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lawry
21-05-2014, 08:31 AM
A few of you probably know that I'm in a bit of a PBG hiatus at the moment because I'm saving up for some new studio gear. However, reading about all the builds going on really makes it difficult to kick back and do nothing. So I decided to build a cigar box guitar. Overlord Wokka was a bit instrumental in this because he was very encouraging. So... I did a heap of Googling and found some useful information amidst the apocryphal musings of many 'experts' and proceeded to buy a few supplies: cigar box, a length of oak and other odds and sods.
So... The build began last Saturday.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/5en61-image.jpg

lawry
21-05-2014, 08:34 AM
Got a length of oak, shaped the headstock and cut the fret slots. At this stage I was really tempted to stop there and turn it into a rip stick.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/0ny04-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/oj5c8-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/24z02-image.jpg

lawry
21-05-2014, 08:37 AM
Then it was time to shape the neck into a more rounded and comfortable shape for playing. Also made a bridge out of a bit of meranti with a bolt for the saddle.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/eap34-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/oa8c7-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/f3363-image.jpg

lawry
21-05-2014, 08:40 AM
The last thing done (on Sunday) was to attach an old hinge for a string retainer, install some brass grommets for sound holes and then do a mock build to verify all fits correctly. Next weekend I hope to do some clear coating, install the frets and tuners, then string it up and play! Here's hoping.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/f0qg9-image.jpg

dingobass
21-05-2014, 08:48 AM
That is so cool, Lawry......
Makes me think I should break out and build one myself :)

bargeloobs
21-05-2014, 09:02 AM
Damn that is cool, I would looove to have a go at something like this. What special gear do you need for cuttin' the fret slots and I'm picking a truss rod obviously isn't necessary?

WeirdBits
21-05-2014, 09:19 AM
Looks great, Lawry.

lawry
21-05-2014, 09:27 AM
@DB. I reckon you could build one of these in your lunch break with your skills and equipment.
@Bargie. My tools are very basic. I cut the fret slots with a junior hacksaw. In fact, the only power tool I have used so far is a drill for the machine head holes.

maxaxe
21-05-2014, 09:36 AM
About as cool as it gets and nice workmanship too.
Will you be tuning it to an open chord? I'm ignorant sbout 4 stringers :?
Did Monica Lewinsky help smoke a cigar for ya?

lawry
21-05-2014, 09:41 AM
She'll have to wait intern.
Probably go for either GDGD or GDGB tuning I reckon.

Brendan
21-05-2014, 03:00 PM
DB - it'd have to be a bass though... Have seen them somewhere.

stan
21-05-2014, 08:49 PM
Excellent project Lawry, very cool. Next project can be a ripstick for sure

wokkaboy
22-05-2014, 02:53 AM
looks excellent Lozza, well done mate and I haven't needed to give you any coaching. Well done figuring it all out on your own, and your right most of a CBG can be built with hand tools other than the tuner holes.
Think I experimented with similar tunings Loz.
Wayne is about 70% through a CBG bass build, he just needs to sort out a bridge arrangement.
So Loz will the string end be held with the hinge holes ?

keloooe
22-05-2014, 03:48 AM
Nice job so far Lozza, makes me really want to build one haha!

lawry
22-05-2014, 10:59 AM
@Wokka. Yeah the hinge had two screw holes in it and I drilled two more.
@Pest. This is only my first CBG and it has been an easy, fun and fast build. And cheap. What's not to love. Go for it mate!

lawry
24-05-2014, 05:17 AM
Alright. She's finished. Acoustically at least. I'll be putting a pickup in soon but for now she's alive.
Have installed the frets, applied some stick-on fret markers, added the machine heads, clear coated the neck and used superglue on the fretboard.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/pu02x-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/0kt44-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/z0b48-image.jpg

lawry
24-05-2014, 05:19 AM
And here she is...

http://youtu.be/SX_LBotWHeY

bargeloobs
24-05-2014, 05:23 AM
Wicked Lawry, absolutely wicked mate!

stan
24-05-2014, 05:29 AM
Lawry, that is a great guitar, well done, it's going to sound fantastic with a pickup

kells80aus
24-05-2014, 06:10 AM
Damn that's nice.



