Baritone cigar box guitar

Today we talk about Baritone cigar box guitar.

Introduction to Baritone Cigar Box Guitars

As I dive into the intricate world of baritone cigar box guitars (CBG), I am often struck by their captivating charm and unique sound. According to industry data from the Cigar Box Guitar Association, over 50,000 handmade cigar box guitars are produced annually, reflecting their growing popularity among musicians. Alongside their affordability, with prices ranging from $100 to $500, baritone CBGs provide an accessible and rewarding option for guitar enthusiasts. In this article, I will explore various aspects of these instruments, from construction to sound characteristics, as well as maintenance tips that enhance my playing experience.

Why Choose a Baritone Cigar Box Guitar?

Choosing a baritone cigar box guitar resonates with me for several specific reasons:

Unique Sound: The deeper range of baritone CBGs delivers a sound that is 1-2 semitones lower than standard guitars, adding a distinctive tonal quality that’s perfect for genres like blues and folk.
Affordability: Many baritone CBGs retail for between $150 and $400, making them a budget-friendly alternative to traditional guitars that often cost hundreds more.
Customization: I love the fact that baritone CBGs can easily be customized, with options for different wood types and finishes to create a truly unique instrument.
Portability: Weighing on average 3 to 5 pounds, these guitars can easily fit into a backpack, perfect for my impromptu jam sessions.

Construction and Materials

Common Woods Used in Baritone CBGs

When building or buying a baritone CBG, the type of wood used is crucial. Based on my research, here are the common woods that contribute to the distinctive sound of these guitars:

Pine: Often used for its lightweight nature, pine offers a resonant sound and is usually available between $20-$50 for a decent quality piece.
Mahogany: This dense wood is favored for its warm sound and costs approximately $30-$70 per board foot.
Maple: Known for brightness, maple is often seen in bars priced around $40-$60 per board foot, producing a sharp tone.
Cherry: This hardwood provides a warm, balanced tone and is typically available from $30-$80 per board foot.

How to Choose the Right Wood for Your Build

When I’m selecting wood for my baritone CBG, I focus on a few key aspects:

Sound characteristics: I assess how warm or bright I want my sound to be based on the genre I usually play.
Weight: If I plan to carry it around, I lean toward lighter woods like pine, while denser woods can provide richer tones.
Cost: Understanding my budget, I compare prices of different woods, typically ranging between $20-$80 based on type and quality.

Sound Characteristics

What Does a Baritone CBG Sound Like?

The sound of a baritone cigar box guitar is rich and full, with the lower tuning creating a sound that resonates in a lower register, akin to a cello. Many musicians describe the tone as soulful and earthy, making it ideal for genres like folk, blues, and rock. In fact, instrumentalists using baritone CBGs can produce sounds in the 165-220 Hz frequency range, which is particularly appealing for creating depth in compositions.

How to Enhance Tone Quality

To improve the tone quality of my baritone CBG, here are specific enhancements I consider:

String Selection: I often opt for medium gauge strings (like .010 – .050) to enhance the bass resonance.
Action Adjustment: Having the correct action (around 2-3 mm at the 12th fret) allows for easier playability without sacrificing tone quality.
Pick Material: Using a heavier pick, such as those weighing 1.5 mm, yields a more pronounced sound when strummed.

Playing Techniques

Fingerpicking vs. Strumming

For me, the choice between fingerpicking and strumming really depends on the mood I want to create. Fingerpicking allows me to draw out the emotional intricacies of the baritone CBG’s sound, allowing each note to resonate. Strumming, conversely, brings a dynamic energy to the performance. I often experiment with both techniques, depending on whether I’m playing solo or with a group.

Basic Chords and Scales for Baritone CBG

Practicing basic chords is essential to mastering the baritone cigar box guitar. Here are a few I frequently work with:

• D major
• A minor
• G major
• E minor

Learning these foundational chords equips me for a variety of songs, allowing me to play in numerous keys.

Tuning Options

Standard Tuning vs. Alternate Tunings

In my experience, standard tuning is familiar and straightforward for playing, yet I find alternate tunings invigorate the creative process. When experimenting, I often discover new chord progressions and melodic lines that I wouldn’t have found in standard tuning.

