Building a Guitar Neck Tutorial

This video details the process step by step on how to build a neck for a Cigar Box Guitar. This is just one way to "skin the proverbial cat" ...
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Patreon: / puckettcigarboxguitar

[@edperry4235]

I like that you do so much by hand. So many tutorials show a whole shop full of fancy power tools a lot of us don't have. Good work!

[@benjaminthomas2626]

True. You can really build a cbg by hand. These were hobo guitars back in the day. They didn't have any fancy tools.

[@dannybinghammusic]

Been watching you and learning from your videos for quite some time. My second build I did with the help of one of my guitar students he did for a youth fair project and won first place! Thank you Del for your guidance! You rock!

[@VicsModShop]

Well done! Really appreciate your straightforward approach.

[@haroldvondenstein]

Great....no BS...just pure "how to" instruction while building. Thanks for the detail info. Fantastic job!!

[@randombroncosfan8095]

Interesting bare bones teacher, fun to watch, easy to learn from. Hopefully starting my first one today.

[@gdecisisable]

I’m very happy I discovered your channel.I feel in love with these guitars a few years ago and have recently started building them.I reference your video’s all the time so thank you very much.I’m obsessed with this hobby and I’m learning how to play also.Cheers!

[@daniellorca4452]

Thank you!!! Now i know what to do. Making a musical instrument, that works, is something to be proud of. With your help i believe i can do it: you show how without using crazy expensive tools. Thanks again.

[@asagould6886]

You helped me with first build and I'm on build number 2 I've just finished,with ideas for build number 3 💡 you are an inspiration and I use mainly hand tools the same as you 🙏 I make ukuleles too 🙏

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

awesome. thank you for reaching out

[@mattsykes22]

I have all those tools at home even the banana. Now I finally have something to get me through the winters. Thanks Mr Puckett.

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

build on and post video -

[@jimmyhaley727]

wow,,,, you must have a very short winter,,, ehheheheeh

[@Gregn604]

Many thanks, ran into an issue with my first CBG and I think with info from this video I'll be able to fix it!

[@trackie1957]

When I glue a fretboard, I use backing boards like he shows, but I use an old bike inner tube to clamp it together. Start by holding the parts together with a couple of clamps. Cut the inner tube to make it into a strip. Wrap it, while stretching, around the whole length of the neck and back up. This provides nice, even pressure, and it’s almost free! I find the tubes from fancy road bikes work best.

[@barrycarol2]

I did my first back angle. You are awesome. It’s actually a paint can lid resonator style. Oh and you have great taste in baseball too. Go Sox

[@davidhutchinson1400]

Try adding a pinch of salt to a glued side before you clamp as it adds grip and helps prevent movement.

[@skynyrdnemoy2418]

This is a great video, thank you sir, a great service you’re doing here.

[@mikenadano4998]

I gotta build one of these.. So very cool.

[@g2D1]

Mr. Puckett, I really like your magnifying glass. Do you know where I may find one to purchase? Thank you for all the wisdom! -Regards, -G

[@pabloparada9957]

Love how casually clumsy you're with that apple man. I also am one that cannot get it consistently right

[@paulcarter1978]

Love the tutorials, Great stuff!. Getting ready to build my first one.

[@plywoodcarjohnson5412]

Jepp! That is how it is done. Make your own ruler by tracing the spacing of the swelling of Tori Spelling.

[@sparkspark833]

Around the 3:20 mark, there's a possessed cbg moving like a pendelum in the background!!!!

[@triplesevensix291]

Priceless info sir. Nice one. ;) If you dont mind can I ask how long have you been building? Im just getting into making my first few & the internet & guys like you are a wealth of info. Cheers man.

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

TRIPLESEVENSIX 3 years now ...

[@keithstanley2007]

I have watched this a number of times to ensure I get it right first time. What guitar did you use this neck on please?

[@Bucknut72470]

Very informative. Thanks Del

[@optmmaxconsultoriaetreinam6228]

Hi! What Woody tou haver tô do Theo neck... And where y foud de scale?... Great video... God blass

[@Rachels123]

best to do inlays before fretting

[@bradowens4052]

Question- is this because correction is easier prior to frets?

[@andrewelders1407]

Tis is cool bro ima build one 4 my buddys kid

[@ecalzo]

super tips here too .. thanks again..

