One of my favorite intrument dealers got a cigar box DIY kit in his onlineshop but when I had a closer look to the product, I found out that it was a wood decor veneered cardboard box. NO WAY. So probably I will have to build one up from scratch. This is by far one of the most useful videos I watched about this topic because you don't show just what to do, you explain why to do so! Thx a lot
I’m just getting started with a couple of cigar box guitar projects, I’m so happy to have found your channel. I’m binging as much of your videos as possible while I wait for my supplies to come in so I can start my build. Thank you for sharing all this.!
Florida woods cigar box dreams, made their way to me on the Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia. Can't get enough, just have to keep watching. Thank Micheal. Steve
Thank you. I am a back angle guy. Last week I saw a video where the maker recommended using shims, like you would on a door frame. The angle was opposite of what you suggested. His would make action too high, by a lot. I got the feeling he wasn't a player and was just trying to come up with video ideas. Good to see the pine woods of Florida. Been 40 years next month that I left.
Thanks Steve. Yes, and shim on the front block would not be good. lol Florida does have lots of pine trees, which means you have pine needles EVERYWHERE. 😀
That string trick is awesome! I work in a metal fab shop and my ultimate goal is to make an aluminum cigar box style resonator guitar including neck including the cone in the middle.
I am new at cigar box guitar and I watched your videos and have enjoyed them and learned a lot, I have built myself a cigar box guitar and now watching your videos on playing it. I plan on building a few more even if I don't learn because I enjoy it and it keeps me busy. (84 yrs old). Thanks for sharing, Bill mount airy maryland
This is a really good demo of the back angle. Del Puckett was the first to introduce the concept to builders, but at least in his first video on the subject he kind of flubbed it and actually made it more confusing, it kind of implied if I recall that he was telling us to actually raise the angle upward, with the higher "wedge" at the front. I don't know if he ever clarified it, but it's nice to have something this clear and concise. Good on you Michael!
Del's later video explains it much better... Myself, when I cut the taper off the neck I glue that wedge on the underside of the neck...that keeps the back angle cut parallel with the underside of the neck..
I'm a Del disciple so I've always used a back angle. But you wanted a comment so here it is 😮 I've recently starting using a door stop thingy like you do for my tail piece instead of a hinge like Del. Keep up the great videos. Hopefully we will be visiting your great state soon. This deep freeze called Canada can be a bit depressing in the winter months.
I'm one of "those" that you mentioned as a watcher, but not a commenter. With this vid, you finally enticed me. Likely because I'm in the midst of a build. Nice vid, nice content, all around nice fella. P.S. - My wife of 35+ years thinks that you and I have alot in common ... Renster
I’m glad I ran across this video. I never heard of back angle before, and now I know it is something to consider. My first build will be better thanks to you!
From a displaced Floridian, loved the content and looking forward to more. This looks like so much fun! Definately going to try to make one. Thank you for sharing your experience. The few boxes I have are falling apart from Dad's tools and parts being stored in them. Going to have to get on the hunt. =) Ending up on the left coast, hearing that "swamp" sound instantly brought a smile to this Southern boy's face. God bless
I have been bitten by the CBG Bug your tips and tricks are giving me the courage and confidence in building my second guitar THANK YOU for showing an extremely novice builder like myself how to do it!!
You insisted on a comment, so here goes. Love your videos, man! I'm about to try to build my first CBG and have been watching lots of videos. Really like yours, they are informative and entertaining. Thank you.
Thanks for the build info. Yes, caterpillars falling out of trees can be bad, especially when they are mixed with backhoes and front end loaders.😂 Keep on rocking.👍👍✌️
I would like to say thank you Michael for sharing your knowledge on building these guitars. You also make these videos fun to watch with your great sense of humor!!! You Da Man
Surprised on just how many people are playing and making these guitars. I watched a TH-cam channel this morning from a lady in Cambridge England, who plays her 3 string cigar box guitar on the streets. She's amazing
Enjoy your videos,I screwed up my first neck and second neck. But it is playable. Good thing about these little guitars they are cheap and easy to change . Watching these videos is like going to school.since I didn't go to much or pay attention I screw up things ,you the man!
