Cigar Box Guitars - Building Tips - Determine Scale Length & Using Fretting Templates.

[@ianryan7826]

Thanks Mike. I was confused about the neck and template, nut and saddle . You have helped, you are a good teacher.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Ian. Glad to hear it!

[@garychancey9143]

Thanks Michael. 🎸

[@ronnagel4440]

Thanks for all that you do on your program ! very educational done with great detail and humor to boot 🤘

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks ROn. M~

[@frejeri]

Great overview of the importance of accurate placement of the nut in relation to scale length

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Fred. M~

[@TattooBull]

I love how you take the time to break things down and explain it to people so that they can understand what is involved in making a Cigar Box Guitar. You seem to have a lot of knowledge, and put the extra time into making sure that every one of your guitars come out with a certain level of quality that is hard to find these days. I have yet to hold one of your guitars in my hand, but damn if they don't look like a quality instrument and they sound beautiful when you play them. I bought a cheap Cigar Box Guitar off of eBay, and although I've had a lot of fun learning how to play it, you can tell that the instrument doesn't have the best quality and feel. The fretboard isn't the smoothest which does not allow your fingers to slide the easiest, and you get a lot of Buzz and rattle when playing certain Frets because the action is off and the strings vibrate on some of the other frets. I am literally counting the days until I am able to buy one of your guitars ( it should be in about 3 weeks, right around January 6th hopefully ).. unfortunately the one that I really fell in love with though you do not have in stock at the moment, and that is the Black Lightning Padron Cigar Box ( with the red and black pickups, the shotgun shell volume knob, and the black strap buttons ). Right now they are out of stock, but it shows a picture of the one I'm talking about along with two of the stompboxs that you have for sale right now.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Bull, If I don't have the Padron Black Lightning in stock when your ready to get one, email me at [e-mail] and I can do a custom build for you. 😎

[@sharon3482]

Wow! I have spent hours upon hours over the last month researching how to make a CBG and this is the first time I’ve seen your channel! Your expertise is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Now I finally found someone who explains the important details and builds real quality CBG’s! I’m making one for my husband and one for my son and built the boxes custom to them. I just got all of the hardware that I ordered from C.B. Gitty and was going to start on the necks today. Searching to make something better than what I’ve seen, I finally found your channel. I’m definitely going to make them with the scarf joints and dowels like you do…and will come back to this video when I’m ready to do the frets. You deserve to be higher on the list and have way more subscribers. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome, Thank you for the kind words, I really appreciate that. Good luck with you 2 CBG's. M~

[@woodenclocks6531]

Just started building a CB guitar. Your video here has been a tremendous help in understanding the placement, where to start, and finishing touches to the neck.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you for watching the videos. Good lick with your build. M~

[@mountys_photoadventure]

Thanks Michael, that Tipps are very helpfull for me. Greatings from Germany. Mounty

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome K.H. Thanks for watching and stay safe in Germany, my friend. M~

[@mountys_photoadventure]

@@SouthernFireGuitars Thank you Michael, you too.

[@markcox9339]

Thank you Michael I needed to know what you just said I’m trying to make my first cigarbox guitar

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Good luck with your first build. If you want to build one step by step, check out my Pro Builders WOrkShop www.southernfireguitars.com/

[@anthonysimms6414]

I was always confused on the exact placement of the nut when using the paper fret template. Until you explained it. Thank you Mike. I really enjoy your videos

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome, Anthony. Thanks for watching the videos. I'm glad this video helped you out. M~

[@bad2bone2051]

This is very helpful!

[@andrewscheuermann1890]

great instructional video,thank you

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome, andrew. Thanks for watching. M~

[@alwayslearning8365]

Great information. Thank you.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome, Thanks for watching M~

[@johnespin9269]

My dear Micheal,just working in my art studio and came across your scale video, wow man , I’ve just remeasured two guitars and they were out by 1/4 ,wow your a marvel and no mistake, Just changed one (idybidi) one and the difference is amazing, great man keep it coming,God blessings to you and yours

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks for checking out the videos, I'm glad it helped. :)

[@pctips4all]

Dang man! Great explanation! Thanks!!!!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome Secure, Thanks for checking it out. M~

[@pctips4all]

@@SouthernfireGuitars7355 wow man!!!! I am just now seeing this! I will get with you bud. Hope it’s not too late!!! Made my day bud!

