Building a Cigar Box Guitar - Woodwork Workshop Project
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ม.ค. 2025
- Workshop Project - Building a three-string cigar box guitar.
I have always been interested in learning to play the guitar, it's not something that comes naturally to me, I've had some lessons in the past and now while we have time on our hands have picked it back up and have another go.
While watching some videos on TH-cam I stumbled across Del Puckett's channel where he builds and plays three-string cigar box guitars. It really got me inspired to see if I could build my own.
/ @puckettcigarboxguitar
After a quick search on eBay, I found the perfect cigar box, a Corona Premier solid wood box.
Watch me turn this simple box into an Electro / Acoustic three-string guitar.
rover.ebay.com...
Disclosure - As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase using the above affiliate link. Thank you for supporting our channel.
I can't promise you expert playing once it is finished but it will be fun to give it a go. Then when we are out traveling again I will be able to practice around the evening campfires.
Please do leave a comment and let me know what you thought of this build and if you want any further information please do ask and I'll do my very best to help you.
Thanks very much for watching and hope you are all well and safe.
Best Wishes
Greg
#gregvirgoe #cigarboxguitar #vanlifeuk
Nice Corona project! Cigar box guitars are great in the hands of a better player than me. I have built some acoustic guitars and find it to be the most rewarding woodworking I've done to date. Looking forward to hearing it play.
Randal Dallas I shall be really pleased if I get a half decent sound out of it. If it’s all in time that would be amazing 😉
Excellent! Careful you don’t get addicted. I made my first one a couple of years ago - 17 guitars later!! These have been from cigar boxes, wooden bowls and a couple of dog bowl resonators, all 3 or 4 stringers in an open tuning. I have also wound a few of my own electric pickups. The next two I have planned are from a nice biscuit tin and first attempt at a bass guitar! Looking forward to seeing yours finished.
Wow that’s an impressive line up. Do you have any pictures or video online that I could look at? Any playing tips for me? 🎸🤩👍🏼
Greg Virgoe Thanks Greg. I tend only to build one when there is something that really gets my interest or something new that I haven’t done before. Unfortunately playing isn’t a strong point of mine, although I played various instruments I my earlier years I haven’t really persevered with a cigar box guitar, something else I need to do!!
I have put together a website for the guitars, more as a catalog for my benefit as anything else. Please take a look at - jurassiccoastguitars.jimdofree.com/
I hope the site is of interest, please let me know if there is anything you would like to ask. Roger
Nice one Greg looking forward to our jamming session 👍🐾😀
It would be a laugh if I can get a tune out of it 🎸🎸👍🏼🧔🏼🤩
Greg Virgoe 👍🐾😀
To be honest a breath of fresh air in viewing this. You do explain in detail what you are doing in all of your videos & the whole content in this is just as I would expect. Really enjoyable, Well done keep it going
I really do appreciate your comment and hope this off topic video was interesting.
I hardly understood any of that, but your voice is very calming and it was worth watching for the amazing sound track, fabulous blues and slide guitar 😊 thank you
Thank you Sue, lovely comment. Pleased you enjoyed the music 😎😃
Said you must be itching to get back in your workshop!
Nice project, enjoy it.
Hope you and Lou are well, stay safe 😃👍
Simon Middleton it’s always a good day when you’re making something 😃👍🏼
spot on as usual. greg. loved the vid. looking forward to seeing part 2.
The Lockdown Luthier. Impressive work and in a nice wood shop, Greg.
Something different to occupy my active mind and hands 👍🏼😀😎
When I started watching I thought to myself "that's a good idea, I could do that and be just like seasick Steve "...quickly forgot about that idea and just enjoyed the workmanship that's involved in making a "simple guitar " ,can't wait for the next instalment 👍👍
Thank you 😊 I’m pleased it was interesting and thanks for a nice comment too 👍🏼
Hi Greg, what a great little project mate. Cannot wait till you finish it and hear what kinda sound you get out of it. And yes, a bit different to your 'normal' videos but none the less enjoyable. Regards from us in Oz.
Thank you very much for watching and for a lovely comment. 😃👍🏼
Great work as ever! takes me back to the ‘New Yankee Workshop’ !!
