks

[@paulmathias1908]

Just to say, I have watched the complete series of videos, awesome!! Thank you so much really great.

[@danwittmayer6539]

I did construct back in the aughts a single stringed spike fiddle using a thin-ish broomstick & a torpedo cigar box. I made a "buzzing bridge" to give it a nasty quality.

[@nathansmith960]

thats so cool man i cant wait for the electric one 😉

[@RodGSilva]

I really enjoy the series!

[@Richardcecker]

Very Cool! Thanks for the complete tutorial.

[@mcjake97]

I loved it! so fun to watch.. please make 1 episode of playing it :D

[@kewlbns69]

this was great to watch! just makes me smile how much fun you had doing it and i'm going to be doing my own pretty soon.

[@zacharywalsh6481]

I'm bummed now that this series is over I need more

[@CliffMacdonald]

Great series Ben WELL DONE