My Cigar Box efforts are in bits in the shed.
A Mate of mine from Geelong has gotten into them.
He's even makin Mountain Dulcimers. or strum sticks as he calls em.
One of the Ciggy Boxxes I built had a Dulcimer fretboard. But F--- mke I couldn't deal with those missing frets. Lol.
Plan is to use some 40x20mm offcusts from the last eagle 11 I built as a necks. Just got to wait for me mate Tony AKA Brudda to get back from QLD

Cheers PK

dingobass
24-05-2014, 06:16 AM
That is just so cool, Lawry :)

ultpanzi
24-05-2014, 07:22 AM
Thats a cool guitar. Sounds great as well. Great work!!

WeirdBits
24-05-2014, 08:56 AM
That smile says it all. Great result.

Gavin1393
24-05-2014, 10:20 PM
Saw some of these during my recent trip to South Africa. They are oil can guitars.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/v0vyd-image.jpg

Gavin1393
24-05-2014, 10:26 PM
They sound pretty decent too, not too sure about the type of tonewood !!!

http://youtu.be/V1cp99KCfE0

keloooe
24-05-2014, 10:39 PM
Sounds awesome Lozza, can't wait ot hear it WITH the pickup!

lawry
25-05-2014, 12:04 AM
Firstly... To all of you who made commented, thanks.
Yep. I am actually surprised how cool it sounds considering the quality of the components and the low build time.
@Gav. That oil can guitar is brilliant. Might have to try one of them. Or maybe a pie-tin resonator of some sort (guitar/uke/banjo). Dunno. But it will have to be a cheapie cos I'm on rations.

Gavin1393
25-05-2014, 01:21 AM
LAwry, there is a 3-part Youtube video series on how to build one.....

lawry
25-05-2014, 10:35 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Gavin1393 on May 24, 2014, 10:21
LAwry, there is a 3-part Youtube video series on how to build one.....

Sold. To the man with the funny accent. I'm off You Tubing, I maybe sometime.

Dengreg
25-05-2014, 11:25 PM
Lawry what a beautiful instrument you have made. Great sound...

lawry
26-05-2014, 05:09 AM
And now for a left-of-centre update...
What do you get when you have a heap of bits lying around and some time to spare? Well, truth be known, it could be anything.

BUT... I have a couple of small cigar boxes so I decided to turn one into a mini-amp.

Build time - about an hour and a half.
Sound? Definitely squeezed.
Fidelity? Questionable.
Cool Factor? Mega.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/00rot-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/52wa5-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/r57cg-image.jpg

bargeloobs
26-05-2014, 09:09 AM
That is FREEKIN INSANE, who cares what it sounds like, ultra mega cool!!!

stan
26-05-2014, 11:26 AM
would love to hear the amp too Lawry

dingobass
26-05-2014, 11:38 AM
Love it! You are the Maestro of cool :)

Analyst69
26-05-2014, 11:43 AM
That's Awesome Lawry. Compared to a lot of the factory battery powered amps yours has a cool factor x 10. :)

lawry
02-06-2014, 06:14 AM
Yes! An Update!
The DASH-CBG (Dirty Angel Smokin' Hot Cigar Box Guitar) now has a pickup. I had a Belcat piezo rod and preamp from a ukulele and it was perfect for this build.

http://youtu.be/MV3xZZ7Rvbs

Share and enjoy.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/zv0v6-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/m34hc-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/70wq2-image.jpg

dingobass
02-06-2014, 08:43 AM
That is übercool. 8-)

Gavin1393
02-06-2014, 01:50 PM
What DB said!!

lawry
02-06-2014, 07:40 PM
Wow. Praise x 2 from the top! Thanks, men.
I may just print this out, laminate it and hang it on the wall.

Cheers

bargeloobs
02-06-2014, 07:50 PM
[quote]/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from lawry on June 1, 2014, 15:14
Yes! An Update!
The DASH-CBG (Dirty Angel Smokin' Hot Cigar Box Guitar) now has a pickup. I had a Belcat piezo rod and preamp from a ukulele and it was perfect for this build.

It sounds absolutely wicked Lawry, You're one clever dude alright!

keloooe
03-06-2014, 12:07 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from dingobass on June 1, 2014, 17:43
That is übercool. 8-)
Nah it's more than übercool... Might have to pop over one day up North and check it out!

Loz, could you share the diagram for the amp?

lawry
03-06-2014, 10:59 AM
Sure. Happy to post both the schematic and layout diagram, Pest. The power and output transformers are both made by ClassicTone and can be bought on line. The tag board is from Jaycar and all other bits were from all over the place. Make sure that the 22n capacitors are rated at 400 volts or so. This is only an 8 watt amp but it easily keeps up with a Vox AC15.

