Best 3-String Electric Cigar Box Guitar Setups for Blues, Folk and More
Looking for the best 3-string electric cigar box guitar setup? This guide highlights five top options that suit beginners to seasoned builders. Whether you want ready-made strings, a complete kit, or a pickup to electrify your 3-string build, these picks offer solid tones, simple installation, and reliable construction. The top picks are best for players who want open G tuning, bluesy riffs, or a compact, portable electric setup. The buyer’s table below compares key choices at a glance to help you choose quickly.
Quick comparison table (At-a-glance)
| Product | Best For | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Medium “Blues Blaster” 3-String Strings | Open G blues, folk | Strings | Low G–Mid D–Mid G tuning |
| Shane Speal’s Signature 3-String String Set | Open G blues & rock | Strings | Official set for Shane Speal |
| Complete DIY 3-String Fretted Cigar Box Guitar Kit | Hands-on builders | Kit | Includes neck, piezo pickup |
| The Chicago Premium Electric 3-String Kit | Heirloom quality | Kit | Premium box, everything needed |
| Electric Delta 3-Pole Pickup | Easy electrification | Pickup | No soldering required |
Electric Medium “Blues Blaster” 3-String Strings
Brand: C. B. Gitty. These strings are designed specifically for cigar box guitars and use Open G (low G, mid D, mid G) tuning, which is the industry standard for 3-string setups. They’re ideal for blues, folk, and rock styles, delivering a bright, resonant tone with straightforward tension.
Best for open G players who want a ready-made string set that matches the most common CBG tuning. The low G note contributes to strong bass response, while the mid strings support melodic lines. Selection reason: easy setup, widely used tuning, and compatibility with many 3-string builds.
Caution: string gauges are chosen for standard 3-string builds; if your cigar box neck or bridge requires different tension, you may need to adjust nut slots or truss-free setup accordingly.
Shane Speal’s Signature 3-string Electric Cigar Box Guitar String Set
Brand: C. B. Gitty. This is the official string set associated with Shane Speal, designed for 3-string cigar box guitars. It emphasizes Open G tuning and suits blues, folk, and rock styles with a balanced tension across the three strings.
Best for players who want a proven, signature string set tuned for Open G. Selection reason: compatibility with classic 3-string builds and a consistent tone across the set.
Caution: as with any specialized string, tension must match your neck and nut setup; if you’re transitioning from a different tuning, re-intonation may be needed after string changes.
Complete DIY 3-String Fretted Cigar Box Guitar Kit
Brand: C. B. Gitty. This kit includes a fretted neck, a cigar box, and a basic piezo pickup, enabling builders to assemble a 3-string electric instrument from scratch. It’s designed for DIY enthusiasts who want a hands-on project with an electric output.
Best for hobbyists who want full assembly control and an electric-ready instrument out of the box. Selection reason: comprehensive, user-friendly assembly with clear instructions.
Caution: assembly complexity may be higher for beginners; ensure you have the necessary tools and workspace to complete the build safely.
C. B. Gitty The Chicago Premium Electric 3-String Kit
Brand: C. B. Gitty. This premium kit combines a hand-selected wooden cigar box with a complete electric build kit. It includes everything needed to create a high-quality 3-string electric cigar box guitar, emphasizing craftsmanship and playability.
Best for players seeking an heirloom-quality instrument with comprehensive components. Selection reason: premium materials and a complete package for a polished final instrument.
Caution: premium components may require careful handling during assembly; plan for proper setup to achieve optimal action and intonation.
3-string Cigar Box Guitar Pickup with Volume & Tone – Electric Delta
Brand: C. B. Gitty. This pickup is designed specifically for 3-string cigar box guitars, featuring a 3-pole configuration. It’s pre-wired for easy installation and eliminates the need for soldering in most builds.
Best for those who want a simple electrification solution with adjustable volume and tone. Selection reason: fast install, minimal wiring, and compatibility with most 3-string CB guitars.
Caution: as with any pickup, placement can affect tone; test positioning to achieve the best balance between string response and box resonance.
Alnicov 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Pickup
Brand: Alnicov. A 3-pole pickup designed for 3-string cigar box guitars, with waxed string protection around the bobbins for added durability. It comes pre-wired for easy installation.
Best for players wanting a robust, weather-resistant pickup with straightforward wiring. Selection reason: durable design suited to DIY builds and frequent transport.
Caution: ensure your box’s internal cavity can accommodate the pickup’s dimensions and any pre-wiring harness you plan to use.
lovermusic Wooden Hole 6.35mm 3 String Guitar Pickup
Brand: Lovermusic. This pickup is designed as a wood-constructed alternative that fits 3-string configurations, offering a durable option with practical dimensions and straightforward installation.
Best for builders seeking a wood-based approach to pickups with reliable performance. Selection reason: a simple, affordable option for 3-string builds.
Caution: wood-based pickups may be more sensitive to environmental changes; keep the instrument in stable conditions to preserve tone consistency.
Buying Guide
What should you consider when choosing a 3-string electric cigar box guitar setup?
- Intended style: Blues, folk, or mixed genres? Strings and pickups can tailor tone toward Open G or alternate tunings.
- Installation ease: DIY kits offer complete components and instructions; pickups provide a modular upgrade path.
- Box and neck compatibility: ensure the neck scale, box thickness, and bridge alignment match your chosen components.
- Electric output and tone shaping: pickups vary in pole count and wiring; plan for volume and tone control options.
- Durability and environmental resilience: waxed bobbins, wood construction, and hardware quality affect longevity in real-world use.
- Budget and build goals: choose between ready-made strings, complete kits, or upgrade pickups to fit your project scope.
What’s the best entry point for a 3-string cigar box guitar?
If you’re new to CBGs, starting with a ready-to-play string set or a beginner-friendly kit helps you understand setup basics, then you can explore pickups or premium kits for improved tone and stability.
How does Open G tuning influence choice?
Open G (low G, middle D, middle G) is common for 3-string setups. It delivers strong bluesy riffs and simple chord shapes, which makes it a key criterion when selecting strings and pickups.
Are DIY kits worth the extra effort?
DIY kits provide hands-on building experience and a sense of craftsmanship. They’re ideal for hobbyists who want a personalized instrument and enjoy custom adjustments during assembly.
Can I mix components from different brands?
Yes, but ensure compatibility with nut height, string gauge, and the neck’s scale length. Mismatched components can lead to intonation issues or poor action.
What should I know about installation?
Most pickups are pre-wired or solder-free, but some require basic wire routing and cavity clearance. Have basic tools ready, and consult wiring diagrams if needed.
Is there a recommended starter setup?
For first-timers, pairing a standard 3-string string set with a no-solder pickup offers a balanced path to quick playability. Later, upgrading to a premium kit or a high-quality pickup can refine tone and playability.
What are common limitations to expect?
3-string guitars have limited chord shapes and may require careful setup for intonation. Some kits have longer assembly times, and wood boxes can affect resonance differently than fully manufactured guitars.
In summary, the best 3-string electric cigar box guitar options balance tone, ease of use, and build quality. Start with widely compatible strings or a complete kit and consider upgrading with a pickup for electric versatility. Choose options that align with your preferred tuning, playing style, and build ambitions to achieve reliable, musical results.