"No Saw" Cigar Box Guitar Build! - How to build a cigar box guitar using very few tools!

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  • Опубліковано 23 чер 2020
  • In this video, I show how to build a cigar box guitar using just the following tools: a drill, two screwdrivers, pliers, and sandpaper.
    In this particular build, I also used a socket wrench to tighten the screw-in bushings, but I didn't really need to because I could have used the pliers. I also used a soldering iron to solder a piezoelectric pickup to its jack. This is optional and is not required for an acoustic cigar box guitar.
    My channel focuses on these topics:
    Stringed instruments
    Stringed instrument reviews
    Cigar box guitar building
    Canjo building
    Banjolele building
    Ukulele building
    Ukulele unboxing
    Ukulele reviews
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 95

  • @ohhiguy
    @ohhiguy Місяць тому

    Thanks for the work that went into this. Great tips. Good job.

  • @CircuitsAndStrings
    @CircuitsAndStrings 4 роки тому +8

    That’s a really pretty CBG. And I love that you kept the tools basic. You are right, you do not need fancy tools to build something awesome.
    Now I’ll wait patiently for your Leatherman only build. 😆

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  4 роки тому +2

      Thanks! I was really pleasantly surprised at how nice the neck turned out. The Leatherman build is definitely on my build soon list. I'm still trying to decide whether I will make it fretted. The saw on my Leatherman has a wide kerf, so I thought maybe I could glue in nails as frets. The alternative would to take the approach you used by gluing cotter pins straight onto the fingerboard. I'm leaning toward the latter approach.

    • @harlemjoey9419
      @harlemjoey9419 2 роки тому

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      I was stupid lost the login password. I would love any tricks you can offer me.

    • @curtisemmett6581
      @curtisemmett6581 2 роки тому

      @Harlem Joey Instablaster :)

    • @harlemjoey9419
      @harlemjoey9419 2 роки тому

      @Curtis Emmett Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site through google and Im trying it out atm.
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    • @harlemjoey9419
      @harlemjoey9419 2 роки тому

      @Curtis Emmett It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
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  • @mikenco
    @mikenco 6 місяців тому

    I came for the measurements, but stayed for a whole heap of other tips. Thank you!

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  4 місяці тому

      Glad I could help! Let me know how your build turned out! Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @alwayslearning8365
    @alwayslearning8365 3 роки тому +3

    Good video. The instructions were clear and easy to understand. Thank you.

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  3 роки тому

      Thanks! You are very welcome! I hope you found it useful! I also hope it inspires you to build one! If you do, let me know how it turns out! Please give a thumbs up and share! Thanks again!

  • @1mdlmusic
    @1mdlmusic 2 роки тому +1

    Great idea of using metal washers to make contact with the cigar box so the “top” will resonate.

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  2 роки тому

      Thanks! I'm not entirely sure if it makes a big difference, since dulcimers have the fretboard on top of the soundboard. Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @stevepethel6843
    @stevepethel6843 2 роки тому +1

    Way to build in your home clever way to avoid needing a saw. Good video music man...

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  2 роки тому

      Thanks, Steve! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @jasonreheis
    @jasonreheis 4 роки тому +2

    Well done Steve 👍 I like those Texas sound holes 👍 That slide is soundin good

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  4 роки тому

      Thanks, Jason! I like interesting shaped sound holes. In regard to my playing, I am definitely in need of lessons! I would love to see you give some pointers on your channel! From watching you play, it seems you just use your thumb and index finger.

  • @steveharris2589
    @steveharris2589 4 роки тому

    Great job Steve!!!!))) Sounds good to me!!!)) 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😊

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  4 роки тому

      Thanks, Steve! It was an interesting build. I'm not a real fan of "neck on top" builds but I wanted to give it a try.

  • @keving4081
    @keving4081 6 місяців тому

    Thank you! Just what I was looking for.

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  4 місяці тому

      Glad I could help! Let me know your build turns out! Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @MartinEHeldt
    @MartinEHeldt 3 місяці тому

    Nice video. Well told instructions and an impressive result.

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  3 місяці тому

      Thank you very much! I'm glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @markj9237
    @markj9237 4 роки тому

    That BLO really brought that neck to a cool color.

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  4 роки тому

      I was very pleasantly surprised at how nice and dark the poplar turned out! I have another piece the same color that is nice and straight so will be fretting that one. Have the CBG and accessories you won arrived yet? I would love to see a video of you with them on your channel!

    • @markj9237
      @markj9237 4 роки тому

      @@stevesstrings5243 Everything arrived Yesterday and I was like a kid in a candy store. Everything is fantastic! Again thank you so much and ill see what I can do about posting something.

  • @musicalmiscellany
    @musicalmiscellany 4 роки тому

    A great tutorial Steve. That was an interesting way to do the sound hole. I've not tried that technique. One could easily follow this for their first CBG and as you state... it could be built in an apartment. Very nice.

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  4 роки тому

      Thanks! It is certainly not my favorite way to build a CBG, but I wanted to try it and hoped others might find it helpful.