[@toto6773]

Thanks Puckett..you all right

[@johnhack4978]

I am trying to Make my own neck what did you use to make the frets?? Loved your video

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

i use real frets

[@andrewpayton-smith9542]

could you trace the frets from an electric guitar?

[@ronhmason]

Hi Del, I've enjoyed your videos over the years and you're my go to building instructor for my builds. I thought I saw recently that you built a neck out of a solid 36" piece of 1.5" by 1.5" poplar or oak so you didn't have to glue a fretboard onto the neck. I can't find that video. Would you possibly repost it or send me the link to it. I really want to try my next cbg with that neck. Thanks for your videos and instructions.

[@richbutters2106]

Hi del what are the dimentions of the neck for a 25 inch scale. How long should the neck be. Width and depth. Cheers - love all your videos

[@clemmcguinness1087]

Thanks Mr Puckett

[@petenztube]

Hey Mr Puckett, why do you add the fretboard as a separate piece? Couldn't you just start with a thicker piece of wood, and cut the frets directly into it?

[@claudiovannetiello644]

You are amazing.......

[@gratefulgreyman]

Great video, thank you

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

Glad you liked it! 😉

[@mcopado]

Mr. Puckett sir, in one of your awesome and inspiring "CBG PORN" videos you had a guitar with a removable fretboard. Did you do anything special, or just screw it in where you would normally put in the fret inlays? Did you use something like wall anchors in the neck, or just do a straight screw in? Thanks for your videos, they've been an inspiration as I embark on this new obsession.

[@eddieandrews7920]

Tuning

[@keithstanley2007]

Did you ever do a video showing you mounting this neck to a cigar box?

[@lukeguindonmusic]

If my box is deeper, would it make a difference if I used a different type of wood to extend my neck to the bottom of the box? Should I be using all the same hardwood?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

i use whatever i can beg borrow or steal… makes no difference

[@polintr]

Back angle described starting at 6:14

[@74dartman13]

Thanks for all the great tips...appreciate it!☺

[@AI-DM]

Building my first CBG and your videos have been a great help. Few questions. What is the point of the heel that you add to the base of the neck. I've seen it in several of your videos and i have no idea why, also is it supposed to touch the bottom of the box? Also my original idea was to install the frets to the neck itself and not use a fret board. Why is it always 2 piece?

[@samuelwood876]

What 36" 1x2 is perfectly flat? They almost always need "decking" to prep them for frets

[@rwbimbie5854]

You say a super straight hardwood for the neck- The HomeDepot choices near me are Oak and Poplar... is Poplar 'hard' enough? Cause poplar is crazy weak for 'hardwood'

[@greanmonstamash]

RWBimbie Maple is what guitar companies use

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

RWBimbie I have had good luck with Poplar so far

[@simonoutdoors8761]

I just wondered if I managed to get an old guitar would I be able to cut the fretboard off that and just use that instead of spending more money on one of those thin saws and frets. Thank you

[@francoisgarcia3902]

very interesting and well explain , thanks for this vidéo !

[@SeanHaleWoodcraftsandMusic]

Hey cool vids. I can see you really got the CBG bug. So far I have jus done one, I believe you commented on my video. I plan to make a fretted one in the future. I have subscribed to your channel. Thanks for sharing.

[@neliacwahs895]

What kind of finish is that ? looking to do something similar.

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

I didn't think it was possible to do that with a hand saw. The alternative would be to just cut straight down into the top of the wood, a whole bunch of little notches of the same depth. Then you can chisel out the excess with a hammer and wood chisel. That method doesn't work for you?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

Paul TheSkeptic all of the above !! 😎👍🏽

[@alanstarbuck5203]

Hi Just wondered if you have used jumbo frets instead of a nut and if so what size frets do you use both along the fret board and for the nut

[@sixstring001]

I am about to attempt to build my first one. I really like your videos. Thanks so much! What is the smallest width box you can use to make a 3 string, 25 inch scale?

[@Njennings42]

sweet, where do you get all the cigar boxes?