Stuart David, Norm was the inspiration for me to start this TH-cam channel in the first place. The early workshop build and projects started after watching years of the new Yankee workshop. 👍🏼😀
Looks like it'll be a really nice little addition for your camper van. Campfire tunes. Got most of the bits to build myself one years ago. If only my shed was as tidy as your garage 😂
Looking forward to part 2 👍
I’m hoping it will be easier to take with us that my full size acoustic which just gets in the way and we keep moving it around. You should make a start on it.
@@GregVirgoe I've actually been watching quite a few videos on them today, tuning plus building. Refreshing my memory. I have an acoustic full size myself but too big for tripping around with as you've found out. Looking forward to seeing you play something and your thoughts on a three string coming from a six.
I should build one, I have some nice oak and sapele.
Del Puckett is one of my Favorites as well
Absolutely love your videos Greg so entertaining
I worry about these off topic videos but hopefully they are interesting to watch.
brilliant lockdown project Greg. Well done mate! Inspiring me to pick up the guitar again.
I recently put the second part of this build online showing the completed guitar. 😃
A fitting name on the box for the situation we are in.
Yes that’s exactly what I thought. 😀👍🏼
Look forward to hearing you play it at a meet up 🎸 Greg 👍 ... take care and stay safe both of you 😘🤗❤️👵🏼🐾🐾🤠 xxx
Thank you both, hope you are keeping safe and look forward to seeing you soon xx
Brilliant craftsmanship Greg....stay safe...thanks for sharing
Thanks, you too!
"And now for something completely different" Greg builds a guitar. Lol. Amazing talent.
Thanks John, hope you liked it
You sir are already a PRO!! BEWARE!!! This is a super addictive habit.... Heheheee... you have been officially warned. Had to Subscribe!!!! 😎
Thanks to your videos Del and the huge amount of knowledge you have given us. So a massive thanks for checking my build out :D Hope I can get it to sound asgood as it looks.
@@GregVirgoe try the back angle in your next build... game changer
Puckett Cigar Box Guitar I have 1/8” rebate at neck and 1/4” rebate near the saddle end of the box.
So the cigar box is leaning back by 1/8” inch. I’ve been following your build videos.
@@GregVirgoe you know...?? Now you "HAVE TO" post a sound sample video... hehehehe!!
Pretty good idea.
Well done
Thank very much Phil. 👍🏼
Great video Greg, looking forward to episode 2. Nice workshop too.
Thank you Derek. There is a playlist on the channel of how we built the workshop.
You got me again. Was about to make a comment about fretless guitars when a few minutes later out came the fret wire. Glad I waited.
Good luck with the project. Looks promising!
kevgermany is that one of your things Kev? Commenting before watching all the video 😃👍🏼
@@GregVirgoe Naah. My memory is so bad these days that I make mental notes of things I need to say. Still forget, but not this one.
Should know better. Almost every question I think of as you're going through gets answered later on. Unlike a few other channels I won't name.
kevgermany it’s like I can read your thoughts 💭😎
@@GregVirgoe psychic!
Or psycho 😂
Great video, love woodwork and what a dream place you are working, so lucky to have all those toys! I bet that wood smelt good too, looking forward to the next one.
It’s a pleasure to work with the right equipment it does make it easier that is true. Thanks for watching. 😊
Very enjoyable looking forward to the end result , well done (a cracking job )😁👍
Jagmanmk2 thank you very much 🤩👍🏼
Look forward to the second video and the finishing touches, you never know we could be jamming together after lock down 😅😅
Legend, you can't leave us hanging like this Greg.
I’m waiting for the fret saw and oil finish to be delivered. It was getting very long too 😊👍🏼
Beautiful Greg, I love watching you do woodwork 😄🔨📐👍 looking forward to seeing part two 😄
Thank you Gary, it's good to be back in the workshop :D
Good man, giving Del a shout out.
Praise where praise is due, I have been really enjoying watching his channel. I hope he watches my video be nice to know that he has seen what I’m building. 😊
I've just watched a TV programme, Cigar Box Blues.
Expected to catch sight of you Greg but was disappointed 😞.
Wishing you and Lou a great Christmas and New Year.
Have a pleasant winter and a far better 2021. 🖖
Yes let’s hope things start to improve next year. This one has been a challenge for everybody.
Nice one Greg, I'm a big admirer of Justin Johnson he plays a 3 string Shovel and a lot more, good hobby to have👍😁🇬🇧
Thanks for the recommendation I’ll look him up 👍🏼 cheers 🍻
Good job Greg, I admire your meticulous approach.