Thanks Dolly. If you want know exactly how I build my necks, and build my guitars, you can check out my CBG Pro Builders WorkShop. www.southernfireguitars.com/
Great video. I think this is the best video I've yet seen in terms of explaining, conceptually, how the back angle works on a cigar box guitar. I really enjoy all your videos, and I've learned a lot from watching them! Thank you for taking the time to make them!
I’ve built 3 acoustic guitars and now have become enthusiastic about building cigar box guitars. I’ve watched several of your building videos and have already gleaned much information. Thanks for this one … back angle will improve the playability greatly!
How much more difficult would it be to change the bridge height instead of trying to unfasten and adjusting the back block. I’ve got a fretless 3scbg and the strings were just too high. Probly not all that important except when it came to restringing. I was a nightmare. To the point it think I just about rebuilt the backend so restringing was simpler and easier. In order to make the bridge stay in one place after adjustment (as the bridge is 2” x 1/2” stainless steel bolt and and nut sitting on 21/4” x 1” x 3/32” piece of foam rubber so each string would hold a note with less tuning. Oh yeah I didn’t make the original instrument. At the out set it was a bit disappointing but wth don’t whine about it just fix it. Thanks Michael that’s where I was blessed to find you. Thanks for your inspire sir.
I cheated, I bought a couple of CBG's (the price was amazing, and I couldn't have built them for the price I paid; you;ll forgive me, won't you?) after seeing TH-cam videos like yours. I had seen CBG's and thought of them as curiosities, or toys even, not even on a par with a Ukelele. How Wrong I was! After decades of trying to learn guitar, I found more music in a CBG than I EVER did in a 6 string.. Thanks to you, and all of your cohorts for teaching this old dog some new tricks!
Hello, I'm a CBG builder and player myself. Like you, CBGs opened up music to me that escaped me when playing a 6 stringer. Your ukulele comment caught my eye. I'd like to share my recent ukulele experiences. For many years I was of the opinion regarding ukuleles that they were pretty much just the annoying accompaniment to caterwauling tweenaged girls, UNTIL, about a year ago when I came across these two videos while surfing TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/0wzsE67O5tE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=wcDXNCMxsKtDqH-p th-cam.com/video/Ur-XofI6wP8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=cAFuu6ZSP5y-LBV4 I was blown away by them. I was also greatly humbled in regard to my previous disdain for ukuleles. I've since purchased a ukulele and play the heck out of it, somewhat in the styles of the two performers in the videos. I'm now ready to buy more ukuleles in order to take advantage of alternate tunings. Ukes aren't just toys nor are they simply for seemingly mindless tweenaged strumming. If you're interested, there's a TH-cam channel called Southern Ukulele Store that has tons of information to help select the best ukelele for oneself. There're other great uke YT channels as well, but SUS stands out to me as being one of the best. That may be more information than you may want, but I've become a passionate fan of ukuleles and feel compelled to pass the word about them. I want to give a huge 👍👍to Michael here at Southern Fire Guitars. In my opinion Michael has, by far, THE BEST CBG channel on TH-cam. Thanks, Michael! Cheers to you, Bob
EXCELLENT Video Michael. I learned this the HARD way!!! WHY did my early Cigar Box Guitars have that Terrible problem of Nice action at the Nut, and SKY HIGH un-playable action from the 9th fret and higher??? I filed down my Bridge...didn't work, couldn't figure it out. Until I looked at my neck and it actually angle UP!!! Opened it up, did some adjustments, changed the Angle and Viola...a Playable Guitar!!! Wish I would have seen THIS video back in 2011.... Really Enjoyed this!!!!
You've inspired me to build one. I've been going through your videos for tips and tricks. I built a neck with a back angle yesterday, and cut fret slots on a fingerboard today, and I'll be using a zero fret and nut as you suggested in one of your videos. You've helped me avoid a lot of mistakes.
Good information... I'm planning on building my first cigar box guitar and this information is exactly what I need. Thanks for the great content you share
This is the first time I've seen anyone discuss back angle on a cigar box. Bonus thanks for the laughs.
