Cigar box guitar neck build

Today we talk about Cigar box guitar neck build.

The first time I decided to build a cigar box guitar, I felt an overwhelming excitement to mix my passion for music with craftsmanship. By utilizing simple materials, like a cigar box and some wood pieces, I was able to create a unique instrument that truly expressed my personality. This guide will take you through the detailed steps of constructing a cigar box guitar neck, arming you with the knowledge needed for a successful neck build.

A Step-by-Step Guide On How To Make a Straight Headstock

Materials Required

To create a straight headstock for my cigar box guitar, I gathered the following materials:

Wood for the neck (I prefer mahogany for its durability)
Cigar box (I chose a medium box measuring 10″ x 7″ x 3″)
Wood glue
Sandpaper (ranging from 80 to 220 grit)
Table saw or hand saw
Fretboard (maple or rosewood works best, I use a 24-inch length)

Cigar Box Guitar Building Tip: Neck Reinforcement with Humbuckers

Tools Needed for Reinforcement

When reinforcing the neck and integrating humbuckers, I found the following tools invaluable:

Clamp (ensure it’s at least 12” wide)
Drill with a 3/8″ bit
Router with a straight edge guide
Wire cutters
Soldering iron (typically around 30-40 watts)

How to Notch a Fretted Cigar Box Guitar Neck for a Nut

Measuring and Marking Your Neck

Accurate measurement is critical when notching for the nut on my cigar box guitar neck. I usually measure 1.5 inches from the scale length mark, which is typically around 25.5 inches for a standard fretboard. Using a pencil, I mark the notching points—this ensures precision for the nut’s placement.

Video: How To Install Fret Markers on your Cigar Box Guitar Fretboard

Choosing the Right Fret Markers

When I install fret markers, I often use small dots made from mother-of-pearl or plastic. Standard marker placements (3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 17, 19) make it easier to navigate the fretboard during play. Using contrasting colors—black dots on a maple fretboard—helps enhance visibility while performing.

Video: How to Make a Scarf Joint for a Cigar Box Guitar Neck

Preparing the Scarf Joint

When constructing a cigar box guitar neck, a scarf joint typically involves cutting two pieces of wood at a 15-degree angle. I often find that using a 6-inch long scarf joint provides greater stability, especially when tension from the strings is taken into account. This joint essentially doubles the neck’s strength, reducing the chance of warping.

Video: How to Notch a Cigar Box for Neck Installation

Steps to Create the Notch

Notching the cigar box correctly is essential for proper neck installation. Here’s how I do it:

Measure the width of the neck (usually 1.5 inches).
Mark the cigar box 2.5 inches from the bottom of the box to create a snug fit.
Use a chisel or scroll saw to carefully cut the notch, aiming for a depth of about half the thickness of the neck.

Video: How to Notch a Neck for a Neck-Through Cigar Box Guitar

Understanding Neck-Through Construction

With a neck-through construction, the neck extends the entire length of the guitar body, which greatly improves sustain and resonance. Typically, I make the neck a thickness of 1 inch, which provides a stable platform, especially for heavier gauge strings, resulting in a richer sound profile.

Essential Tools and Materials

Before I embark on building my cigar box guitar neck, I prepare the following essential tools and materials:

A quality cigar box, preferably measuring 10″ x 7″ x 3″ for optimal resonance
Wood for neck, fretboard (use at least 1-inch thick for sturdiness)
Sandpaper ranging from 80 to 220 grit for a smooth finish
Wood glue for securing joints
Precision tools such as a saw, clamps, and a ruler for accurate measurements

Step 1: The Body

Preparing the Cigar Box

To prepare the cigar box, I often select one with a decorative design. Generally, I prefer a medium box that measures around 10″ x 7″ x 3″ for a better sound quality. Removing old labels and sanding the exterior gives it a fresh look. I take care to smooth all corners to prevent any splinters while playing.

Step 2: The Neck

Creating the Neck Profile

For the neck profile, I usually opt for a comfortable D shape that measures about 1 inch in thickness. This thickness allows me to easily transition between notes, especially during solo practice. I believe a comfortable neck profile enhances the connection between player and instrument.

Step 3: The Head

Headstock Design Considerations

When designing the headstock, I go for a wider design, typically about 3 inches, to enhance the tuning stability. A wider headstock allows for better leverage when tuning. Plus, I often add grooves for guitar tuners, as I find it essential for precise tuning adjustments.

Step 4: The Bridge

Selecting the Right Bridge Type

For my cigar box guitar, I usually favor a fixed bridge, which is generally deemed preferable for stability and sustain. There are three types of bridges I consider:

Fixed bridge (5-6 inches long)
Floating bridge for adjustable action
Piezo pickup bridge if I want to amplify my sound

Step 5: Fretting

Installing Frets Properly

When installing frets on my cigar box guitar neck, I typically cut the frets to a length of about 2.0 inches. Using a hammer and fret tang nippers, I ensure that they are seated snugly, providing accurate intonation and playability. Properly installed frets make a significantly noticeable difference in overall performance.

Step 6: Fret Dots

Placing Fret Dots Accurately

Accurate placement of fret dots is key for playing. I generally position them at standard locations—third, fifth, seventh, ninth, and twelfth frets. This helps facilitate smooth transitions while I am playing and provides an easy reference to navigate the fretboard intuitively.

Step 7: Piezo Pickup

Installation and Positioning

Installing a piezo pickup requires careful positioning beneath the bridge. I typically position it about 1 inch away from the bridge, ensuring optimal vibration capture for clearer sound output. Piezo pickups are great for enhancing the acoustic tone, making it one of my favorite additions.

Step 8: Applying the Finish

Choosing the Right Finish

A quality finish not only elevates the appearance of the cigar box guitar but also protects the wood. I prefer using an oil-based finish, which I apply in thin layers, allowing it to soak into the wood. This method often results in a rich shine, enhancing the guitar’s natural beauty while protecting it from wear.

Step 9: Finished!

Tuning and Testing Your Guitar

Finally, the moment I’ve been eagerly awaiting—tuning my cigar box guitar! I typically use a digital tuner for accuracy. The sound that resonates after my hard work is profoundly rewarding, as it brings my project full circle.

Final Touches for Your Cigar Box Guitar

Ensuring Quality and Playability

To ensure the guitar is performance-ready, I run my fingers along the strings and check for any buzzing or misalignment. I make minor adjustments to the bridge height if necessary. A characteristic of a well-built cigar box guitar is not just appearance but also playability, and I strive to achieve both.

FAQ

What is the best wood for a cigar box guitar neck?

The best woods for a cigar box guitar neck are maple and mahogany. Maple provides strength and brightness, while mahogany offers warmth and resonance. I find that both types create a balanced tone that enhances my acoustic playing experiences.

What is the first rule of cigar box guitar building?

The first rule I follow in cigar box guitar building is to have fun and be creative. Every instrument tells a part of its builder’s story, so I focus on expressing my style through each project.

What is the best size box for a cigar box guitar?

The best size for a cigar box guitar is typically between 10″ to 14″ in width and 3″ to 5″ in depth. I find that boxes within this range offer the best acoustic resonance and sound quality across various playing styles.

How wide is the neck on a 4-string cigar box guitar?

The neck on a typical 4-string cigar box guitar ranges from 1.5 to 2 inches in width. I prefer a width of 1.75 inches for comfort and playability, which allows for easy finger placement during solos.