[@hannahbjornson8758]

Plenty of local tobacco shops sell empty boxes for a few dollars

[@Njennings42]

@@hannahbjornson8758 my local shop doesn't I've asked them a number of times

[@BrynWegner]

Would the width measurement work for a 4 stringed cigar box guitar neck?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

probably… you might want to go a tad wider …

[@Juampi1975]

For the back ungle the measure is 3,16 inch to 3,8? Sorry I'm from Spain and can't understand the pronunciation

[@delrayhayes8648]

Question?...at the start of video you said wood needs to be at least 36” long. Why?if the scale is 25 and plus 4 for the head stock....that’s 29” I made one before and I cut it at 29” and it was actually to short....and now I’m like oh no don’t make the same mistake twice...what am I missing? Thanks love you videos

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

25 inch scale is length from NUT (ZERO FRET) to SADDLE. you'll need material for both the headstock AND the backside of your saddle (for bridge attach...string attach...grounding ... strap buttons...mounting blocks etc) .... keep watching these videos you'll soon be a PRO !!!!!!

[@FezzantPlucka]

Question: is it important that the bridge sits on solid wood (through the lid, if you know what I mean)? I suppose if it didn't it would slowly push a dent in the lid?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

My necks are thru the body ... they provide support for the saddle...

[@Creolegumbo]

Are u gluing frets in place?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

Only if absolutely necessary...

[@tonydevalt9932]

Where did you buy that blue plastic guitar fret ruler from?

[@CourseofLife74]

👍

[@mikegrant569]

What are you using for fret material and how do you secure them

[@TheBasenjiman]

Do you ever do scarf joints for headstocks?

[@roberthomler8681]

where do u find straight hard wood? ive went through all the 4' and 6' 1"x2" bins at home depote .lowes and southerlands cannot find a single straight board.

[@michaeldecker7275]

How long do you make the necks? Making one for my son, did one for nephews school project but think the neck was too long.

[@61birdman]

Regarding the Back Angle do you always double the thickness of the Top? I have some Cigar Boxes that are .375 in thick, seems that would be to great of an angle? I appreciate your input and guidance.

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

Jamey Bush it’s just a rule of thumb. I generally just eyeball it. Depends on thickness of CBG top, scale length... how high the fretboard rises over the top of CBG.... it’s a subtle nuance

[@ignotusilustrador9188]

First of all thank you for all your amazing videos, I've got a question for you, I've been working on the frets and I made a mistake, my fret scale is about 30 inches instead of 25, I need to restart or you think I can manage playing the thing? I haven't used a template, I just used the 12 square root of 2, and the first frets are quite big.

[@fokker313]

Hi, just happened to see your question and I've built close to 400 cbg's and have never used straight mathematics to figure scale length. There are several scale lengths to choose from and plenty of inexpensive templates to use. Or as Del says copy an existing guitar, easy.

[@ignotusilustrador9188]

@@fokker313 thank you! I wanted to built a cool cbg but I complicate the things as usual, I've only built three and I've got a lot to learn

[@fokker313]

@@ignotusilustrador9188 you are quite welcome, in my opinion try not to over think building cbg's, they are relatively simple in nature, concentrate on quality woods for necks and fretboards and good cigar boxes. Have fun!

[@Juampi1975]

Thank you!!!! How can I get the template?? Could I copy from another fretboard?? I saw that some people copy since the third fret, is correct?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

That's the easiest way...

[@keithstanley2007]

Did I hear that correctly? Your fretboards are 24 inch long?

[@shinigamizzz5372]

Keith Stanley im real late but the scale is 24in. the fretboard might be around 16-18in long.

[@raven5144]

Is there by chance anyway to show how to make a six string neck build for a CBG?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

i dont make necks with a truss rod - if your going for 6 strings you might want a truss rod to keep neck straight ... sorry man - that's a benifit of only using a 3 string system - no 'need' for a truss rod

[@raven5144]

@@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar Thanks I believe I'm beginning to fall in love with the idea of only 3 strings

[@georgemoran8515]

Where did you get that fretting templet?

[@Reglar_Cat]

If the guitar will be electric with a humbucker pickup, is the gap between the lid and neck necessary?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

Not really.... but I do it anyway by habit

[@Reglar_Cat]

@@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar Thanks for clarifying. I think I'd do it with a piezo, but probably not with a magnetic pickup. Planning 1st build. I think I'm going to go fretless, but appreciate this video for future reference. My biggest takeaway is your use of the bench grinder instead of a special angled fret file.

[@daverichardson4183]

Del how did you notch the area that is under the lid?

[@LL-hm7nn]

Could you make this neck with the same dimensions but make it a six string as opposed to a three string or would that be too small?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

that would be 'cramped" - but it could be done. like 2 strings close together?? 12 string style ??