Thanks Bruce. M~ 😎
One of my favorite intrument dealers got a cigar box DIY kit in his onlineshop but when I had a closer look to the product, I found out that it was a wood decor veneered cardboard box. NO WAY. So probably I will have to build one up from scratch. This is by far one of the most useful videos I watched about this topic because you don't show just what to do, you explain why to do so! Thx a lot
Thanks Sebastian. Yeah. got to watch out for those cardboard boxes. 😉
I knew about the back angle but you explained why. Very helpful
I love that last example! I fully GET why back angle is a thing now.
Thanks Gabriel, It will do the trick. M~
I clicked like because of when the thing makes some good sound!!! ....What a great-sounding little rig. Cheers!
As always top. All time favourite the dancing wife😂
I’m just getting started with a couple of cigar box guitar projects, I’m so happy to have found your channel. I’m binging as much of your videos as possible while I wait for my supplies to come in so I can start my build.
Thank you for sharing all this.!
You are welcome, I’m glad you are enjoying the videos.
appreciated the show-n-tell! will be back 4 more!! 8)
Nicely explained. No complex math or calculations needed. My type of instruction.
Thanks Murdoc. M~
I enjoy your video very much
Florida woods cigar box dreams, made their way to me on the Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia. Can't get enough, just have to keep watching. Thank Micheal. Steve
Thanks Steve. I appreciate that. 😎
Thank you. I am a back angle guy. Last week I saw a video where the maker recommended using shims, like you would on a door frame. The angle was opposite of what you suggested. His would make action too high, by a lot. I got the feeling he wasn't a player and was just trying to come up with video ideas. Good to see the pine woods of Florida. Been 40 years next month that I left.
Thanks Steve. Yes, and shim on the front block would not be good. lol Florida does have lots of pine trees, which means you have pine needles EVERYWHERE. 😀
This helps me to understand back angle better...thank you
Happy to help!
Very good video. I love videos in which numerical data about CBG building are given.
Very cool, especially that I’m about my 4th CBG. What a fun thing to do at the ripe old age of 71 😉🤙🏼
That's awesome Paul. Congrats on the 4th build. 😎
That string trick is awesome! I work in a metal fab shop and my ultimate goal is to make an aluminum cigar box style resonator guitar including neck including the cone in the middle.
Thanks Jack, That would be cool. M~
As always your explanation is simple, clear and above all very useful. Thanks.
Thanks brother. M~
I am new at cigar box guitar and I watched your videos and have enjoyed them and learned a lot, I have built myself a cigar box guitar and now watching your videos on playing it. I plan on building a few more even if I don't learn because I
enjoy it and it keeps me busy. (84 yrs old).
Thanks for sharing, Bill mount airy maryland
Thank you, Bill. Their pretty easy to play and fun to build. Have fun. M~
This is a really good demo of the back angle. Del Puckett was the first to introduce the concept to builders, but at least in his first video on the subject he kind of flubbed it and actually made it more confusing, it kind of implied if I recall that he was telling us to actually raise the angle upward, with the higher "wedge" at the front. I don't know if he ever clarified it, but it's nice to have something this clear and concise. Good on you Michael!
Thanks. I appreciate that M~
Del's later video explains it much better...
Myself, when I cut the taper off the neck I glue that wedge on the underside of the neck...that keeps the back angle cut parallel with the underside of the neck..
@@hurdygurdyguy1 What ever works for you. M~
I didn’t see ONE caterpillar 🐛 😂
Thanks,the higher back block is what I needed to know
Apposto 'mpare! Many thanx from Sicily
Nice swampy sound, Michael.
And... now I understand back angles!
I'm a Del disciple so I've always used a back angle. But you wanted a comment so here it is 😮 I've recently starting using a door stop thingy like you do for my tail piece instead of a hinge like Del. Keep up the great videos. Hopefully we will be visiting your great state soon. This deep freeze called Canada can be a bit depressing in the winter months.
Glad you enjoyed the video and I'll keep up the great work. 👍
explained in a way that the beginner can grip. Thank you!
Thanks, Mike! I'm just working on the neck for my next one.
Hello from Finland!
Good build info. THANKS for the comment background solo.
