Interest in making Cigar Box Guitar (CBG)

[Steven Kraninger]

I posted a short question on the recent cigar box donation as to if there was some interest in making a CBG.  A couple of people responded they would, so I am going to try to set something up starting some time in the next few weeks.

It is desireable to have a cigar box that is about 7.5 x 9.5 x 2.25 to make a CBG.

The dimenions are not critical but about that size is good, too small will not work well, so try to get one while they may be available ...

A simple flat top is also easier to use.

I am thinking an initial show and tell with a couple examples and discussion as to the parts and cost options, a second meeting on the neck construction, and a third meeting on the box and electronics. The first meeting will determine if more than this is needed.

Also, Monday night could work for me, or maybe on the weekend, but this could be flexible.

Respond if interested ....

Steven Kraninger

[benjam...@gmail.com]

I am a guitar maker. While I am almost exclusively focused on making replicas of Fender guitars from the 50s and 60s, I am willing to help to the best of my abilities if nobody else can. I'd have to renew my membership to go to Makerspace in person but I've been meaning to do that anyway now that I have stable employment. If you want to pick my brain about guitar making, you feel free to email me at benjam...@gmail.com. 

Many thanks,

Ben

[Audrey Evans]

I am interested in exploring this. I would like to at least participate in the initial show and tell with examples. I dont play guitar but I think it would be fun to make one. I understand this was prompted by a cigar box donation and I also have several nice wooden cigar boxes I would like to see go to a good project.  I will measure the ones I have to see if any meet the criteria.  I used to make purses with them and many of the ones I have were purchased or acquired based on their unique markings, quality( not warped), size and style (hinged) for that purpose. They may or may not be good for this, but I am willing to donate any that are, in addition to learning.

Audrey Evans

4146871990

aeva...@gmail.com

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From: milwaukee...@googlegroups.com <milwaukee...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Steven Kraninger <skran...@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 2:33 PM
To: Friends of MMS <milwaukee...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [MMS-public] Interest in making Cigar Box Guitar (CBG)

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[Nicaise]

I am interested. Can you illustrate more? Is there a design involved, I will help with that.

Nicaise  M.

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others".
Philippians 2:4 

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[Nicaise]

Hey Steven,

I am interested in participating and I am available on the weekends.

Please, set up some time and date and let me know.

Please, keep this email such that I wont be lost in the communication.

Thx

Nicaise(Nick)   M.

[Steven Kraninger]

Hi,

This may show up duplicated, I tried to post from the Google Group a couple of times, but my post did not show up. Maybe I should go to Discord?

This is a response using GMail.

The design of a Cigar Box Guitar (CBG) is pretty variable, attached are a few of the options.

I have made these based upon some YouTube videos from Del Puckett.

The initial show and tell could be Tuesday 9/30 at Lennox, 6-7 pm.  If some other time works better let me know.

We could discuss the design options/costs and figure out where to go from there.

If the other posts do eventually show up, there will be some duplication, but a bit more info.

Thanks

Steven Kraninger

[Steven Kraninger]

Hi,

I have been making the Cigar Box Guitars using a number of Youtube Videos (no surprise there). Mostly based upon Del Puckett's videos.

The designs are really pretty variable, attached are a pictures of some variations.

I have also made "resonator" style with a little bigger square box and a paint can lid for the resonator, but sold those.

Electronics is also variable. you can use ceramic "dot" pickups or cheap ($10) magnetic pickups or a combination.

I normally play with the volume all the way up, so a volume control isn't even really needed.

One of the pics shows a slide variant that does not require any fretting.

It turns out, frets are somewhat expensive (compared to the rest) and take more labor, but not too bad because the "fret board" is flat.

The necks are just pine, three strings don't cause that much stress, but you do need to pick a piece with a nice vertical grain.

I could meet  next Tuesday (9/30), maybe 6 or 7 at Lennox.

I thought the first meeting could just a show and tell to see what the possibilties are and figure out what everyone would need to get/purchase.

We could figure out where to go from there.

Thanks

Steven Kraninger