This is the first time I've seen anyone discuss back angle on a cigar box. Bonus thanks for the laughs.

@SouthernFireGuitars

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Bruce. M~ 😎

That string trick is awesome! I work in a metal fab shop and my ultimate goal is to make an aluminum cigar box style resonator guitar including neck including the cone in the middle.

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Jack, That would be cool. M~

One of my favorite intrument dealers got a cigar box DIY kit in his onlineshop but when I had a closer look to the product, I found out that it was a wood decor veneered cardboard box. NO WAY. So probably I will have to build one up from scratch. This is by far one of the most useful videos I watched about this topic because you don't show just what to do, you explain why to do so! Thx a lot

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Sebastian. Yeah. got to watch out for those cardboard boxes. 😉

Nicely explained. No complex math or calculations needed. My type of instruction.

@SouthernFireGuitars

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Murdoc. M~

@charliezammit40

Ай бұрын

I enjoy your video very much

Thank you. I am a back angle guy. Last week I saw a video where the maker recommended using shims, like you would on a door frame. The angle was opposite of what you suggested. His would make action too high, by a lot. I got the feeling he wasn't a player and was just trying to come up with video ideas. Good to see the pine woods of Florida. Been 40 years next month that I left.

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve. Yes, and shim on the front block would not be good. lol Florida does have lots of pine trees, which means you have pine needles EVERYWHERE. 😀

I am new at cigar box guitar and I watched your videos and have enjoyed them and learned a lot, I have built myself a cigar box guitar and now watching your videos on playing it. I plan on building a few more even if I don't learn because I enjoy it and it keeps me busy. (84 yrs old). Thanks for sharing, Bill mount airy maryland

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Bill. Their pretty easy to play and fun to build. Have fun. M~

This is a really good demo of the back angle. Del Puckett was the first to introduce the concept to builders, but at least in his first video on the subject he kind of flubbed it and actually made it more confusing, it kind of implied if I recall that he was telling us to actually raise the angle upward, with the higher "wedge" at the front. I don't know if he ever clarified it, but it's nice to have something this clear and concise. Good on you Michael!

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks. I appreciate that M~

@hurdygurdyguy1

Жыл бұрын

Del's later video explains it much better... Myself, when I cut the taper off the neck I glue that wedge on the underside of the neck...that keeps the back angle cut parallel with the underside of the neck..

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

@@hurdygurdyguy1 What ever works for you. M~

@Tom_Klein

Жыл бұрын

I didn’t see ONE caterpillar 🐛 😂

As always top. All time favourite the dancing wife😂

Very cool, especially that I’m about my 4th CBG. What a fun thing to do at the ripe old age of 71 😉🤙🏼

@SouthernFireGuitars

3 ай бұрын

That's awesome Paul. Congrats on the 4th build. 😎

I knew about the back angle but you explained why. Very helpful

Back angle is your friend. Also, one should be mindful of the string break angle, at nut and bridge, especially at the bridge.

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Good points. M~

And... now I understand back angles!

You've inspired me to build one. I've been going through your videos for tips and tricks. I built a neck with a back angle yesterday, and cut fret slots on a fingerboard today, and I'll be using a zero fret and nut as you suggested in one of your videos. You've helped me avoid a lot of mistakes.

@SouthernFireGuitars

5 ай бұрын

Thanks DVJ. That's awesome, I'm glad you found them helpful. Congrats on your first build. Happy Pickin. M~

Straight forward information I was looking for. I love this freakin guy.

Great video! Nice slide work in the outro!

This helps me to understand back angle better...thank you

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Happy to help!

I'm one of "those" that you mentioned as a watcher, but not a commenter. With this vid, you finally enticed me. Likely because I'm in the midst of a build. Nice vid, nice content, all around nice fella. P.S. - My wife of 35+ years thinks that you and I have alot in common ... Renster

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment, Ren. Well, you must be a great guy, then. 😉

Greetings from Sweden. I'am in the process of building my first CBG and appreciate all the tips from you.