I'm one of "those" that you mentioned as a watcher, but not a commenter. With this vid, you finally enticed me. Likely because I'm in the midst of a build.
Nice vid, nice content, all around nice fella.
P.S. - My wife of 35+ years thinks that you and I have alot in common ...
Renster
Thanks for the comment, Ren. Well, you must be a great guy, then. 😉
Perfect! Just did 3 boxes with back angle I never noticed on my guitar. 👍👍👍
Thanks Marshall. M~ 😎
I’m glad I ran across this video. I never heard of back angle before, and now I know it is something to consider. My first build will be better thanks to you!
Thanks for the tips on the back angle🎸
Have a wonderful day.
Your welcome Raccoon. Thanks for checking it out. M~
Hi Michael. Michael here. I’ve learned a lot from your videos and have built 4-5 CBGs including 1 bass. Thanks.
Thanks Michael, That's sweet. Congrats. M~
A great ANGLE on the subject Hope your BACK soon. Fantastic outro through a Vox amp too. Excellent.
Thanks Pete. Good one lol
Straight forward information I was looking for. I love this freakin guy.
From a displaced Floridian, loved the content and looking forward to more. This looks like so much fun! Definately going to try to make one. Thank you for sharing your experience.
The few boxes I have are falling apart from Dad's tools and parts being stored in them. Going to have to get on the hunt. =) Ending up on the left coast, hearing that "swamp" sound instantly brought a smile to this Southern boy's face.
God bless
Thanks John. It is fun. You should definitely build one, and come to the Swamp! M~
I have been bitten by the CBG Bug your tips and tricks are giving me the courage and confidence in building my second guitar THANK YOU for showing an extremely novice builder like myself how to do it!!
Your welcome, Brad. Thanks for watching the videos. That's awesome, Happy Building. M~
I built my own and through your videos I’m going to improve it . Thx for the great content..👍
Thanks for the tips, Michael! great outro, always inspiring!
This is the best video I have seen on this topic. The visual examples were so helpful.
Thanks Phoenix, M~
You insisted on a comment, so here goes. Love your videos, man! I'm about to try to build my first CBG and have been watching lots of videos. Really like yours, they are informative and entertaining. Thank you.
Thank you G. M~
OK. Backangle. Seen several vids. NOW I get it! Thanks. Formerly confused beginner.
Thanks for checking it out. Glad it was helpful! M~
You've got it man. I used to use adjusting screws for neck angle :-)
Thanks for the build info. Yes, caterpillars falling out of trees can be bad, especially when they are mixed with backhoes and front end loaders.😂 Keep on rocking.👍👍✌️
Thanks John. Good one 😆
Thanks, I understand the back angle much better now.
Just came across your channel. Love it, looking forward to building my first one now!
Thanks Michael. M~
Greetings from Carrabelle Fl. I'm loving your pro builder work shop! Nice to have all the steps in order. Keep up the good work
Thank you, Antonio. I appreciate that. M~ 😀
Saucy tone on the jam!!🤘🏽🎸
I greatly appreciate your time and share in your knowledge.
You’re welcome, I’m glad you found it helpful.
That was a really good job I enjoyed that I think it was 6:40 minutes. At first I didn't realize you had a drum track going
I would like to say thank you Michael for sharing your knowledge on building these guitars. You also make these videos fun to watch with your great sense of humor!!! You Da Man
Thank you Nathan. I appreciate that. M~
YOUR VIDEO ARE GREATE. THANKS FOR SHAREING THE KNOWLEDGE. Gorka from Spain.👍
Thanks for watching!
Great explanation of the neck angles!
Surprised on just how many people are playing and making these guitars. I watched a TH-cam channel this morning from a lady in Cambridge England, who plays her 3 string cigar box guitar on the streets. She's amazing
Thanks Charles. Yes, they are pretty popular, and growing every day. M~ 😎
This exact subject has been on my mind! Thanks so much for explaining. God bless!
Thanks Bob. Glad it was helpful! M~
Thanks for the refresher. Been away from building for a while and needed to look at back angles again.