[@peterhaynes8258]

Very informative for the CBG Builders out there, Thank you Michael & God Bless you all.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Peter, Yes, I hope someone got something good out of that :) I would have liked to know that Fretting template info early on. lol

[@stevesstrings5243]

Thanks for the tips!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome, Steve. Thanks for checking it out.

[@Jay3730]

Thanks for this helpful video. I started my first CBG and I am trying to make a paint can resonator with a 25.5 scale bolt on neck I purchased. I realized pretty quick I need a longer box and I should have went with a shorter scale length. Always enjoy your how to videos!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome, Jay. I haven't tried one of those bolt on neck, yet. I have it on my " to do list" We learn as we go, that's for sure. Thanks for checking out the videos, Jay. M~

[@marcgarrity4685]

Very good video Michael. Thanks

[@Jackman_NC]

Another great video. I’m never to old to learn something, ty

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you, Jack, Hey who you calling old? LOL

[@Jackman_NC]

Me.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

@@Jackman_NC lol

[@ScottKoegler]

Just what I'm dealing with now, so great timing and terrific advice. Thanks!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome, Scott. ,Thanks so much for watching. M~

[@timsullivan9767]

Thanks Mike. Great tip I always enjoy your videos...

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you, Tim. I appreciate that. M~

[@rparker120]

Great info, took a good bit of worry from my mind. Thanks!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Rick for checking it out. M~

[@rstarguitar5350]

Great video very good explanation of your process I do it slightly different but love to hear knowledgeable builders and their take on the process sharing info is gratifying and the right thing to do. I appreciate your info

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you Rstar, yeah, there's many ways of doing things, and everybody does it a little different. Some work and some don't lol

[@rstarguitar5350]

@@SouthernFireGuitars for sure I am always trying to learn a better way and make sure that I’m doing it the best way possible. As a builder you never stop learning like with anything LOL

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

@@rstarguitar5350 Very true

[@bobhunt1253]

Thank you for the light bulb moment.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome, Bob. I'm glad that I could flip the switch for you :) M~

[@johnmarshall8484]

Very well done sir. Thank you

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome. Thank you, John

[@TheAlways4You]

Great tips and so awesome that you break it all down. I had these same questions about how to choose which scale length for which box, when I first began. This is good info! Thanks for all the instructions...we appreciate all you do!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you very much. A lot is confusing when you start this journey on building guitars that are "More than Just a Stick and a Box" M~

[@kevinbrazel1259]

Love the videos, especially the tutorial riffs….. can you do more of them please 👍

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Kevin, I am doing more riff tutorials to post soon. M~

[@PaulRansonArt]

Great video as always. Still learning to play the one I made.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you, Paul. Learning is part of the fun. :)

[@Tsudkyk]

Digging this channel.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks. M~ 😎

[@robertyoung7027]

i really appreciate these tips!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you, Robert. I appreciate you checking it out. M~

[@guzzoofoz]

Nice and precise tips. 👍🇦🇺

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Guzzo. 😎

[@frankbaker3494]

Ok i see it ty

[@bigdumbdad2226]

Thanks for the awesome content as always!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome. Thanks so much for checking it out. M~

[@robdangerfield7129]

I play a Baritone Ukulele. There are some videos showing how to build a ukulele, but none on Baritones. These are the forgotten instruments of the ukulele world. I am getting ready to attempt a baritone build with 4 strings of course. I am also thinking steel strings so I can use my guitar pedals with it. I think that it is a 19" scale length, so could be interesting.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

That's cool, Rob. Good luck with the build. M~

[@javierfernandezmadrigal9848]

Great video, what should be the width of the freat board on a 3 string cigar box?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

The same as the neck, usually 1.5''

[@karineg7500]

bonjour pouvez vous me dire ou trouver ces gabarits plastique pour frettes, parceque ici en france il n'ya pas grand chose sur les cigare box merci