Much appreciated Doug 👍🏼😃
Great job in keeping with current situation Corona guitar made in the corona lockdown
Yes I couldn’t believe it when I saw the box. I won’t forget when this was made.
Greg, you can turn your hand to anything 😄.
I'm looking forward to the future vid "Greg Virgo duets with Seasick Steve and Lou provides backing on the piano".
Stay safe, keep smiling and spreading your positive attitude. 🖖
LOL i'm not sure that will happen any time soon :D
Brilliant Greg! Very entertaining and love your attention to detail as usual, well done 😎👍🏻
Thank you for watching Ian 👍🏼😃
Great distraction from the mundane life that we dare leading, much enjoyed 🧊🎸
Thank you for a lovely comment Anne 😀
Fantastic video, very interesting and informative as well as entertaining. I hope you are all well and enjoying life as much as possible in this situation.
We are managing ok considering. Hope you are too 😊👍🏼
@@GregVirgoe Yes thanks, all good here, as I have my garden to keep me busy lol.
Great video 👍 Something different 👍 can’t wait to hear you play 👍
Thanks for the comment Shaun 😃👍🏼
Interesting Greg, I made guitars for a living before I retired, electric and lap steel, almost made me want to start up again. Not done a cigar box one before so might give it a go. It'll pass the time, cheers.
That’s great that it has sparked your interest again. Maybe you could offer some useful building tips from your experience. 👍🏼😊
Cool video (and cool make), Greg! Looking forward to watching. Starting now!
“You can take more off, but you can’t put it back on” (While planning the sides of the fret board). A friend of mine, who is a framing carpenter, has similar expressions. My favorite, which I have always adhered to, is “measure twice, cut once.”
Nice work as always Greg 👌
Glad you enjoyed it
I already have 3 guitars,Greg,one set up for slide,so I decided to totally reconfigure my 4 year old motorhome during lockdown,spent about a week righting manufacturer's sloppy build and removing about a million staples,now nearly completed to my own design and needs,took a bit more than half an hour though! and nearly cost my marriage of 50 years! but hey we've all got to do something in lockdown,stay safe may see you on the road when this is over.👍Paulo
I’m looking forward to trying a slide I’m not sure if I’ve got a good enough ear to play like that. It may sound out of tune.
Greg Virgoe playing using open tuning takes a bit of getting used to,I didn't play for more than 30 years,having played in a band in the 60s like many thousands of others,just do it for my own amusement these days
Paul Martin I’m very much a beginner so I will need a lot of practice.
Greg Virgoe I've retaught myself using TH-cam,never had a clue about the different open tuning methods used by the blues guys and such,most of Keith Richard's stuff is in openG and loads of other tuning out there,
....... I can see a new group coming along ........."It'll Only Take Half Hour Trio"...........
....cheers Greg very interesting project.....................
Who’s the other members? 🎸🎸🎸😃
Oh my god I want one 👍👍👍
Want one toooooo😁
Form an orderly queue now. You could play this much better than me Mel with your credentials. 👍🏼😃
Get you on it at Quirky 🎸🍺
For the center string tuning peg, you could carve away just enough of the peg board to make room for the key to turn.
Looking great
Cheers David 👍🏼
Looking forward to the next instalment 🙂
Looking good, Greg! Don't forget to tell us how it links in with the solar power, and what guage wire to use!
Lol it’s totally off grid the little orange amp I have is battery powered 🤣👍🏼🤩
I'm looking forward to hearing you perform when it is complete!
Makes my attempt of a Diddley bow look half hearted, wish I had your skills, can’t wait to see and hear it finished. Top job 👊
I’m winging it on this one a lot. Hope I get a descent tune out of it. 🎸😎
Hi John, as always nice work. We look forward to a meet up one day and playing a tune or two!!
Nice start Greg, CGB’s are addictive! I bet you build another!
I have enough wood for another neck already. 😉
Very interesting and a great watch. Keep safe jj
Thank you for watching 👍🏼😃
Nice work Greg . Wouldn't expect anything less . Has that lorry driving tong and grove guy seen your stuff yet lol all the best keep them coming take care
Thank you. Who do you mean mate? 😊
Just brill 😎
Thank you
Greg , anyone suggested a video showing what tools etc you carry in the van for repairs whilst on the road?
Basics to cover issues that may crop up?
OK Kevin that sounds like a good idea I will put it in my note book.
