Cigar box guitars, a captivating and distinctive instrument, boast a history spanning more than a century. Crafted from a cigar box, a neck, and typically one or more strings, they originated among less affluent Americans unable to acquire traditional guitars. Presently, these guitars are favored by musicians seeking a distinctive sound and embracing a do-it-yourself aesthetic.
When considering buying a cigar box guitar, it’s crucial to focus on the materials’ quality. Ensure the box is robustly constructed, the neck remains straight and feels sleek. Additionally, the sound of the instrument can be significantly influenced by the type and caliber of strings utilized.
At our website, we spent hours researching and testing several cigar box guitars to identify the ones that offer the best quality and sound. From beginner models to high-end options, we’ve got you covered. So whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, a cigar box guitar could be the perfect addition to your collection.
Best Cigar Box Guitars
On our website, we dedicated extensive time to researching and rigorously testing numerous cigar box guitars, pinpointing those that deliver top-notch quality and exceptional sound. Our range caters to both beginners and advanced musicians, ensuring we cater to diverse preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or embarking on your musical journey, a cigar box guitar might be the ideal addition to your collection.
| Pros | Cons |
| Beautiful full-color vintage railroad postcard design | Only has three strings, which may limit some players |
| Sturdy hardwood construction | Not suitable for all musical styles |
| Easy-to-play and great-sounding tone | Some players may prefer a more traditional guitar design |
If you’re looking for a unique and affordable hand-crafted guitar with a full-color piece of artwork, then the C. B. Gitty “The Southbound Katy” cigar box guitar is a great option.
We were impressed with the C. B. Gitty “The Southbound Katy” cigar box guitar. The full-color vintage railroad postcard design is a unique and eye-catching feature that sets this guitar apart from others. The sturdy hardwood construction ensures that this guitar is built to last, and the easy-to-play and great-sounding tone make it a joy to play.
One potential downside is that this guitar only has three strings, which may limit some players. Additionally, it may not be suitable for all musical styles. Some players may also prefer a more traditional guitar design.
Overall, we would recommend the C. B. Gitty “The Southbound Katy” cigar box guitar to anyone looking for a unique and affordable hand-crafted guitar with a full-color piece of artwork.
| Pros | Cons |
| The beautiful New Orleans French Quarter-themed design adds a unique touch to the instrument and makes it a conversation starter. | The guitar only has three strings, which may limit the range of notes that can be played. |
| The sturdy hardwood construction ensures durability and longevity of the guitar. | The frets are reported to be sharp on the edges, which may require some filing for comfortable playing. |
| The built-in pickup allows for easy amplification and versatility in sound. | The tuning may take some getting used to for those accustomed to traditional six-string guitars. |
If you’re looking for a fun and unique instrument to add to your collection, the C. B. Gitty “French Quarter” 3-string Acoustic-Electric Cigar Box Guitar is definitely worth considering.
We were pleasantly surprised by the full, rich acoustic tone of this handcrafted guitar. The “French Quarter” design is stunning and adds a touch of personality to the instrument. The guitar is easy to play and has a nice high ringing treble voice. The built-in contact pickup is a great feature for those who want to amplify the sound.
Overall, we would recommend the C. B. Gitty “French Quarter” 3-string Acoustic-Electric Cigar Box Guitar to anyone looking for a unique and fun addition to their instrument collection.
| Pros | Cons |
| The beautiful patriotic design of the guitar is eye-catching and adds a unique touch to any performance. | The guitar only has three strings, which may limit the range of notes that can be played. |
| The sturdy hardwood construction of the guitar ensures that it will last for years to come. | The chromatic fretting style may take some time to get used to for those accustomed to standard guitar fretting. |
| The built-in pickup allows for easy amplification and makes it perfect for performances. | The small scale length of 23 inches may not be suitable for those with larger hands. |
We highly recommend the Old Glory 3-string Acoustic-Electric Cigar Box Guitar for anyone looking for a unique and affordable instrument with a beautiful design.
This handcrafted guitar has a full, rich acoustic tone and is simply a joy to play. The built-in contact pickup provides a nice high ringing treble voice and makes it easy to plug into an amplifier for performances. The affordable price on this hand-crafted-in-the-USA piece of musical art makes it a great option for anyone looking to expand their instrument collection.