    • @musicalmiscellany
      @musicalmiscellany 4 роки тому

      @@stevesstrings5243 There are a lot of other things you can do with a CBG, but this would make a great first build for someone.

  • @alex-E7WHU
    @alex-E7WHU 7 місяців тому

    Actually brilliant 😂 i love it...!!

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  6 місяців тому

      Thanks! If you build one, let me know how it turns out! Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @ANazli20
    @ANazli20 3 роки тому

    Looks awesome much love and respect from Malaysia

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks for watching and commenting! I hope you found it to be entertaining!

    • @ANazli20
      @ANazli20 3 роки тому

      @@stevesstrings5243 just wanna know how long should the stick be for fret?

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  3 роки тому +1

      @@ANazli20 You can make it any length you want.

  • @markcox9339
    @markcox9339 7 місяців тому

    Cool

  • @TheSongfulSoul
    @TheSongfulSoul 2 роки тому

    Very cool. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I am singer/ songwriter, poet, storyteller. Don’t fluently play instrument or read music. Want a cigar box guitar to add some flavor.

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  2 роки тому

      Sounds like a good idea! Give it a try! Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @LotteStarck
    @LotteStarck 2 роки тому

    Smart!

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  2 роки тому

      Thanks! Thanks also for watching and commenting! Check out my other videos as well!

  • @eugenerivera4327
    @eugenerivera4327 2 роки тому +2

    It don’t sound bad at all I was wondering if you make them with the frets also thanks for the vid it’s pretty well informed thanks bro

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  2 роки тому

      Thanks! I hope you found it helpful! Yes, I do fretted builds as well. Check out my other build videos!

  • @normanacree1635
    @normanacree1635 3 місяці тому

    I put reverb springs on a cbg and couldn't tell the difference with or without them. I used two and connected them to the neck inside the box as I used a through neck build.

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  3 місяці тому

      I found that the perceived reverb from springs is dependent upon the amount of stretch on the spring. It is not something I have experimented with enough to make any particular recommendation. Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @InnerProp
    @InnerProp 2 роки тому +1

    Great video, I have more tools but no skill (I have some knowledge, but absolutely NO precision). Could you do this with Ukulele strings and tension tuners? I'm thinking I could use a dowl or maybe a wing bolt.

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  2 роки тому +2

      Thanks! Sure! It would be a very short scale. Let me know how it turns out. Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @simonsmith2642
    @simonsmith2642 2 роки тому +2

    Good idea but not being in contact with the box for resonation… Strum an electric unplugged guitar, its hard to hear, now put the head stock or body it doesnt matter up against a hollow wall or a hollow core door it doesnt matter. The vibration of the neck or body, vibrates into the wall and it resonates and makes it louder. You WANT the wood in full contact with the chamber it is vibrating. Strings resonate into the neck, neck resonates into the box, box resonates.. just like touching a wall with a unplugged solid body guitar.

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  2 роки тому

      It certainly works for dulcimers. Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @darkknightnate
    @darkknightnate Рік тому +1

    That's really cool! I might have to try making one myself sometime!

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  Рік тому

      Thanks! Definitely give it a try! As you can see, it’s not that difficult to make. Let me know how it turns out. Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @s1mp13m4n
    @s1mp13m4n 10 місяців тому

    Thank you for this build. To me, the idea of an instrument like this is to provide a low income way for someone to build and play an instrument. It bothers me when you see videos where people use $2500 worth of power tools to build a $10 guitar. You are right, all you need are basic hand tools. Nice job.

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  10 місяців тому

      Thanks! This is not fancy or pretty, but in the right hands, it can still make music. That said, some folks build CBGs as real works of art. Check out my videos that showcase the builds from the Great CBG Builders Swap Off! You will lots of creativity there. Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @rainsilversplash4376
    @rainsilversplash4376 5 місяців тому

    In your tool list, you forgot the socket wrench used to tighten the tuning machines.

  • @cicbeast
    @cicbeast 2 роки тому

    Great video!I'm trying this build this week, but I'm struggling to find the reverb springs. Where do you get your stock?

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  2 роки тому

      Thanks! You should be able to find springs at any big box or hardware store. I think I found mine at Lowes. Let me know how yours turns out! Thanks for watching and commenting! Check my other build and swap videos for other ideas.

  • @libdnal8939
    @libdnal8939 10 місяців тому

    Great Job! - I like how you made it with bare essential tools. Where do you get a piezo?

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  10 місяців тому

      Thanks! I think I ordered the piezo an jack from eBay. You can find them at MBG guitars and CB Gitty. Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @spankdaddy224
    @spankdaddy224 Рік тому

    I really like this video, do you happen to have one like this for an acoustic? (or what would I change on this video, to make it an acoustic?)

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  Рік тому +1

      This works for a purely acoustic build. I only included the piezo as an afterthought. That said, I think I get better sound when the only thing on the top of the soundboard is the bridge. Check out Del Pucket and Southern Fire Cigar Box Guitars for lots of good videos on how to build CBGs. Thanks for watching and commenting!