[@charlenenelson6749]

This help me a lot!!!! But I'm getting fret buzz at the 10th and 17th fret. How can fix the problem. Mite make a good show?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you, Charlene. If you have a fret rocker or some type of straight edge, you can check to see if you may have a high fret. If so, you can use a plastic mallet and try tapping it. It may have unseated a bit, or use a little file and try leveling it to match the other frets. I hope this helps. M~

[@fishingfourme]

Hi Michael, When you demonstrate the position of the nut and the twelfth fret on a 25” scale the twelfth fret is half of the scale. But you can see when you position the Gitty pattern on the neck the thick black nut line there looks like a little tick in the middle of the black nut line. So from the twelfth fret to the edge of the nut is 12.5” but the middle of the nut would be 12.5”+ the half of the nut. Or do we measure from the twelfth fret to the middle of the nut? I am sure what you are saying is right I am just a bit confused as to whether I should measure to the edge of the nut or the middle of it. Thanks Bob UK…

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Hey fishing, I measure from the middle of the nut, where the strings go over the top of the nut. M~

[@fishingfourme]

Hi M~, thanks for that, just needed a bit of reassurance. All good now thanks Bob…

[@davidspencer2333]

Hey Michael. Could you do a similar scale length video for the times you use a hardtail adjustable bridge? Where do you place the hardtail relative to the nut?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Hi David, I will do one as soon as I can, sure. M~

[@davidspencer2333]

Michael - another excellent and informative video...well done! For the sample CBG you showed with the maple neck and 25" scale, what was the size of that box? Do your fret boards always stop at the beginning of the box, or do you sometimes run the fret boards a little over the box top?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks David. That Arturo Fuente box I believe is 9.5'' x 7.25. I stop my fret boards at the box, you can't reach the frets on top of the box really unless you box has a cut a way lol

[@davidspencer2333]

@@SouthernFireGuitars Thanks - I have a black Hoyo box with red lettering and a silver stripe with similar dimensions. Looks like a good candidate for a CBG with a 25" scale!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

@@davidspencer2333 Nice box, I think you're right. :)

[@TheSpeenort]

I use an on-line fret calculator with which I can input any scale-length I choose, metric or decimal inches. My big micrometer only has either fractional inches or metric, so I convert my sizes to metric. I prefer to have 24 frets on my necks so for each box there's a lot of lay-out and scale-length consideration. I also like to set my bridge at the Golden Ratio, further adding to my confusstication. (my spell checker says confusstication is not a word but they haven't seen me work)

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Greg, for the info. That's a cool word. lol :)

[@andylane8815]

I just signed up!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Andy, Welcome. M~

[@patcamo]

Hi I'm making my first cbg, I'm not putting the neck through the box. How do I measure the 25 inch scale. Thanks

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

It will be 25'' from the nut to where the bridge will go on the box. Good luck with your build. M~ 😎

[@lenkubera266]

You mention that the nut should be centered on the fret mark. I understand this as you used a screw. What is you use a bone nut .? Is it the leading edge of that nut or still the center ?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

I would measure from where the strings go over the nut. M~

[@lenkubera266]

Mike, is it the center of the nut or the leading edge closest to the body ?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

@@lenkubera266 yes

[@jwwebster9292]

Michael I ordered a 25 inch scale Purple Heart fret board fretted but when I got it today it was a 25 1/2 can it be tune regular on a cigar box guitar 3 string if can let me know Jim watch u all time

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Hi Jim, Yes, you can tune it any ways you like, just make sure you're 25 1/2'' from the nut to the bridge. Them set your intonation from there. M~

[@jwwebster9292]

@@SouthernFireGuitars thanks man

[@paulcotesr5623]

where can i get a plastic template for the frets like you have ty

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Hi Paul, I got it from CBGitty CBGitty.com/SF You can use Promo code SOUTHERNFIRE for 10% off your order.