Welcome back! M~
Enjoy your videos,I screwed up my first neck and second neck. But it is playable. Good thing about these little guitars they are cheap and easy to change . Watching these videos is like going to school.since I didn't go to much or pay attention I screw up things ,you the man!
Thanks Dolly. If you want know exactly how I build my necks, and build my guitars, you can check out my CBG Pro Builders WorkShop. www.southernfireguitars.com/
Thank you for the back angle info. Hope that helps with my CBG build.
Thanks again for another informative video. No matter how much we learn from you and others, refresher courses are REQUIRED for at least me.
Thanks, I appreciate that. M~ 😎
You esplained it well. Thanks.
Btw, I feel your caterpillar pain. I’m in Florida too. Everywhere!
Thanks TB. Yes they are lol
I find your video’s very helpful in making cigar box guitars and learning that good old swamp music keep up the good work thanks, George
Thank you George. M~
Great video. I think this is the best video I've yet seen in terms of explaining, conceptually, how the back angle works on a cigar box guitar. I really enjoy all your videos, and I've learned a lot from watching them! Thank you for taking the time to make them!
Thanks Shaun. I appreciate that. M~
Great info! Your explaination was easy to understand and the props really helped show what you were talking about. Thanks a bunch! Nice outro too 😁🤘🏻
Thanks Freddy. M~
Ok just the info i was looking for I will watch it over and over again thanks dude!
Thanks Ken, Glad I could help!
Finally I got it, thanks Sr.
Grrat demonstration! Simple and effective.
Thanks Ken. M~
I love that dirty, grungy blues style
Thank you, Iron Horse. M~
Very helpful. Thanks for all your videos! Keep ‘em coming!
Thanks! I'm glad you found it helpful.
Love your videos. Building number 9 myself
Thanks Daniel, Congrats on #9, that's Awesome!
I’ve built 3 acoustic guitars and now have become enthusiastic about building cigar box guitars. I’ve watched several of your building videos and have already gleaned much information. Thanks for this one … back angle will improve the playability greatly!
Thanks Fred. M~
Great video! Nice slide work in the outro!
Greetings from Sweden.
I'am in the process of building my first CBG and appreciate all the tips from you.
Thanks, Good luck with your build. M~
How much more difficult would it be to change the bridge height instead of trying to unfasten and adjusting the back block.
I’ve got a fretless 3scbg and the strings were just too high.
Probly not all that important except when it came to restringing. I was a nightmare. To the point it think I just about rebuilt the backend so restringing was simpler and easier.
In order to make the bridge stay in one place after adjustment (as the bridge is 2” x 1/2” stainless steel bolt and and nut sitting on 21/4” x 1” x 3/32” piece of foam rubber so each string would hold a note with less tuning.
Oh yeah
I didn’t make the original instrument. At the out set it was a bit disappointing but wth don’t whine about it just fix it.
Thanks Michael that’s where I was blessed to find you. Thanks for your inspire sir.
Thanks Dan. M~
I cheated, I bought a couple of CBG's (the price was amazing, and I couldn't have built them for the price I paid; you;ll forgive me, won't you?) after seeing TH-cam videos like yours. I had seen CBG's and thought of them as curiosities, or toys even, not even on a par with a Ukelele. How Wrong I was! After decades of trying to learn guitar, I found more music in a CBG than I EVER did in a 6 string.. Thanks to you, and all of your cohorts for teaching this old dog some new tricks!
Welcome to the world of CBG's. Once you play one you're hooked. LOL. SO much fun the play and easy to learn. Happy Pickin. M~
Hello,
I'm a CBG builder and player myself.
Like you, CBGs opened up music to me that escaped me when playing a 6 stringer.
Your ukulele comment caught my eye.
I'd like to share my recent ukulele experiences.
For many years I was of the opinion regarding ukuleles that they were pretty much just the annoying accompaniment to caterwauling tweenaged girls, UNTIL, about a year ago when I came across these two videos while surfing TH-cam:
th-cam.com/video/0wzsE67O5tE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=wcDXNCMxsKtDqH-p
th-cam.com/video/Ur-XofI6wP8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=cAFuu6ZSP5y-LBV4
I was blown away by them.
I was also greatly humbled in regard to my previous disdain for ukuleles.