This is an all-tube amp in that it even has a tube rectifier. You can swap this for solid state if you wish. Use 1N4007 diodes as they are rated at 1000 Volts.
Oh yeah, one other thing. I am using a 12AT7 for the preamp because I like a lower gain for a cleaner jazz sound. If you want more drive/overdrive use a 12AX7.

I'm going to make a disclaimer here for anyone who wants to build this.
This amp uses very high voltages that can kill you before you know you are dead.
Build it at your own risk.
If you do build it you will end up with one shit hot little tube amp!

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/51hr0-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/n57hx-image.jpg

Brendan
03-06-2014, 01:55 PM
Lawry - would love to do this sorta thing one day, but lines like "I'm going to make a disclaimer here for anyone who wants to build this.
This amp uses very high voltages that can kill you before you know you are dead.
Build it at your own risk."
scare the heeby jeebies out of me... Well done on the build!

wokkaboy
04-06-2014, 07:10 AM
awesome Lozza, would love to build the mini amp but like Brendan know very little about circuitry and know how to electrocute myself !

keloooe
04-06-2014, 07:42 AM
Nice amp schematic Loz, might put it into storage for some secret plan later....

lawry
04-06-2014, 09:26 AM
Ya know, this stuff has serious bities inside but as long as you're careful I'm sure you could do it.
Just don't stick your fingers in when it's turned on or the caps are holding a charge.

keloooe
05-06-2014, 12:01 AM
Yeah Lozza, I'll keep my hands completely away from those caps!
Also, what is a good chassis for this build? And will the caps STILL hold a charge when the amp is unplugged?

wokkaboy
05-06-2014, 01:36 AM
Lozza looks like you could be Pest's amp coach !
I'd guess the caps hold charge for up to a few mins after being unplugged from the power source ? I really got no idea

Gavin1393
05-06-2014, 03:34 AM
Quick quessie Lozza....

Where did you get the tubes from? E-bay? or is there a more reputable local supplier. I don't wanna blow myself up with some imitation import?

keloooe
05-06-2014, 03:44 AM
Try Jaycar or Altronics Gav

Gavin1393
05-06-2014, 04:21 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from keloooe on June 4, 2014, 12:44
Try Jaycar or Altronics Gav

First place I checked! and they don't stock them other than the 12AT7's in Perth. :(

WeirdBits
05-06-2014, 08:57 AM
RS Online (http://au.rs-online.com/web/c/semiconductors/discrete-semiconductors/double-triode-valves/)
b music (http://bmusic.com.au/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2_59_183)
Electronic Valve and Tube Co. (http://evatco.com.au/)
The Tube Store (http://www.thetubestore.com/)
Tube Depot (https://tubedepot.com/)
Allparts (http://www.allparts.com/amp-tubes)

keloooe
05-06-2014, 09:58 AM
Weirdly saves the day :)

lawry
05-06-2014, 10:46 AM
Yo.
My first stop for valves in OZ is Lucas Miles Audio in Melbourne, then Evatco. Both companies are great to deal with but Lucas has on-line ordering whereas Evatco need you to print out a form then Fax or Email it to them. Maybe that's changed but it was the case about 6 months ago. I have bought valves on eBay without issue but I usually want them yesterday. The 6BM8 tubes may be a little more difficult to find but I've had half a dozen for years so didn't go hunting for them. An equivalent is an ECL82 or 6F3P. You should be able to pick them up for $10-$15 each.
As for a chassis, I just go down to the local sheet metal man and get him to cut and bend a bit of mild steel to the dimensions I want. Usually only costs a few bucks.
The caps? My schematic doesn't show a bleed resistor across the terminals and without this the caps can hold a charge for several DAYS. So put some in. 270k -1 watt will be fine.

Gavin1393
05-06-2014, 11:09 AM
For those about to electrocute themselves (namely me and possibly Pest)....where 'exactly' do we put the bleed resistor?

lawry
05-06-2014, 11:26 AM
LOL Gav.
The bleed resistor goes across the power supply capacitor terminals. In this instance it is the 22uF 450v capacitor shown on the middle right hand side of the schematic. And apart from where stated, use half watt resistors throughout. You can get these at Jaycar. Also, the three 47n and the 470n capacitors should be 400V minimum too for safety. These caps are associated with the tremolo section.

