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String Count
Three-string cigar box guitars are easier to learn and great for slide; four-string versions allow standard chord shapes.
Pickup Type
Piezo pickups capture the full acoustic resonance of the box; magnetic pickups give a more traditional electric tone.
Box Size
Larger cigar boxes produce more volume and deeper tone acoustically, while smaller boxes are punchier and more focused.
Fretted vs Fretless
Fretted necks play like a standard guitar; fretless necks are designed for slide playing and offer a smooth, vocal quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a cigar box guitar?
Most builders complete a cigar box guitar kit in 2 to 4 hours. There is no finishing or painting required, so it is one of the fastest guitar kit builds available. A great weekend project.
Can a cigar box guitar be played with regular tuning?
Four-string cigar box guitars can use standard tuning on the top four strings (D-G-B-E). Three-string versions are typically tuned to an open chord like G-D-G or G-B-D, which is perfect for slide and blues.
Are cigar box guitars good for beginners?
They are one of the best starter instruments. The simple construction teaches you how guitars work, and the open tunings let you play songs almost immediately. They are also the easiest kit in our catalog to assemble.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to build a kit guitar?
Depending on the type of guitar you buy you may only require tools and materials for finishing the guitar (painting) and soldering.
Screwdrivers, sandpaper and sanding block. Finishing supplies e.g. paint, stain, and clear gloss, ventilation mask, coping saw or jigsaw if shaping the headstock.
With this small list of inexpensive tools, you will be up and running and ready to build your electric guitar in no time.
Recommended reading: Luthier Tools for DIY Guitar Kits.
Does the kit include everything to build a working guitar?
Our stock kits contain all necessary parts (unless stated otherwise on the product page).
How long does it take to complete a guitar kit?
It depends on the choice of finish. For instance, when you paint or stain a guitar you will need the surface to dry and harden (cure). This can take anywhere from 1 week to 3 months depending on your choice of finishing product.
You will find the guitar dries to approximately 90% very quickly but the final 10% takes some time. If you can't wait that long you could try tung oil or wax finish but bear in mind the finish won't be as durable and protect the guitar as effectively.
Do I have to solder the electronics?
Most of our kits require basic soldering. If you're new to it, check out our wiring guide here.
If you don't want to solder, or don't have the tools, our solderless guitar kits use plug-and-play wiring. No iron required.
What finishing options can I use on my guitar?
You can use stain, paint, or oil-based finishes. Learn more about finishing techniques here.
Our advice: use a reference. In most cases, this will be a guitar you particularly like the look of and want to create something similar.
To view the latest DIY guitars from our community follow us on Instagram and visit our Customer Reviews page.
How good will my finished kit guitar sound?
It's defined firstly by the components you use and secondly the workmanship that goes into putting it all together.
Watch the community section of our YouTube channel to learn how kit guitars sound.