    • @spankdaddy224
      @spankdaddy224 Рік тому

      @@stevesstrings5243 Thanks Steve. You're a cool dude!

  • @stephenahern8235
    @stephenahern8235 3 роки тому +1

    I'm gong to do this build this weekend, or next, I've built one so far, it is at my sisters house, in NH, I 'm not allowed to go there until Covid runs it's course... So, this will be my second build, no amp, so no pizo. The first CBG took me months to build... this one should be faster. Is this available /written down somewhere, so I can read the measurements needed on the neck? Thanks for helping me along my Education on building, I'm 64 years old/young...

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  3 роки тому +2

      This one is pretty easy. It should not take long. The neck is just a 1x2x36 inch stick. If you don’t have Forstner bits of the size needed to drill the holes in the headstock, you can just cut the headstock thinner to accommodate the tuners. If you don’t want to bolt the neck to the box, you can glue it or screw it down. Check out Del Puckett’s UA-cam channel for pointers on building CBGs. That’s how I learned. Let me know how it turns out!

  • @gleinb
    @gleinb Рік тому

    I might have missed it somewhere but did you post a list of what you used?

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  Рік тому

      No. I just talked about it. It’s just a stick , a box, a couple of bolts, washers and nuts to secure the stick to the box and a couple more larger bolts to serve as the string nut and saddle. Use whatever sizes you have on hand or that seem appropriate. There are no rules! Have fun ! If make one, you’ll probably make more! Each build will teach you something new! Thanks for watching and commenting! Let me know how it turns out!

  • @robertsandoval7767
    @robertsandoval7767 2 роки тому +1

    How did you secure the l strings at the bottom

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  2 роки тому +1

      Great question! I use ball-end strings. The strings come up from the bottom through the holes I drilled in the tailpiece. The rivet collars keep the strings from pulling through. Thanks for watching and commenting! Subscribe to see more!

    • @frankeinsteinrestoration8250
      @frankeinsteinrestoration8250 2 роки тому

      What kind of rivets are they please?

  • @basil8651
    @basil8651 2 роки тому

    the "McGuyver" CBG

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  2 роки тому

      Yep! Although I suppose all CBGs are, LOL! Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @dgperforms1
    @dgperforms1 Рік тому

    Put the Jack on the bottom of the guitar. Good job tho

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  Рік тому

      Thanks for the suggestion! Thanks also for watching and commenting!

  • @terrybaileysr.3714
    @terrybaileysr.3714 Рік тому +1

    You got the shape of Tennessee all wrong.

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  Рік тому

      I’ll need to work on that! LOL! Tennessee has a great shape for a sound hole! Thanks for watching and commenting!

    • @goofyjohn6191
      @goofyjohn6191 7 місяців тому

      No Tennessee is just a north eastern county of Texas.

  • @scottsaleff8848
    @scottsaleff8848 2 роки тому

    Hey Steve how long does that neck part have to be?

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  2 роки тому +1

      It can be any length you want! There are no rules in CBG building! Just figure out what scale you want, where you want the bridge to be on box, and work out the stick length from there. Thanks for watching and commenting!

    • @scottsaleff8848
      @scottsaleff8848 2 роки тому

      @@stevesstrings5243 Thanks for the reply Steve.I never picked up a instrument, I dont know what scale is.Im just gonna wing it and learn as I go.Your vid is a good start point,Thanks again.

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  2 роки тому +1

      @@scottsaleff8848 The scale length is the distance between the nut and the saddle. Make one like this to get you started. You’ll make more and learn as you go! Good luck 👍!

    • @scottsaleff8848
      @scottsaleff8848 2 роки тому

      @@stevesstrings5243 I really like the way your guitar sounds which guitar strings did you use on the guitar you made in the video thanks again for your help

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  2 роки тому +1

      @@scottsaleff8848 I used the EAD strings from a set of guitar strings.

  • @jeromeGrzelak
    @jeromeGrzelak 4 місяці тому

    I tryed it did not like the feel

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  4 місяці тому

      Me too! I really prefer necks that are shaped better and with frets. My intent was show an easy way to get started building CBGs. I hope you found the build entertaining!

  • @thomasd9237
    @thomasd9237 Рік тому +1

    You cheated. You already had a box.
    Was hoping to see a complete build

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  Рік тому +1

      LOL! I suppose next time I can carve one out of a piece of firewood with my Leatherman! Thanks for watching and commenting!

    • @thomasd9237
      @thomasd9237 Рік тому +1

      @@stevesstrings5243 primarily I'm a tele player so I'm just building my first 3 stringer. Im starting from scratch & building the box with minimal tools. Big mistake on my part 🤔 I should have just bought one. I like yours, it will help me keep my drive to build mine 👍👍

    • @stevesstrings5243
      @stevesstrings5243  Рік тому +1

      @@thomasd9237 Welcome to the fold of CBG building addicts!

  • @Alan-zi2rs
    @Alan-zi2rs Рік тому

    You've inspired me thanks ... I'm headed that way 👉⚒️🪚 = 🎸 great video 👌