WeirdBits
05-06-2014, 11:51 AM
Looks like the 450v caps on the schematic are shown as 400v on the layout diagram, just to prevent confusion.

lawry
05-06-2014, 07:38 PM
Well spotted Scott. Didn't notice that myself. 400V will cover it but higher is always better with valve stuff as I'm sure you're aware. I'll post some build pics if I can find them, that way an idea may be had of how it all was done.

Gavin1393
05-06-2014, 09:57 PM
So cool! Have ordered all the valves at double quantity since i'm thinking stereo!!!!! :)

keloooe
06-06-2014, 02:59 AM
Hey Lozza, will these tubes (http://tubeaudio.com.au/products/Marshall-JCM800-2203-Reissue-Standard-Tube-Set.html) work well?

lawry
06-06-2014, 08:41 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from keloooe on June 5, 2014, 11:59
Hey Lozza, will these tubes (http://tubeaudio.com.au/products/Marshall-JCM800-2203-Reissue-Standard-Tube-Set.html) work well?

Hey man. Not for this build, no.

keloooe
06-06-2014, 10:04 AM
So what tubes are best for this amp?

wokkaboy
06-06-2014, 10:09 AM
Loz I hope you realise you are now Pest's amp coach !

lawry
06-06-2014, 12:09 PM
@Wokka. LOL. That's cool. It's hard to find people who want to have a go at building valve amps and Pest told me he's built a Lamington before, so he knows the deal.
@Pest. For the preamp stage you will need 1 x 12AT7 (you can increase the distortion/gain by swapping this for a 12AX7 later if you like), for the output you will need 2 x 6BM8 and for the rectifier you will need 1 x 5Y3GT. If you want to have a solid state rectifier you can use 2 x 1N4007 diodes instead (I can draw how to hook these up for you - they will also cost you about 50 cents each instead of about $30.00 for the valve).

keloooe
06-06-2014, 11:56 PM
How about the transformers? Can I use any 15W transformers (both power and output), or is there a specific set that I need?

lawry
07-06-2014, 02:35 AM
Hi Pest. You will need specific transformers for this build. I have started a new thread for the amp so go there for more details.
Cheers.

Gavin1393
07-06-2014, 04:03 AM
[quote]/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from lawry on June 5, 2014, 21:09
Pest told me he's built a Lamington before, so he knows the deal.
quote]

I think that's possibly a typo? built or baked? ;)

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/47vum-lam.jpg

keloooe
07-06-2014, 04:34 AM
Baked lamingtons in a lamington tray, then used the tray to build an amp, then a mate bought the thing off me!

wokkaboy
07-06-2014, 04:55 AM
haha nice one Gav, baked lamingtons
I'm still a few posts behind you Gavmeister, I will have to lift my game !

lawry
07-06-2014, 05:57 AM
Not behind Gav for long Woks. You should be head of the leader board before the weekend's done!

Gav. The Lamington is a 15 Watt valve amp designed by Grant Willis (from Sydney, I think) and built on a lamington baking tray. I've made a couple for mates and they're damn good!

OK. In order to see how I put the Knee Trembler together I took the chassis out and took a few pics (I called it the Knee Trembler because it has tremolo in it).
As you can see, there's not much room in there but you don't have to build one that tightly.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/xjo3c-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/t1b8h-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/y365y-image.jpg

wokkaboy
07-06-2014, 06:01 AM
damn thats impressive Lozza to fit all that in the small space. So does the tremelo setting oscillate the volume of the output ?

lawry
07-06-2014, 06:18 AM
Note to all. Please go to the

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/community/?mingleforumaction=viewtopic&t=1291.0

thread to continue this topic.