I've since purchased a ukulele and play the heck out of it, somewhat in the styles of the two performers in the videos.
I'm now ready to buy more ukuleles in order to take advantage of alternate tunings.
Ukes aren't just toys nor are they simply for seemingly mindless tweenaged strumming.
If you're interested, there's a TH-cam channel called Southern Ukulele Store that has tons of information to help select the best ukelele for oneself.
There're other great uke YT channels as well, but SUS stands out to me as being one of the best.
That may be more information than you may want, but I've become a passionate fan of ukuleles and feel compelled to pass the word about them.
I want to give a huge 👍👍to Michael here at Southern Fire Guitars.
In my opinion Michael has, by far, THE BEST CBG channel on TH-cam.
Thanks, Michael!
Cheers to you,
Bob
Cheet I just built mine .
@@Crosshatch1212 Awesome! Congrats. M~
Thanks so much! I love your videos, especially the swampy riffs!!
Thanks, I appreciate that. M~
Very good explanation. My CBG's will now have this back angle added. I have been struggling with this issue for a while now. Tanks you for learn'n me.
Thanks Kidd. M~ Try it, you'll like it. M~
Good lesson I'm trying to figure how to make adjustable back angle like riversong guitars
I liked the way you explained back angle!!
Thanks Frank. M~
Those cigar box guitars are really killer! 👍🎸🙄✌️
Thank you, Jim. M~ 😎🎸
EXCELLENT Video Michael. I learned this the HARD way!!! WHY did my early Cigar Box Guitars have that Terrible problem of Nice action at the Nut, and SKY HIGH un-playable action from the 9th fret and higher??? I filed down my Bridge...didn't work, couldn't figure it out. Until I looked at my neck and it actually angle UP!!! Opened it up, did some adjustments, changed the Angle and Viola...a Playable Guitar!!! Wish I would have seen THIS video back in 2011....
Really Enjoyed this!!!!
Thanks Piercedarrow, Yeah,, that back angle does wonders for play ability. M~
Thanks for sharing. Trying it on my next build.
You've inspired me to build one. I've been going through your videos for tips and tricks. I built a neck with a back angle yesterday, and cut fret slots on a fingerboard today, and I'll be using a zero fret and nut as you suggested in one of your videos.
You've helped me avoid a lot of mistakes.
Thanks DVJ. That's awesome, I'm glad you found them helpful. Congrats on your first build. Happy Pickin. M~
Good information... I'm planning on building my first cigar box guitar and this information is exactly what I need. Thanks for the great content you share
Thanks Thomas. Good luck with your build. M~
Enjoyed the video helped me a lot with setting up the strings,cheers.
Thank you so much. I guess I should use the string or fishing line test to make sure I have enough back angle.
Helpful and entertaining. 😂 Above all it did answer a couple issues that I had. Thanks again 👍
Your welcome, Will. Thank for watching. M~
I really enjoy watching your videos. Got some great tips. Thanks buddy!
Build mine with a back angle. They also stay in tune better.
I enjoy every video that you put,they are informative,entertaining and comedic,see you on the next one
Thank you, Wayne. I appreciate that. M~ 😎😎
This was fun AND informative, thank you, I've built a dulcimer and am ready to move to the cigarbox guitar, again thank you
Thank you, Walt. Good luck with your CBG build.
Clear as mud. Thanks a bunch.
Glad I could help! 😎
Thank you Michael. After 40 some odd builds it’s time to take it up a notch and use back angle. 😊
Your welcome. Bob. Thanks for watching. Give it a try. M~
Back angle is your friend. Also, one should be mindful of the string break angle, at nut and bridge, especially at the bridge.
Good points. M~
Rock on!!
Perfect description , Thanks
Keep doing what you're doing!!! I watch EVERY SINGLE ONE!!!
Thanks Robert. I appreciate that. M~
much love from Germany!
Love the fat tone in the outro. Sounds great. Thanks.
Thanks dragon. M~
I was just wondering about back angle and working on my first build. You answered my questions.
Thanks Stan. That's great. M~
Thanks for the explanation and the visuals …
love all your TH-cam to. If you can do more, :)