Cigarbox guitars are a unique and versatile musical instrument that has been around for over a century. They originated from the Great Depression era when people couldn’t afford to buy traditional guitars. Instead, they used cigar boxes, broomsticks, and other scrap materials to create makeshift guitars. Today, cigarbox guitars are still popular among music enthusiasts who appreciate their raw, vintage sound and DIY appeal.
If you’re looking to try your hand at building a cigarbox guitar, purchasing a kit can be the perfect starting point. Cigarbox guitar kits come with all the necessary components, including the cigar box, neck, strings, and hardware, making it easier for you to assemble your guitar. However, not all cigarbox guitar kits are created equal, and you need to consider several factors before making a purchase.
One critical factor to consider when buying a cigarbox guitar kit is the quality of the components. The type of wood used for the neck and the quality of the hardware can significantly impact the sound and playability of the guitar. Additionally, you should consider the level of difficulty of the kit and whether it’s suitable for your skill level.
We’ve researched and tested ten cigarbox guitar kits to identify the ones that offer the best quality and value. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a beginner, our comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect cigarbox guitar kit to suit your needs.
Best Cigarbox Guitar Kits
If you’re a fan of unique, handmade instruments, a cigarbox guitar kit might be just what you need to add to your collection. These kits come with everything you need to build your own guitar from scratch, including a cigar box for the body, a neck, strings, and hardware. Not only are they a fun DIY project, but they also produce a unique sound that’s perfect for blues, folk, and rock music. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best cigarbox guitar kits on Amazon to help you find the perfect one for your needs.
LyxPro Electric Guitar Kit Bundle
If you’re a novice or intermediate player looking for a complete guitar set to rock straight out of the box, the LyxPro Electric Guitar Kit Bundle is the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- High-quality materials, including premium rosewood fingerboard, Canadian maple neck, and S-S-S pickups.
- Complete guitar set includes full-size guitar, 20W amp with built-in speaker, battery-operated mini clip-on tuner, six steel strings, two picks, comfortable shoulder strap, and case bag.
- Perfect present for Christmas, birthday, or any other occasion.
Cons
- The accessories included in the kit are not of the highest quality.
- The sound quality of the guitar is not the best.
- The guitar may require some adjustments to achieve optimal sound.
This electric guitar kit bundle is a budding musician’s dream. From home to school to lessons, learning the guitar has never been so easy. The 39-inch electric guitar is perfect for beginner and intermediate players, and the pack includes a 20W amp with built-in speaker, headphone jack, and AUX input for playing along to music on your phone or MP3 player.
The battery-operated mini clip-on tuner and instruction book teach kids to tune their guitar for the best sound quality. The kit also comes with six steel strings, two picks, and a comfortable shoulder strap.
Overall, the LyxPro Electric Guitar Kit Bundle is a great beginner’s guitar. For the price, you get what you get. However, you can easily upgrade later! The amp may not be the best, but it’s a great starting point. The guitar feels great and works like a charm, though you may want to buy new strings as they come with some pretty bad strings.
If you’re looking for a complete guitar set to get started on your musical journey, the LyxPro Electric Guitar Kit Bundle is definitely worth considering.
Complete DIY 3-String Fretted Cigar Box Guitar Kit with Neck
If you’re looking for an affordable and customizable way to build your own cigar box guitar, the Complete DIY 3-String Fretted Cigar Box Guitar Kit with Neck from C. B. Gitty is a great option.
Pros
- Comes with everything you need to build a fully functional guitar
- Detailed instructions make it easy for even beginners to assemble
- Highly customizable, so you can make it your own
Cons
- The cigar box included may show some wear and tear, which may not be appealing to some buyers
- Shipping and handling costs can be high for international buyers
- Some buyers may prefer a more traditional guitar with a wider range of notes
This kit is perfect for anyone who wants to build their own guitar without spending a lot of money. The kit includes all the hardware, strings, and a fully fretted neck, so you won’t need to buy anything extra. The instructions are detailed and easy to follow, so even beginners can assemble the guitar without any problems.
Once you’ve assembled the guitar, you can customize it to your heart’s content. You can paint the cigar box, add your own decorations, and even change the tuning to suit your playing style. The guitar is also highly portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
However, some buyers may not like the fact that the cigar box included may show some wear and tear. This is because the boxes are real cigar boxes that have been repurposed for use as guitar bodies. Additionally, some buyers may prefer a more traditional guitar with a wider range of notes.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and customizable way to build your own guitar, the Complete DIY 3-String Fretted Cigar Box Guitar Kit with Neck is a great option.
The “Reso-Plate” 3-string License Plate Resonator Guitar Kit
If you’re looking for a fun and unique project to work on, the “Reso-Plate” 3-string License Plate Resonator Guitar Kit might be just what you need. With a real license plate for the resonator and a full, rich resonator sound, this kit is great for playing all sorts of music, including Blues, Folk and Country.
Pros
- Everything you need to build your own 3-string License Plate Guitar!
- Rich Resonator sound great for Blues, Folk & Country music
- Easy to Assemble – Only basic hand tools required
Cons
- Assembly time is 3-4 hours, not including glue set-up time
- Recommended for ages 16 and up
- Some parts may be warped and difficult to assemble
The “Reso-Plate” kit is easy to assemble, even if you’re not an advanced woodworker. Just some basic clamping, light drilling, and screw insertion is all it takes to build your very own three-string tenor guitar. The kit also comes with a full fretboard already attached to the neck, making assembly even easier.
Once you’ve built your guitar, you can tune it to Open G “GDG”, which has become the de facto tuning standards for 3-string cigar box guitars. If desired, you can re-string it with a set of High Open G Strings for an even more old-timey banjo-like sound.