The Old Glory 3-string Acoustic-Electric Cigar Box Guitar is perfect for those looking for a unique and affordable instrument with a beautiful design. The guitar is easy-to-play and has a great-sounding tone, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced players. Overall, we highly recommend this guitar for anyone looking to add a new and unique instrument to their collection.
| Pros | Cons |
| The included instructions are detailed and easy to follow, even for beginners. | The kit is geared towards more experienced DIY makers and woodworkers, so beginners may find it challenging. |
| The premium wooden cigar box is hand-selected and beautiful, making for an impressive finished product. | The cigar box included in the kit may vary in dimensions and brand, which could be disappointing for some customers. |
| This kit includes everything you need to build your own heirloom-quality Electric Cigar Box Guitar, including a fully fretted hardwood neck and a Snake Oil Mini Humbucker Harness. | Access to a decently equipped workshop is highly recommended, which could be a barrier for some customers. |
If you’re looking for a unique and fun musical experience, The Chicago Premium Electric 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Kit is definitely worth considering.
We were impressed with the quality and attention to detail in this kit. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and we were able to create a beautiful and unique instrument. The premium wooden cigar box is a standout feature, and the fully fretted hardwood neck is a nice touch.
One potential downside is that this kit is geared towards more experienced DIY makers and woodworkers. While anyone can build a fantastic cigar box guitar, there are some more advanced techniques used during construction that benefit greatly from both woodworking and cigar box guitar building experience. Additionally, access to a decently equipped workshop is highly recommended, which could be a barrier for some customers.
Overall, we would recommend The Chicago Premium Electric 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Kit to anyone looking for a fun and unique musical experience. With some patience and skill, you can create an impressive heirloom-quality instrument that will be sure to turn heads.
| Pros | Cons |
| The maple neck is solidly constructed and evenly grained, providing a quality neck to support string articulation. | The built-in pickup can be connected to an external soundbox, but you’ll need to purchase the soundbox separately. |
| The acoustic metal brass strings give a mid-bass tone suitable for blues music. | The guitar’s hand orientation is ambidextrous, which may not be suitable for left-handed players. |
| The precision carved mahogany body made of Okoume wood is an excellent material for musical instruments because of its dense, uniform structure, light weight, resistance to decay, and toughness. | The guitar bridge system is fixed, which may limit the range of sounds you can produce. |
If you’re looking for a unique and affordable guitar, the Topnaca Cigar Box Guitar is worth considering. We recommend this guitar for anyone who wants to play blues music or wants to add a unique instrument to their collection.
The Topnaca Cigar Box Guitar is easy to install and perfect for beginners and pros alike. The instruction manual includes detailed, illustrated step-by-step instructions. The guitar can be built in an hour, and the finished product is a beautiful, high-quality instrument.
The guitar’s classical design is attractive and unique, with an original wood color that will stand out in any collection. The guitar’s sound quality is impressive, with a full, warm, and powerful sound that’s perfect for blues music. The guitar’s portability makes it easy to take with you wherever you go, whether you’re playing at home or performing on stage.
Overall, the Topnaca Cigar Box Guitar is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a unique, affordable, and high-quality instrument. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this guitar is sure to impress.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a cigar box guitar, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Materials
The materials used to make the guitar can greatly affect its sound and durability. Look for a guitar with a solid wood body, such as maple or mahogany, and a hardwood neck. The fretboard should be made of a durable material, such as rosewood or ebony.
Size
Cigar box guitars come in a variety of sizes, from small travel-sized instruments to full-sized guitars. Consider where and how you will be playing the guitar to determine the best size for you.
Sound
The sound of a cigar box guitar can vary greatly depending on the materials used and the construction of the instrument. Look for a guitar with a sound that fits your preferences and playing style.
Price
Cigar box guitars can range in price from affordable to high-end. Consider your budget and what features are most important to you when choosing a guitar.
In summary, when choosing a cigar box guitar, consider the materials, size, sound, and price to ensure you get the best product for your needs.
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