Best Acoustic Cigar Box Guitars for Beginners and Collectors
Finding a quality acoustic cigar box guitar is perfect for players seeking vintage charm with modern playability. This guide highlights five well-suited options for beginners, hobbyists, and handmade-gear enthusiasts. Each pick offers a distinct balance of aesthetics, construction, and ease of assembly. The top choices are best for players who want a hands-on project, a portable instrument, or a unique display piece. The table below provides quick at-a-glance details to help you compare before diving into deeper product sections.
| Product | Brand | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| “Old Glory” 3-string Acoustic-Electric Cigar Box Guitar | C. B. Gitty | Patriotic design lovers; USA-made craftsmanship |
| Complete DIY 3-String Fretted Kit | C. B. Gitty | DIY builders; hands-on assembly with pickup |
| C. B. Gitty Basic Cigar Box Guitar Kit | C. B. Gitty | All-in-one kit; easy completion with detailed guide |
| One-string Cigar Box DiddleyBow Kit | C. B. Gitty | Simple, quick-build entry; fun starter project |
Old Glory 3-String Acoustic-Electric Cigar Box Guitar
This model features a beautiful patriotic design with sturdy hardwood construction and handmade USA craftsmanship. Best for those who value a ready-to-play instrument with a distinct country flair. The guitar is built to be durable and visually striking, making it a top choice for display or stage use. A potential limitation is that it is a fixed 3-string setup, which may not suit players seeking a full six-string experience.
Complete DIY 3-String Fretted Cigar Box Guitar Kit
This kit includes detailed, easy-to-follow assembly instructions and a basic acoustic-electric pickup, enabling you to build a 3-string fretted cigar box guitar. It’s better for builders who want a functional instrument with amplification capability and clear, step-by-step guidance. A caution is that it requires purchasing a neck separately if not provided, which adds to the setup time.
C. B. Gitty Basic Cigar Box Guitar Kit
This kit includes all hardware except the neck, with tuners, strings, and other essential hardware included. It also brings a comprehensive 26-page assembly guide with detailed photos. It’s best for hobbyists who want a thorough project with clear visuals and minimal guesswork. A limitation is the neck must be sourced separately, which can add time to the build process.
One-string Cigar Box Guitar DiddleyBow Kit
This complete kit builds a one-string diddley bow with a real cigar box and all necessary parts, hardware, and illustrated instructions. It’s ideal for beginners seeking a quick, satisfying project or a gift for a “handy” person. A limitation is its single-string design, which may not appeal to players aiming for a full guitar experience.
Buying Guide
What should I consider when choosing an acoustic cigar box guitar?
Instrument type matters: do you want a ready-to-play instrument, a fretted 3-string, or a simple diddley bow? Consider the scale length, neck quality, and whether the kit includes a pickup for amplification if you plan to perform.
Wood and build quality — does it affect tone?
Hardwood bodies tend to offer more sustain and brighter tones, while softer woods can produce mellower sound. Look for robust construction and a well-attached neck with secure hardware to ensure longevity.
Ease of assembly vs. ready-made options
DIY kits are educational and gratifying but require time and tools. Ready-made versions are convenient but may be limited in customization. Choose based on your patience and hands-on goals.
Amplification and electronics
If you want to plug in, confirm the presence and type of pickup. A basic piezo pickup is common in beginner kits, while some kits include more advanced pickups for better tone control.
Maintenance and care
Keep the instrument dry and store it in a stable environment. Regularly inspect joints, strings, and tuners. A light shield or case helps prevent damage to the finish and hardware.
Which product is best for different buyers?
- Best for patriotic aesthetics and USA-made craftsmanship: Old Glory 3-string.
- Best for hands-on builders who want an acoustic-electronic setup: Complete DIY 3-String Fretted Kit.
- Best all-in-one starter with detailed guide: C. B. Gitty Basic Kit.
- Best quick-start option with complete parts: One-string DiddleyBow Kit.
Quick comparison snapshot
- Old Glory: Highly visual, durable build; best for display and performance.
- Complete DIY Kit: Strong for learners wanting to craft an amplified instrument; requires neck sourcing.
- Basic Kit: Comprehensive guide; minimal missing pieces; neck still needed.
- DiddleyBow Kit: Easiest build; single string; fast gratification.
FAQ
- What is a cigar box guitar? A handcrafted string instrument built using a cigar box as the body, often with a simple neck and piezo pickup for amplification.
- Are these suitable for beginners? Yes, several kits are designed for beginners and include assembly guides and hardware packs.
- Do they require special tools? Some kits need common tools; check the kit description for a complete list.
- Can I upgrade pickups later? Many kits support aftermarket pickups; verify compatibility with your chosen model.
- Is a three-string version sufficient to learn guitar basics? It’s a good intro to rhythm and chord shapes, though you’ll eventually want to explore a six-string setup for standard tuning.
- Are there safety considerations during assembly? Follow instructions closely, and use basic shop safety practices when cutting or drilling neck or hardware.