Two String Cigar Box Bass - Build & Sound Demo

This was a project I undertook during the Covid-19 lockdown after seeing other cigar box basses on the internet.
Enjoy...

[@marcd1981]

I see this was from three years ago, I hope you're still getting the comments. This was very interesting to watch. There are many CBG builders on KZbin, but this is the first build video I've watched so far. I've wondered about building a CBG, thinking maybe I'll get one of those kits to start with. Don't know about doing custom design like you just showed.

[@shakyblues2099]

Thanks. It was great fun and very rewarding. It currently resides on the wall of my local pub, just above their stage area. I donated it just after the pandemic lockdowns ended. Good luck with your build.

[@Wastelandman7000]

I had an idea on making it balance better. Use the last tuning hole to attach the strap. That way the weight is distributed between the neck and the body.

[@Wastelandman7000]

You did good man. CBGs are not supposed to be "perfect". The imperfections are part of the vibe! And everything is a learning experience. I say again, you did good man!

[@ronaldgraygray1460]

A wonderful sound, well done!

[@johnwashburn3793]

Great job. You should be proud. Perseverance is the key and you did it.

[@webingerphoto49]

Excellent build! I have an old PeavyBass neck laying around and will try your techniques! Thank you!

[@richardeller2162]

great sound!

[@jeffmaness8323]

To avoid problems with the wood stean Put a piss coat of varnish and thinner about 2 to8 buff it off with fine paper when dry . This should seal the grain so the glue won't show.good luck It works

[@ReverendHellbilly]

Very cool.cheers 🎸👍🍻

[@waden404]

Dude, u fought through the troubles and completed it!!! U didnt quit. That says ALOT. Im a beginner as well and im sure im going to mess up PLENTY!!!

[@richardowen5437]

It's very cool and sound fun ..I been pushing my wood work with bees wax witch seems to give that cool finish scratches will dad out and look old school love ya work mate

[@fili_barbosa]

Good job!

[@Heather22056]

Good job 👍

[@jameskowalkowski2308]

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!

[@TrishLee]

OMG! That is brilliant, never even thought about this before! That was really awesome, great job friend! ❤

[@shakyblues2099]

Thanks very much

[@TrishLee]

@@shakyblues2099 Welcome friend! ❤

[@bearshield7138]

nice job

[@marcmayou1422]

I built my own bass with cigar box my wife bought at yard sale! Two string too.

[@LeviticusCorwall1899]

Finaly a real build on youtube we all meed a lil mistake for it to be realistic

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Shaky Blues You can always convert it into a 4 String Bass someday & some Thomastik Jazz Flat Wound Bass Strings would be cool to try

[@brandipennington9743]

that was very realistic and enjoyable haha, I know ur pain and struggle with this project! I built mine homeless ,under a bridge - with a Dremel as my only powertool lol but I was very very determined. I had lost my ovation applause round back bass, was very sentimental btw😔 and my fretless ukibass in the same week, had them for bout 8 years.. so I couldn't be with out an instrument, ya know?. So I thought I was all done But nope ,my last issue is the correct scale so it tunes properly. Soo I'm gonna try to figure this nightmarish step and I'm finished. Wish me luck😳

[@edgelite]

Loosen the neck bolts and pull the neck over a bit and then tighten them back up. Easy peasy

[@rickhenry1833]

Pretty Cool Build M8 ! Just a suggestion, Perhaps about 3 coats of Polyurethane for that finish to give the appearance an extra UMPH to it ! All The Best !

[@LotteStarck]

Cool tune at least ... ! :-)

[@rickhenry8760]

You did that build very nicely ! IMO, I would have either masked it off and polyurethaned at least 4 coats to gloss it up just a bit. Black Gloss hides a multitude of little errors and with the "Wings" painted a Gloss White, that would add a bit more flavour to it. Like Isaid, it's just a opinion. I do love the sound it puts out ! Great choice on the electronics mate ! All My Best !

[@shakyblues2099]

Thanks man. Much appreciated.

[@sidneiribeiro3883]

Great ! What strings do you use ?

[@shakyblues2099]

Rotosound: 40-100

[@marcio-8587]

Sound good🤔

[@sparks2749]

I'm confused as to why you chose to end up with 2 strings instead of 4? Seems odd when you have the neck and bridge already set up for 4 strings. If it were my build I would reshape the headstock and reduce the weight. Maybe shave off the bottom bit for a more "Homemade" look. It sounds nice.

[@shakyblues2099]

Thanks. I thought about re-shaping the headstock, but I wanted to leave the option open if I decide to make it a 4 string at a later date.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@shakyblues2099 Hey you can easily turn it into a 4 string Bass for more range and versatility which will be in a future video or something like that

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Oh and if you do add 2 more strings consider tuning the Bass down a Half Step to relieve some tension

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@shakyblues2099 I also found out that a Double Guitar strap would help distribute the weight more evenly, Basically a Guitar version of Accordion straps.

[@Wastelandman7000]

btw, what tuning were you using?

[@shakyblues2099]

Standard E maj & A maj

[@13001958]

whats the gauge and tuning pls of the two strings

[@shakyblues2099]

100 & 80. Tuned E and A standard.

[@user-bi9vv7jm1m]

I would have mounted Two of those pickup, Vertically, not horizontally.

[@TheChef470]

At the risk of asking a "stupid" question.......why 2 strings and not 4 ? Your neck,pick up and bridge are all set for a traditional 4 string bass. Sorry just curious....

[@TheChef470]

Not a bad sounding bass !

[@shakyblues2099]

No reason. Just because...

[@9jmorrison]

needs a 3 string and a touch of shellac

[@roosterqmoney]

Why wouldn't you screw it and glue it at the same time?

[@shakyblues2099]

Needed to be able to remove it

[@crackerjack3359]

Save yourself a lot of hassle with a straight through neck. Other than that whats in a couple of mm wen the sound is so good.

[@trebleclef46]

Next time..if there is one, make your own short scale neck. I thing 2 , 3 & 4 string instruments look very odd with a 6 string neck.

[@profile2047]

He’s not using a six string neck.

[@scrapeyhawkins5299]

Hey y'all from Tennessee ,, USA .....You are beating yourself up .....have to remember it's not a Gibson....it's a whole different thing , the ones back in the day were ALOT worse .....it's a cigar box guitar.....

[@MirlitronOne]

Nice build. I think you need to relax your self-imposed standards a little. Cigar box instruments are supposed to be a bit rubbish, that's their charm.