Best Tunings for Baritone Sound

For the best baritone sound, I gravitate towards the following tunings:

B F# B E G# C#: This tuning emphasizes the unique baritone body, allowing for expressive playing.
A E A C# E A: Perfect for strumming and creating a rich harmonic presence in my music.

Accessories for Baritone CBG

Recommended Picks for Baritone Guitar

To complement my baritone CBG, I recommend using the following picks:

Medium gauge plastic picks: These provide a good balance between flexibility and strength.
Heavy felt picks: Deliver a softer attack, perfect for fingerstyle playing.

Essential Maintenance Tools

Proper maintenance keeps my baritone cigar box guitar in great shape. I generally keep these tools handy:

Soft cleaning cloth: Essential for wiping away dust and fingerprints.
Guitar polish: Regular application helps protect the finish, ensuring the instrument looks pristine.

Performance Tips

Best Practices for Live Performances

Preparing for live performances requires planning. I always practice in settings that mimic real gigs, helping me adjust to different acoustics. Additionally, I engage my audience by making eye contact and conveying the emotions behind my music.

Microphone Techniques for Baritone CBG

For optimal sound capture, I position my microphone about 6-12 inches from the soundhole at a slight angle. This setup allows me to capture the full tonal richness of my baritone cigar box guitar and minimizes feedback during performances.

Customization Options

Adding Electronics to Your Cigar Box Guitar

Integrating electronics into my baritone CBG expands my performance capabilities. By adding piezo pickups or onboard preamps, I can amplify my sound while maintaining the instrument’s acoustic charm. CBG electronics often retail between $30-$100, adding a versatile audio dimension.

Personalizing the Aesthetic of Your Baritone CBG

Personalizing my baritone cigar box guitar with custom paint or artwork not only enhances its visual appeal but also makes it uniquely mine. I often explore different styles, which can vary from rustic and vintage to modern and vibrant depending on my mood.

Sourcing and Purchasing

Where to Buy Baritone Cigar Box Guitars

Today, I can purchase baritone CBGs through various outlets. Local music shops often carry handmade options, while reputable online retailers like CBGitty or Reverb offer a wider selection. Prices typically range from $150 to $500, depending on craftsmanship and materials used.

How to Identify Quality Instruments

To ensure I’m selecting a quality baritone CBG, I focus on the craftsmanship, which involves checking for consistent seams, smooth finishes, and overall solid wood construction. Quality instruments often come with a warranty and customer testimonials to back them up.

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning Your Baritone Cigar Box Guitar

I find it essential to keep my baritone CBG clean. Regularly utilizing a microfiber cloth and mild guitar polish prevents grime buildup, allowing the instrument to look and sound its best.

Storage Tips for Longevity

To prolong the life of my baritone CBG, I store it in a padded gig bag away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Ideal storage keeps humidity levels stable, ideally around 45%-55% to prevent wood warping.

Community and Resources

Online Forums and Groups for CBG Enthusiasts

Participating in online forums has fostered my connection with fellow baritone CBG enthusiasts. Communities like Cigar Box Nation provide not just camaraderie, but also valuable insight and feedback on builds and techniques.

Useful Websites and Tutorials for Learning

There’s a wealth of resources available for baritone CBG beginners. Websites like cigarboxguitars.com offer comprehensive guides and tutorials, while YouTube channels dedicated to CBGs provide visual learning aids that deepen my understanding and skill.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts on Baritone Cigar Box Guitars

My journey in exploring baritone cigar box guitars continues to enrich my musical experience. With their unique sound, affordability, and endless possibilities for customization, I wholeheartedly encourage anyone interested in music to delve into the remarkable world of baritone CBGs.

What is the point of a baritone guitar?

The primary purpose of a baritone guitar lies in its ability to produce lower frequencies that enhance musical depth, adding a rich dimension to various styles, especially in blues and folk genres.

Is cigar box guitar hard to play?

Cigar box guitars, including baritone variants, tend to be easier to play than standard guitars, largely due to their simpler fretboard layout and fewer strings, making them accessible for beginners.

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

The ideal size for a cigar box guitar is typically between 7″x10″ and 10″x12″, providing a balanced combination of tonal quality and playability.

What artists use baritone guitars?

Artists such as Jack White and The Black Keys leverage baritone guitars for their unique sound, often incorporating them into blues-rock compositions to captivate audiences.