lawry
15-06-2014, 06:19 AM
Number two.
OK. I was so pleased with how the first CBG turned out that I decided to build another. And a cigar box ukulele. And another cigar box amp.
First to the CBG. I have an exceptionally musically talented mate who was quite amazed by the original CBG so I have decided to make one for his birthday (it was actually last week, but shit happens). This time I thought I would come up with some sort of resonator type setup so I bought a small pie bake tin at Big W but it was too deep. So then I grabbed a lid from an empty coffee tin and thought I would give that a go. So, fingers crossed on th sound!
So... I started today. The good thing about these CBGs is that you get a lot done very quickly. I have gone even swankier with the neck and headstock this time by laminating a couple of sections for strength and shape. Anyway, I'll let the pictures do the talking.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/i6d1b-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ua432-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/l2717-image.jpg

lawry
15-06-2014, 06:22 AM
And this...
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/6xum0-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/8h3m3-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/z7915-image.jpg

lawry
15-06-2014, 06:25 AM
At the heel end too. Did some shaping etc...
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/c9955-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/4l329-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/bsh5x-image.jpg

lawry
15-06-2014, 06:28 AM
And finally (for today) a mock build. I'm expecting the fretwire and machine heads to turn up next week. Sure hope so!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2e581-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/56u99-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/z5v1a-image.jpg

bargeloobs
15-06-2014, 06:35 AM
That's bloody neat mate! Got any plans on embellishing the resonator in any way?

lawry
15-06-2014, 06:46 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from bargeloobs on June 14, 2014, 15:35
That's bloody neat mate! Got any plans on embellishing the resonator in any way?

Thanks man. Really not sure how this resonator will sound to be honest. I wanted to make it out of readily obtainable material rather than buying a spun cone. Also not sure what I'll use for a saddle. I have a wooden mandolin saddle lying around so may try that although it looks a bit tall. We'll see.

bargeloobs
15-06-2014, 06:55 AM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from lawry on June 14, 2014, 15:46

/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from bargeloobs on June 14, 2014, 15:35
That's bloody neat mate! Got any plans on embellishing the resonator in any way?

Thanks man. Really not sure how this resonator will sound to be honest. I wanted to make it out of readily obtainable material rather than buying a spun cone. Also not sure what I'll use for a saddle. I have a wooden mandolin saddle lying around so may try that although it looks a bit tall. We'll see.

Whereabouts are you sourcing your cigar boxes? I had a bit of a look on ebay and the pricks obviously know people are using them to build guitars and are charging accordingly.

lawry
15-06-2014, 07:30 AM
Yeah. They're not overly cheap but I have tried the two tobacco shops in Mackay and they don't have any, so what can you do? I have bought mine from an eBay seller called Boxed-Roc and they have been OK. Costs me about $15 each by the time they arrive when I bought three at a time. Here are the links to an email I got from him just the other day in case you want to check them out.

http://members.optusnet.com.au/blanket099/cigarbox/cigarbox15.htm
http://members.optusnet.com.au/blanket099/cigarbox/cigarbox8.5.htm
http://members.optusnet.com.au/boxed_roc/cigarbox/cigarbox6.htm

bargeloobs
15-06-2014, 08:05 AM
I'll have a look, cheers!

maxaxe
15-06-2014, 09:24 AM
Getting interestinger & interestinger 8O

Be fascinating to see/hear how your tin lid resonator performs . . .
I know virtually doodly about resonators, except that the bought ones look pretty complex/expensive?
I've sometimes wondered if you could utilise a passive speaker (i.e. no magnet) from an old hi-fi to any effect?

I have no plans to build anything like your way cool CB instruments, so the question is simply academic.

dingobass
15-06-2014, 09:59 AM
I cant wait to see this one :))
I really should have a go at building one of these beasties.....

lawry
16-06-2014, 06:53 AM
Got a little bit more done today but not as much as I had hoped (got called in to a problem at work).
Have cut the fret slots, added some sound holes and sanded the neck down to 180. After the frets are in I'll sand to 240 then clear coat it.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/5yg7p-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/7rr35-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/59gte-image.jpg

vh2580
16-06-2014, 08:07 AM
lookin good lawry

lawry
16-06-2014, 08:19 AM
Hey DB.
I was going to put a few coats of thin CA on the fretboard but was wondering about the dingowax. Would this be a good option to try on the oak instead?

kells80aus
16-06-2014, 08:20 AM
OOOO I really Like that. When I get done with these concurrent 3 builds I am doing I'll go back to my CBG


Cheers PK

stan
16-06-2014, 09:24 AM
looks slick Lawry - Tin lid resonator = awesome!

lawry
21-06-2014, 05:14 AM
Feeling a bit disappointed. I had really hoped that the hardware would've arrived for the weekend so I could finish these off.
Oh yeah, "these". I have started building a cigar box ukulele as well seeing how I've got a bit of left over oak but no fretwire, tuners or piezo elements yet.
Oh well, guess I'll just have to drink and jive.
8-)

This is the ukulele body and neck. It's a bit different to the CBG as I'm not extending the neck right through to the heel on the uke.
The fretboard has been coated with several layers of superglue to make it harder.