Hah! I'm making one as well! Well, similar as it is a baritone ukulele scale, and four string. I'm putting in two piezos as well.
That will be amazing 😃👍🏼
I realy enjoyed this Greg 🎸....Hello Lou 😊
Thank you Kat, hope you are keeping safe and well. 😀
@@GregVirgoe Yes l am thank you 😊
Great video thank for sharing keep safe 👍
Cheers garry pleased you liked it. 😊
Poor Lou to have you around practicing soon on that thing!
:-D
Funny project...what´s next a tea box bass for a skiffle group?
:-D
The tuning pin for the middle string could have a place at the end of the headstock, just to give a straight pull on the string, just a thought...
Hope to hear some nice riffs next time!
:-D
Thx a lot!
Horst Szibulski lol 😂 I can lock myself in the workshop for practice. Good idea about the tuning peg 👍🏼😀
Did somebody say Seasick Greg was in the house??? Nice one 🤟. 👍🚐👍
I could easily grow a white beard 🧔🏼 😝 👍🏼
Great build.
I made the same one!
Well done. They are great little things to play about with 😎😁
Where is the video showing the finished product? 😞 I watched all the way to the end thinking I was going to see you playing it but it didn't happen that way, so I looked for a part 2 and haven't seen it. Did you finish it? I would love to see it if you have. 👍😊 Thank you for your videos. 👍😊❤️🙏☀️
Awsome Greg. Great minds think alike. I'm also building a 3 string guitar. Only mine made out of a garden spade. No fretboard it for slide playing only. If you Google.. Justin Johnson 3 string shovel guitar you'll see one in action... Plus I should be putting my t ang g van ceiling up tomorrow also. 😊
I have seen some of his videos, he is super talented player. Get's an awesome sound out of the spade :D
I re-watched this Greg 🙂 Just a little suggestion. If you take a quarter of an inch off the bottom of the stock ( not all the way but similar to the top ) where it's in the box ( the long section you have resting on the inside back ) it would let the back of the box resonate a little more. Every little bit of extra acoustic's you can get out of such a small box is only really a benefit, well if you want more of an acoustic sound plus more volume when not connected to an amp.
It may not need it and it's just a though. Looking forward to the next part 👍
I can always take a little more off once i have tried it if it needs a bit more :D
@@GregVirgoe Yes Greg. I did notice one of Puckett's fully acoustic cbg's had good clearance on the bottom except the outer parts where he puts the screws. It was a hard one to spot and freeze frame lol.
Hurry up and get it finished so I'll know what to expect in the real world, I'll trust your opinion before I build mine 🙂👍 I'm sure it'll be great!
nice build!
You really need to fix that drill press btw lol, it's jumping all over the place.
It’s the old work surface beneath it desperately needs replacing it’s more warped than a 70s 45 left in the sun ☀️😂👍🏼
I was looking for this comment. Fantastic workmanship, very precise with everything he does, well thought through and organised. Then the pillar drill wobbles as he uses it. Hilarious 😆 loved it.
Wow love it
Great Video Greg, I’m not (or wasn’t) at all interested in guitars until now. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Will you be taking requests???
Let me see how easy it is to play first lol
Will you be on the music stage at Quirky next time?
They’ll be paying me to get off stage pretty quick 🎸🤩🤣
I've been Teaching Guitar for a bit over a decade - If you want some free lessons or Guitar songs worked out to Cigar Box Guitar, really happy to help, to say thanks for all the videos. Thanks yet again Greg =)
Great idea Greg, cant wait to see it finished and hear a tune. Might have to build one myself. Where did you find the dimensions and the kit of electronic components?
Most of the information was from watching Del build them on his channel. The parts I got from www.astonsmusic.co.uk/
You're stringing us along Greg!
Can't wait for episode 2.👍🤠
I’m hanging on for deliveries so I hope it won’t be too long. 👍🏼😃
as already elsewhere suggested here, you really should have a you-tube look at Justin Johnston's 3 string shovel and other things he plays, especially if you like the music you have here in the background.
millinutz I’ve looked at his shovel guitar it’s really cool. Amazing what you can turn into an instrument.
Hi Greg have you not got the last video of the cigar box guitar. I was enjoying the first one but can’t find the second part
I’ll get cracking on the edit Mike. Sorry for the delay 😊
@@GregVirgoe great looking forward to seeing it
Greg on tour in a town near you 😁
A few years away from that I think 💭😂🤩
Hi Greg - I'm just making a start on a Cigar box guitar and would like to know where you got your piezo/volume/strings/tuners package from - many thanks
Me: Oh a Greg video
Greg: Making a guitar
Me: Oh ok, no interest in guitars but will watch for 5 minutes.