[@LL-hm7nn]

No, I'm thinking like the traditional 6 string. I'm building it for a child. Would a six string work then or should I make the neck bigger?

[@hannahbjornson8758]

What do you use for the frets?

[@Darkshadows90]

What is the backspacing you mentioned in reference to the guitar neck in the body of the cigar box?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

Hannibal Volkov tilts the plane of the neck (and the strings) back creating more (higher) action at the bridge ... You see this feature in stringed instruments like violin and cello, etc. check out the Gibson Les Paul for example

[@alanmcdowell977]

where is part 2 at

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

have you seen my master class video series yet??

[@garylandau7159]

How much will you change me to make me one

[@arthurdeleniq]

wait a minute ... i'm making my own instrument so you are telling me that the guitar neck is 1 1\2 inch wide that is 40 mm what ???????????????

[@massimosbrava8112]

You work without machines as me . Only hands job. 👍

[@tracymcdougal6381]

The 2" from the end ,is that a standard?,will that very depending upon the guitar scale length.?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

Tracy McDougal yeah ... it’s just a rough estimate

[@tracymcdougal6381]

Thanks Mr del

[@bradowens4052]

Question. Did you make your own miter box?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

No... but a person could very easily

[@bradowens4052]

@@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar you inspired me to pick up a miter box. I am going to start doing fret work.

[@paulterl4563]

do you have a site? do you sell necks in europe? entire cbgs? thanx

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

PauL TerL email me??

[@danogle9927]

Del would advise what size piezo did you use on those

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

Dan Ogle i have the best luck with the largest discs ...

[@danogle9927]

Thank you for the rapid answer.I found some 41mm I guess I'll give them a try,and see what happens.Your CBG's sound great.

[@squirlmy]

Actually, the size of the piezo doesn't matter, at least not soundwise. The sound comes from vertical vibration, which is the same, no matter what the diameter of the piezo disc.

[@DaruthTheHuman]

1:29 "I like a heel on my neck" There's porn fer that!

[@raccoon6072]

3:53.. doggy!

[@7884golfguru]

Del how far is your heel from the front of the box

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

every build is slightly different.. i just aim for proper proportion and feel. usually at least couple inches...

[@7884golfguru]

Puckett Cigar Box Guitar cheers Del

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

@@7884golfguru too right mate !!!

[@jameslyons1661]

Happy happy happy

[@aboutdoors3046]

What size fret wire?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

AB Outdoors medium nickels

[@rudytheman2758]

What size for the jumbo fret?

[@keithstanley2007]

At 4:35 you show a paper fret template and say that we can get them online. I have looked and can't see where to get them. Are they a free download? If so then where can I download the please?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

Keith Stanley cbgitty.com

[@paulterl4563]

...ah, ! , liked and subscribed /

[@johnmessersmith3881]

Hey Dale can u give me some help I have a bunch of bamboo tiger stripe floor ing I think a guitar neck would be awesome out of it any advice as it's not your typical material thanks Von Karl 240 527 1600

[@LJPV777]

What is the purpose of the back angle?

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

LJPV777 - the back angle is one of the most important aspects of my builds. It creates more "space" between the strings and the top of the guitar where your right hand normally resides. Makes playing easier and you can attack the strings without hitting the guitar inadvertent ... Explore and examine the structure of the Gibson Les Paul and the violin ... This "space" is often referred to as the action.

[@k0almin3r]

Puckett Cigar Box Guitar this may be a stupid question..i am currently shaping a neck using your design and wonder how you mount the back angle? do you block it so the neck is level with the body or is the back raised so that it's angled down in relation to the body...thanks for any help!

[@PuckettCigarBoxGuitar]

k0almin3r there are no dumb questions but your answer is contained in the video.. watch closely :-)

[@k0almin3r]

Puckett Cigar Box Guitar ahhh yes it certainly is...thanks again and keep up the great work and informative posts! much appreciated!

[@dwftw01]

Bbvrr

[@Monkeyshaman]

_Don't freak out but there's a dog on the floor._

[@peterforrest3424]

Do you spend anytime with your wife

[@InterWebGuy99]

Why would the man blow a bunch of valuable building time doing something crazy like hanging around his wife? Oh, wait...

[@thelokifiles]

Great info, thank you.