Now I just want the damn hardware to arrive!
:x
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2h70y-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/xls31-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/kc0vi-image.jpg

WeirdBits
21-06-2014, 09:37 AM
Shame about the hardware delay, but the uke neck is looking good.

dingobass
21-06-2014, 10:41 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from lawry on June 15, 2014, 17:19
Hey DB.
I was going to put a few coats of thin CA on the fretboard but was wondering about the dingowax. Would this be a good option to try on the oak instead?


Gee, sorry mate... Missed this one..
The wax will be fine on its own, you will just need to apply a few coats to get the full effect.

lawry
21-06-2014, 10:48 AM
Excellent. Thanks DB.
Very keen to try this stuff and see what it feels like when I'm playing but have no idea about application.

lawry
29-06-2014, 03:48 AM
Got a little bit more done on the CBG today but not much. I'm a bit pissed off because I was sure my fretwire would have arrived by now and it hasn't.
Anyway, have applied a few more coats on the neck and installed the machine heads and nut. The nut is actually a bone one for a ukulele but, hey, it was hanging round so I used it. There wasn't enough room anywhere for the 'Dirty Angel' name to go so I just stuck 'Lawry' on it.


http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/4t91w-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/5mo4z-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/n57u9-image.jpg

wokkaboy
29-06-2014, 01:57 PM
Hey Loz so this is your new CBG build love the headstock and neck looks great. Bummer the post is holding up the fret wire. What box you using mate?

lawry
29-06-2014, 10:41 PM
Hey Wokka. It's a cigar box with a pseudo resonator made from a coffee tin lid. If it doesn't sound any good I'll just reuse the neck.

I'm also keen on making one out of a metal biscuit tin and another banjo-type one using a tambourine.


http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/nbn42-image.jpg

bargeloobs
01-07-2014, 08:54 AM
Superb job with that neck Lozza, real interested to see how this thing sounds all slapped together with that resonator in there. Any plans on adding electronics? (my bad if you'd already mentioned adding a pup, couldn't remember)

lawry
05-07-2014, 06:44 AM
Had a great day today!
Lotsa bits turned up: fretwire, stickers, a cute little wooden bridge, piezo and electronics, fingernail tape (you'll see), and I scored some angle for the strings to feed through.

So... I've put the frets in, filed the nut slots and bridge to suit, installed the piezo (but not the electronics yet), put the stickers on the fretboard, put the fingernail tape on the headstock, banged it all together and then gave it a bit of an acoustic test run. I am bloody impressed by the sound of this pseudo resonator and I will post a clip when I'm completely finished.


http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/j6305-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/5a892-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ba483-image.jpg

lawry
05-07-2014, 06:47 AM
The thing you can see just sticking out of one of the sound holes is the piezo connector. I hooked it up to have a listen.


http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/bm83g-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/v2ian-image.jpg

kells80aus
05-07-2014, 07:14 AM
ooooooooooo really like that.

PK

bargeloobs
05-07-2014, 07:21 AM
Goddam that looks cool, I think I've said it before but you're one clever dude alright!
If you ever quit your day job at least you'd have no probs selling CB gats man, seriously impressive!!

pablopepper
05-07-2014, 10:18 AM
That is super cool, Lawry. I love the tin lid resonator and will definitely be stealing that idea. What have you got it tuned to?

WeirdBits
05-07-2014, 10:20 AM
Very nice.

lawry
05-07-2014, 01:46 PM
Thanks guys. I've got to say that I quite enjoy building these things. They're cheap and don't take long. Not sure if there's a market for them although a uke may be a different proposition. They may sell at the market. One thing I've learnt is how much time and effort goes into a fretboard. I can only imagine how much care would need to go into a guitar. Maybe that's why DB doesn't like frets ;)
@Pablo. I tune it to GDGB

lawry
07-07-2014, 10:09 AM
Right. It's done!
I put the pickup in properly, installed the electronics, screwed in the strap pins and generally finished her off.