Greg: Makes guitar
Me: 34:55 minutes later I want a homemade guitar
🤣🤣🤣
Lol I love this comment. I watch a lot of things I’m not involved in but just find the process interesting. Thank you for watching anyway. 😃
@@GregVirgoe loved it mate. Can't wait for the second installment now.
I watch loads of stuff I didn't think would interest me. One of my favourites is Dangar marine. He has completely rebuilt a steel hull boat. I get seasick just looking at water, but can't stop watching his stuff.
Another fantastic channel is The Outsider. He has built a log cabin from scratch. His skills are amazing.
I also follow Dangar Marine. Very interesting channel.
chunky monkey I’m looking it up now 👍🏼
Check out Justin Johnson. He builds and plays cigar box, diddly bows, etc. He's fantastic ! 👍
greg Can't wait for you to play it by the camp fire...
and the song …..
the last thing I hear at night is your voice..... LOL
Lol 😂 that is funny. I wouldn’t wait to long for any singing 🎤
Great painted finger nails Greg....!!!
Desire Media can you give me a time stamp for that?? It might have been Antique Pine stain 🤣😬
Started off around 0:20 in... nice nail shot showing the hardwood neck.... avid watcher and subscriber.... so keep up the good work sir...respect.👊
I keep them well manicured but def not painted 😀👍🏼
Greg,,You're slipping ! This video took over 34 minutes,,,not 30 minutes,,,LOL,,as always a beautiful job,,looking forward to completion,Best Regards
Lol 😂 yeah you’re right!! 😃
I started with 1hr 20mins of footage to edit down into this video. Over two days of workshop time. So true to form I was way over on time.
So its Seasick Greg now is it?
Haha 😆 yeah I just need to leave the white beard 🧔🏼 to grow out 🎸👍🏼
Is there *no* end to your talents?
Seasick Steve fan?
You haven’t heard me play it yet? You might change your mind 🤣🧔🏼👍🏼
Measure twice... cut once!
It’s a rule to live by 👍🏼🤩
Next one string bow didley 😂 cheers.
Is that with the old tin bath 🛀😀👍🏼
So if this van’s rockin, you can come knockin?
Bring your dancing shoes and a six pack of brews 🎸🍺🤩👍🏼
Where's the next instalment please Greg
VX490 I’ve been waiting for a few parts to be delivered. Covid has really affected the post. Won’t be long 😃
@@GregVirgoe looking forward to seeing & hearing it 😎
nice
Arent you Crazy Possum Guitars as well?
some guy yee like. lol. brilliant.
Is there anything you cant make mr greg 😜👍Awwww that's bloody Brilliant I WANT 1 😁😁 can you make me 1 for my birthday 😂😂😂😂 we can play tunes on our next meets round the camp fire 🍺🔥🔥 wouldnt tht be awesome 😂😂😜 great vid 👍s up 💙❤💙❤💙❤💙❤
Let me see how this one turns out before I start taking orders 🤣👍🏼😎
@@GregVirgoe 🥰💙❤💙❤
Cigar box guitar with a differences
Are you a Carpenter Greg?
Nah, I think he's more like Glenn Campbell (😁😉)
..... Unless Lou joins in?
Roger Starkey that’s clever I see what you did there 🤣😆
No, it’s just a hobby that started 3 years ago
@@GregVirgoe
Not bad for "before first coffee"?
Roger Starkey you was quick there mate 👍🏼🤣lucky I’m old enough to know who they are too.
It's become clear you should have been a woodworker a lot of natural ability there
Thank you very much 😃
Good video and it only took half an hour
Just about 🤣 only a few sped up bits 👍🏼 thanks for watching
@@GregVirgoe Thanks for letting us into your workshop.
... And now something totally differt....😕.. No Greg.. Why... Why Greg.
Sitting around a campfire strumming our a few tunes kinda goes with Vanlife doesn’t it? I’m guessing you’re not a fan? But thanks for watching and for your comment 👍🏼😊
@@GregVirgoe we follow you from beginning. All van build and your trip vlogs. And van build is great and very well explained . You are right of course abaut guitar. Is what you like and what u should do.