[@rparker120]

Hi Mike, got another newbie question for you. If you wanted to put a fretboard on a neck, how far does the fretboard have to be from where the headstock was cut out? Examples if not too much trouble. Thanks Rick

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Hi Rick, I make my head stocks 6'', but you can do them any size you want. I do show how and where I add the fret board to my neck toward the end of " How to Build a Neck" Part 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4vcZIqFa6adm5Y

[@rparker120]

Got it!

[@AlbieCigarBoxGuitar]

Where can I find a fretting template in Liverpool?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Don't know, Might have to Google it.

[@edt.5118]

Have you ever cut fret slots for a zero fret?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Yes, I have. To me the zero fret makes the action a bit low for comfortable slide playing down towards the nut.

[@frankbaker3494]

Is that 12.5 center? Nut and bridge?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

The nut to the 12th fret is 12.5''. Nut to bridge is 25''.

[@genomitchalinni8106]

What is the distance, from bridge to nut, for a Bass guitar?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

On a modern bass guitar, 30" (76 cm) or less is considered short scale; standard (also called long) scale is 34"

[@jerrymander1492]

Michael do you sell your 25” scale necks because I want to purchase one…

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Hey Jerry, I only build necks for my own guitars, sorry. M~

[@da-madmodler4692]

Hey once again very helpful stuff. While typing this your playing ZZ Top la grange on a dog bowl resonator. Is that a cigar box? That box is huge or is it possibly a custom job. Anyway I’ve been bitter by the bug unfortunately the cost of cigars in my state makes the good boxes rather hard to find. Build I will anyways. Keep healthy and rock on.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you very much. That dog bowl resonator was a Rocky Patel "The Edge" huge cigar box, with a humbucker pickup. Yeah, nice boxes are sometimes hard to find, good luck and stay safe as well, my friend. M~

[@genomitchalinni8106]

Can I build a bass guitar attached to an acoustic guitar?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Sure, there are NO rules

[@aaronfrohna]

Great demonstration sir! I’ve been watching a lot of your videos and find them very helpful. I am very much a beginner at building cigar box guitars. I am currently building one with a 22 fret peavey scale off of a preexisting six string guitar. The question I have for you is being the box I’m using is 9 inches does it really matter where I position the neck to the box? Initially I had thought I would use a 25 inch scale but, as it turns out that only leaves me with about 2 inches of bite (if you will) to the box. So I decided to move the neck further back into the box giving it more stability. Any suggestions you may have I would greatly appreciate. Thank you for the informative videos. Aaron Frohna

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Aaron. The bridge is going to determine where you neck is positioned on the box. If your going to move the neck more inside the box, make sure you have enough room for your bridge in accordance with the scale length. Hope this helps. M~

[@aaronfrohna]

Southern Fire Guitars thank you that pretty much answers the question I had. In terms basically need a larger box. As the bridge is all the way back as far as I can unless I build an extension on the outside of the box but, that would look ridiculous lol thank you sir larger box it is.. lol

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

@@aaronfrohna Your welcome. Yes, it would be easier to just get a larger box. Save that one for another build.

[@johntaev4345]

Does it matter at all if you dont use frets?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Hey John, It is a preference thing. You don't have to have frets, you can make it a fret less slider. M~

[@johntaev4345]

Ha,ha, by me answering you back after 8 months, haven't been monitering this app too well have I? :-)

[@philnoel5839]

Mike, Love this one. Bring out the wife, Or i will think you have Tied her up . And Locked her in the shed. Great Vid as usual.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks, Phil. I'll see what I can do LOL. M~

[@genomitchalinni8106]

The reason that carpenter's never cut over red cloth, is because you can see where you're bleeding from.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Geno. LOL

[@genomitchalinni8106]

I have exotic woods. I need strings and tuners. Wanna trade?

[@TheAlways4You]

Hi Michael....looks like your account is sending out spam/fraudulent messages indicating winning a prize. Lots of us in the comments on this video are being hit..you can see reply to each one...and getting emails supposedly from youtube....best wishes and good luck!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

SCAMMER. I'm reporting them, but nothing is happening.

[@genomitchalinni8106]

If you ever show a "MAGA hat", I will unsubscribe and block you. Understand?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

LOL