The detailed how-to guide not only shows you how to assemble the kit but also includes some basic how-to-play information as well, to help get you picking once the build is done. You’ll also receive a full-color copy of one of Ben Gitty’s Essential Chords Posters with every kit, which is a wealth of information to help get you strumming along with popular songs.
Overall, the “Reso-Plate” 3-string License Plate Resonator Guitar Kit is a great choice for anyone looking for a fun and unique project to work on. It’s easy to assemble, sounds great, and comes with everything you need to get started.
Topnaca Cigar Box Guitar Kit
If you’re looking for a fun and easy-to-assemble cigar box guitar kit, the Topnaca Cigar Box Guitar Kit might be right up your alley.
Pros
- The solidly constructed and well-polished maple neck provides a quality neck to support string articulation.
- The built-in pickup and ability to connect with an external soundbox make this guitar versatile and ready to perform.
- The easy-to-follow instructions make it perfect for beginners and pros alike.
Cons
- Some buyers reported missing bolts for attaching the neck.
- The brass strings may not be suitable for all types of music.
- The original wood color may not be to everyone’s taste.
This kit is perfect for anyone looking to build their own guitar and have a unique instrument to play. The maple neck is evenly grained and well-polished, which provides a clean look to the guitar. The precision-carved mahogany body is made from Okoume, which is known for its dense, uniform structure, light weight, resistance to decay, and toughness.
The built-in pickup and ability to connect with an external soundbox make this guitar versatile and ready to perform. The classical cigar box guitar comes with acoustic metal brass strings that provide a mid-bass tone suitable for blues music. The easy-to-follow instructions make it perfect for beginners and pros alike. You could build the cigar box guitar in an hour or less.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a unique and fun project to take on, the Topnaca Cigar Box Guitar Kit is a great choice. It’s easy to assemble, versatile, and provides a quality sound.
LAVA ME 2 Acoustic-Electric Carbon Fiber Guitar w/Effects
If you’re looking for a versatile guitar that you can take anywhere, the LAVA ME 2 Acoustic-Electric Carbon Fiber Guitar w/Effects is a great option.
Pros
- The Unibody Acoustic Electric Guitar produces resonant, dynamic sounds with a wide frequency range.
- The L2 Preamp with FreeBoost Technology allows you to shape sounds with reverb, delay, and chorus effects without plugging in.
- The Plek’d FlyNeck stays in tune and lets you play any fret in any style without an effort.
Cons
- The guitar has no inlays on the fretboard, which can make it difficult to navigate.
- The action is a bit high but can be adjusted.
- The instructions are not real clear and extremely small print.
This guitar is made from Super AirSonic carbon fiber material, so it can withstand temperatures between -4°F~194°F and humidity from 10% to 90%. It’s also compact and comfortable to hold and play for extended periods, making it a great option for traveling musicians.
The LAVA ME 2 guitar package includes an Ideal Bag, Ideal Pick (Mix), charging cable, and cleaning cloth, making it a complete guitar package. The guitar is also available in a variety of colors, including black and white.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile, travel-friendly guitar with great sound quality and effects, the LAVA ME 2 Acoustic-Electric Carbon Fiber Guitar w/Effects is a great option.
Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar
If you’re looking for a carbon fiber acoustic guitar that’s of great value, you should definitely check out Enya Nova Go.
Pros
- The carbon fiber composite material makes it impervious to temperature and humidity changes, which means it’s perfect for taking it on a beach trip or a hiking trip.
- The body of Nova Go is molded all in one piece, meaning that the bridge is a cohesive part of the top, not glued upon like traditional acoustic guitars. It’s solidly built and would never snap or fall off.
- The “Zero Fret” feature is added to this acoustic guitar for smoother tuning, and fret ends are polished to round edges for a more comfortable hand feel.
Cons
- The neck keeps sliding downwards as the strap is too smooth on the shoulder to hold the neck in position.
- It’s small but still pretty heavy even without pickip.
- The sound is bright but some may prefer a warmer tone.
Enya Nova Go is a great choice for beginners or experienced players who are looking for a high-quality carbon fiber acoustic guitar. The guitar is solidly built and easy to play, with a truss rod in the neck that gives you more adjustability for the string action. The “Zero Fret” feature is a nice touch that makes tuning smoother, and the fret ends are polished to round edges for a more comfortable hand feel. The gig bag that comes with the guitar is practical and the packaging is colorful and delicately designed, making it a great gift option.
Overall, Enya Nova Go is a great value for its price, and the carbon fiber composite material gives it an edge over traditional acoustic guitars. If you’re intrigued by carbon fiber but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars, Nova Go is definitely worth checking out.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a cigarbox guitar kit, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for when choosing a cigarbox guitar kit:
Skill Level
Consider your skill level when selecting a cigarbox guitar kit. If you’re a beginner, you may want to choose a kit that is easy to assemble and requires minimal tools. On the other hand, if you have experience with woodworking and guitar building, you may want a kit that offers more customization options.
Materials
The materials used in the kit can affect the sound and durability of the guitar. Look for kits that use high-quality materials such as solid wood for the neck and body, and sturdy hardware for the tuners and bridge.
Design
Cigarbox guitar kits come in various designs, including 3-string and 4-string options. Consider the design that best suits your playing style and preferences. Additionally, some kits may offer unique features such as fretless necks or built-in pickups.
Price
Price is an important factor to consider when purchasing a cigarbox guitar kit. While cheaper kits may be tempting, they may not offer the same quality and durability as more expensive options. Look for a kit that fits within your budget while still providing the features and quality you desire.
Additional Considerations
Other factors to consider when selecting a cigarbox guitar kit include:
- Availability of instructions and support
- Customization options
- Brand reputation and customer reviews
By taking these factors into account, you can select a cigarbox guitar kit that meets your needs and provides a satisfying playing experience.