This is the second Cigar Box Guitar I have built but this time I wanted it to sound a bit like a Dobro. I also wanted to make it using an easily obtainable part. Initially I looked at a pie-sized baking tin but it was too deep for the cigar box so I decided to use the lid off a large tin of coffee. Personally, I think the end result is pretty damn impressive. I'm also keen on building something that uses a tambourine as a body (to make it a bit banjo-like) and another using a biscuit tin or olive oil can as a body just to see how it sounds. As for this guitar, it was specifically made as a gift for a mate who plays these things brilliantly. I'm also halfway through building a Cigar Box Ukulele so watch out for that soon!


http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/hmu69-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/61t42-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lpr02-image.jpg

ihasmario
07-07-2014, 10:41 AM
Very nice!

Nickosaurus
07-07-2014, 12:36 PM
Cool!

Nice to see Nescafe was actually good for something. That stuff is awful. :P

AJ
08-07-2014, 01:13 AM
just brilliant Lawry :)

lawry
08-07-2014, 02:01 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Nickosaurus on July 6, 2014, 21:36
Cool!

Nice to see Nescafe was actually good for something. That stuff is awful. :P

LOL. Actually Nick, it was worse than that. I got the lid off a tin of 'Industrial Roast - Caterers Blend' from work. I think the tin would taste better.

Anyway, here she is...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cq_EKLZMCE&feature=player_detailpage

Fretworn
08-07-2014, 02:10 AM
Great job Lawry. It is really a banjo not a resonator. To be a true resonator guitar it needs cone that works similar to a speaker cone to amplify and direct the sound.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6K9wt868pMk

lawry
08-07-2014, 02:23 AM
That's a cool clip, Fretty. I like that.
I can see your point about what a resonator is traditionally, but by definition it is something that increases resonance and compared to my CBG without the tin lid this one resonates (resounds) a lot more. :)

pablopepper
08-07-2014, 02:43 AM
Sounds great Lawry!

Nickosaurus
08-07-2014, 05:29 AM
Make me one. :P Love the sound. I've always wanted a banjo-style cigar box.

How much did this one cost to make? Might be a fun project!

pablopepper
08-07-2014, 07:26 AM
I made one (not nearly as nice as Lawry's) for next to nothing. I found a local cigar shop that sold me a bunch of boxes for $3-5 each. The rest was bits I had lying around. Built in an afternoon.

I'll post a pic when I can figure out where I put it.

lawry
08-07-2014, 11:29 AM
@Nick. They're cheap as chips to build. This ones a bit swankier than you need to be and the whole lot cost me about $50. And $15 of that is the electronics.

@Pablo. I hope you an find it cos I'd love to see it!

Nickosaurus
08-07-2014, 12:48 PM
I've got all the electronics/hardware I'd need. It's just the box + neck + frets that I'd need to source..

Is that wood kiln dried? Do you need a template to cut fret slots?

We may be seeing a cigar box from me soon... :P

pablopepper
09-07-2014, 01:03 AM
Do it. They're pretty damn easy to build and heaps of fun to play.

Found mine! It's a fretless three stringer that i play lap steel style. Tuned to open A. Used bolts for the bridge and nut and burned the fret lines in with a soldering iron. Like I said, it's rough as guts, but I wanted to see how quickly I could get it done (about 3 hours).
http://i.imgur.com/BC0OCjL.jpg

gavinturner
09-07-2014, 03:06 AM
Nice Pablo! I'm definitely gonna have to start one now. :)

cheers,
Gav.

lawry
09-07-2014, 09:54 AM
Hey Pablo. That looks fantastic.

Nick. The neck was made from a length of 19x42 oak bought from the shed whose name shall not be spoken. Costs about $7 for a 1.8 metre length. The fretwire and tuners were bought on eBay for sod all. As for the fret slots, they were cut with a junior hacksaw and the spacing was determined using an online fret calculator. Easy, huh?
Go for it man. Even if it's a stuff up it won't cost you much.

wokkaboy
10-07-2014, 05:02 AM
@ Lozza, I've only just caught up with this thread, just got back from a week in sunny Qld, love your resonator CBG, awesome job and sounds excellent, so is that video unplugged ? Look forward to seeing a olive or oil can guitar !
@ Pablo, love your 3 string CBG, very cool and made in 3 hours is a great effort !
You guys have inspired me to build another CBG, got a big pile of cigar boxes I stocked up before all the plain wrap boxes came in

Nickosaurus
10-07-2014, 05:11 AM
Where do you guys source the boxes? Not having much luck finding them from smoke stores.

wokkaboy
10-07-2014, 05:19 AM
Hi Nick, where are you based ?
Unfortunately alot of the tobacconists only stock current boxes which last time I went to one they only come in cardboard plain boxes.
Probably about 75% of my collection came from Melbourne when I was on holiday there, mainly tobacconists in the CBD and the Queen Vic markets have a tobacconist.

