For guitarists seeking a truly unique instrument with a rich history, the cigar box guitar stands out. These instruments, born from resourcefulness and creativity, offer a distinctive voice that bridges the gap between a traditional guitar and a resonator. Imagine holding a piece of musical history in your hands, an instrument with a sound unlike any other in your collection.
Favored by musicians across genres, including the legendary Paul McCartney, the cigar box guitar holds the distinction of being the world’s first DIY electric guitar. Continuing this innovative spirit, the Cigar Guitar Kit elevates this legacy. We’ve carefully selected premium woods and upgraded electronics, all while preserving the down-to-earth charm that defines these remarkable guitars. This kit isn’t just about building an instrument; it’s about crafting a piece of musical art with your own hands.
Effortless Playability and Unique Tones
Don’t let its unconventional appearance fool you. This cigar guitar kit is designed with a standard 24-5/8″ scale length and familiar fret spacing, mirroring that of a standard guitar. This means you can seamlessly transition to this instrument and start playing your favorite songs almost immediately, but with a completely new sonic palette. Explore fresh textures and inject a raw, bluesy edge into your music.
Whether you prefer fretting notes or exploring the expressive world of slide guitar, this instrument adapts to your style. The three-string configuration simplifies slide techniques, making it accessible for players to achieve soulful slide tones and unique voicings without needing to master a completely new instrument from scratch. Dive into the gritty sounds of blues and roots music, or add a distinctive twang to any genre.
Professional Components, Homemade Soul
This cigar guitar kit captures the authentic, unpretentious aesthetic of classic cigar box guitars, but with significant upgrades where it truly counts: performance and sound. The cigar box body is expertly crafted from resonant clear pine, providing a solid foundation for rich tone. The mahogany neck arrives shaped, fretted, and inlaid, showcasing quality craftsmanship. With minimal setup, you’ll be ready to bring this instrument to life and start playing.
Forget makeshift pickups – this kit features a full-sized P-90 pickup, known for its versatile and powerful voice. It delivers warm, nuanced tones when played gently, and unleashes a powerful, raw scream when you crank up the volume. This pickup ensures your cigar guitar kit is not just a novelty, but a serious instrument capable of delivering professional-grade sound. To honor the homespun heritage, a simple floating bridge with a bolt saddle is included. This not only enhances the vintage vibe but also adds a distinctive bite and sustain to the guitar’s tone.
Perfect for First-Time Builders
Worried about complexity? Building this cigar guitar kit is surprisingly accessible. You don’t need a fully equipped workshop; in fact, you likely already own the necessary tools. The challenging steps are already completed for you: the neck is fretted, the body is assembled. Now, it’s ready for your personal touch to create a truly one-of-a-kind guitar.
Finishing is also made simple with minimal prep work required. To further streamline the process, the potentiometer is pre-wired, meaning just a few solder connections are needed to complete the electronics. This kit is designed to be a rewarding and achievable project, even for those new to guitar building.
And to ensure your success, this cigar guitar kit includes comprehensive, step-by-step instructions designed for beginners. Plus, our world-class support team is ready to assist you with any questions along the way. We’re committed to making your building experience enjoyable and successful.
Everything You Need Is Included:
- Finely sanded mahogany neck
- Sanded clear pine body
- Body, neck, and tail blocks routed
- Fretted and inlaid neck with 2-way truss rod installed
- Standard 24-5/8″ (625mm) scale length
- Pre-slotted nut
- Complete hardware set – from tuners to strap buttons
- P-90 pickup (neck position)
- Pre-wired potentiometer