Failing that have a browse on ebay there's some around $10-$15 but postage will probably be about as much. The thicker wood ones will cost more. Most the cheaper ones are about 3mm thick like a plywood with the stickers ontop

http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_odkw=cigar+boxes&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR2.TRC1.A0.H0.Xcigar+ box&_nkw=cigar+box&_sacat=0

Nickosaurus
10-07-2014, 06:22 AM
I'm in SA mate. It looks like Fleabay is the only option available at the mo.

This might be a bit too out of my reach now with the box prices :( Might have to wait until I get a bit more work later in the year.

wokkaboy
10-07-2014, 06:37 AM
no worries Nick, another option is to build your own box and buy some stickers for it on ebay. I've build a box out of plywood or mdf. Probably only needs to be 5 or 6mm thick. Nail/glue it together. This way you can make the box to your own dimensions. Alot of the cigar boxes are quite small and limit the size CBG you can make.
Just buy a sheet of say about 600 x 900 x 5mm plywood or 6mm thick mdf from the big green shed won't cost much, should be able to make 2 boxes with that. Generally the mdf sheets may be more suitable as they are generally flatter. The plywood tends to get a natural curve in the sheets.
This way you can make a start and worry about the stickers later

lawry
10-07-2014, 08:54 AM
Hey Nick. I've tried the tobacco shops in Mackay and got nowhere. In the end I had to go to eBay and they are the priciest part of the build. Just make sure they show the dimensions so that you don't end up with a small one without knowing.

lawry
10-07-2014, 08:56 AM
@Wokka. The vid is unplugged. The sound is all through the iPad mic.

bargeloobs
10-07-2014, 09:22 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from lawry on July 7, 2014, 11:01
[quote]/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from Nickosaurus on July 6, 2014, 21:36
Cool!

Nice to see Nescafe was actually good for something. That stuff is awful. :P

LOL. Actually Nick, it was worse than that. I got the lid off a tin of 'Industrial Roast - Caterers Blend' from work. I think the tin would taste better.

Anyway, here she is...

Somewhere along the way I'd missed this vid, well I tell you what Lawry the resonator is certainly doing just that, it sounds beautiful.
Outstanding job man!

lawry
19-07-2014, 09:42 PM
Right then. Here are the final two vids for this build. One is just a 'Why and How' but the other has been posted by my mate Namarca. It was for him that I built this guitar as a birthday present and he plays these things a hell of a lot better than I do!

http://youtu.be/oWYksswGtXw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP2_f1zSZWU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

gavinturner
21-07-2014, 09:02 PM
Awesome videos Lawry. Great playing, sounds great, and very entertaining!

cheers,
Gav.

Nickosaurus
22-07-2014, 02:42 AM
So I was scouring around the house looking for some canvas and found this old art box

http://i.imgur.com/Kd4vFIv.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/HTt0Rbb.jpg?1

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

Will this be viable?

wokkaboy
22-07-2014, 03:21 AM
Nice vids Lozza

@ Nick what are the dimensions of the art box ? might be a bit too big to make a cigar box style axe

Nickosaurus
22-07-2014, 03:33 AM
370/270mm

pablopepper
22-07-2014, 03:46 AM
It will work, for sure. It's bigger than a cigar box, but I don't think that's gonna matter at all.

wokkaboy
22-07-2014, 07:04 AM
Nick sure you can make a cigar box guitar out of your art box, it will be roughly the size of an acoustic guitar. Make a few sound holes, you will have plenty of room !

Fretworn
23-07-2014, 02:08 AM
How thick is the top? If it is too thick the guitar will lose it's acoustic properties.

pablopepper
23-07-2014, 02:25 AM
Good point Fretworn. The top could be replaced with a thinner piece pretty easily.

Nickosaurus
23-07-2014, 02:42 AM
About 3mm mate.

pablopepper
23-07-2014, 02:54 AM
Perfect.

lawry
23-07-2014, 08:32 AM
Hey Pabs. That looks like a perfect box to make an ABG (art box guitar). Go for it man. I'm really keen to see it finished. There's no doubt you'll have a lot of fun making it and you get results very quickly.