@SouthernFireGuitars

7 ай бұрын

Thanks, Good luck with your build. M~

Apposto 'mpare! Many thanx from Sicily

much love from Germany!

Thanks for the build info. Yes, caterpillars falling out of trees can be bad, especially when they are mixed with backhoes and front end loaders.😂 Keep on rocking.👍👍✌️

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks John. Good one 😆

Perfect! Just did 3 boxes with back angle I never noticed on my guitar. 👍👍👍

@SouthernFireGuitars

11 ай бұрын

Thanks Marshall. M~ 😎

A great ANGLE on the subject Hope your BACK soon. Fantastic outro through a Vox amp too. Excellent.

@SouthernFireGuitars

11 ай бұрын

Thanks Pete. Good one lol

EXCELLENT Video Michael. I learned this the HARD way!!! WHY did my early Cigar Box Guitars have that Terrible problem of Nice action at the Nut, and SKY HIGH un-playable action from the 9th fret and higher??? I filed down my Bridge...didn't work, couldn't figure it out. Until I looked at my neck and it actually angle UP!!! Opened it up, did some adjustments, changed the Angle and Viola...a Playable Guitar!!! Wish I would have seen THIS video back in 2011.... Really Enjoyed this!!!!

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Piercedarrow, Yeah,, that back angle does wonders for play ability. M~

Thanks,the higher back block is what I needed to know

You insisted on a comment, so here goes. Love your videos, man! I'm about to try to build my first CBG and have been watching lots of videos. Really like yours, they are informative and entertaining. Thank you.

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thank you G. M~

This is the best video I have seen on this topic. The visual examples were so helpful.

@SouthernFireGuitars

6 ай бұрын

Thanks Phoenix, M~

From a displaced Floridian, loved the content and looking forward to more. This looks like so much fun! Definately going to try to make one. Thank you for sharing your experience. The few boxes I have are falling apart from Dad's tools and parts being stored in them. Going to have to get on the hunt. =) Ending up on the left coast, hearing that "swamp" sound instantly brought a smile to this Southern boy's face. God bless

@SouthernFireGuitars

5 ай бұрын

Thanks John. It is fun. You should definitely build one, and come to the Swamp! M~

Thanks, I understand the back angle much better now.

OK. Backangle. Seen several vids. NOW I get it! Thanks. Formerly confused beginner.

@SouthernFireGuitars

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for checking it out. Glad it was helpful! M~

I’ve built 3 acoustic guitars and now have become enthusiastic about building cigar box guitars. I’ve watched several of your building videos and have already gleaned much information. Thanks for this one … back angle will improve the playability greatly!

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Fred. M~

Surprised on just how many people are playing and making these guitars. I watched a KZread channel this morning from a lady in Cambridge England, who plays her 3 string cigar box guitar on the streets. She's amazing

@SouthernFireGuitars

9 ай бұрын

Thanks Charles. Yes, they are pretty popular, and growing every day. M~ 😎

Thanks for the tips on the back angle🎸 Have a wonderful day.

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Your welcome Raccoon. Thanks for checking it out. M~

Grrat demonstration! Simple and effective.

@SouthernFireGuitars

4 ай бұрын

Thanks Ken. M~

Hello from Finland!

Thanks, Mike! I'm just working on the neck for my next one.

Ok just the info i was looking for I will watch it over and over again thanks dude!

@SouthernFireGuitars

Ай бұрын

Thanks Ken, Glad I could help!

Great explanation of the neck angles!

You esplained it well. Thanks. Btw, I feel your caterpillar pain. I’m in Florida too. Everywhere!

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks TB. Yes they are lol

Thanks for the refresher. Been away from building for a while and needed to look at back angles again.

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Welcome back! M~

That was a really good job I enjoyed that I think it was 6:40 minutes. At first I didn't realize you had a drum track going

Good build info. THANKS for the comment background solo.

I have been bitten by the CBG Bug your tips and tricks are giving me the courage and confidence in building my second guitar THANK YOU for showing an extremely novice builder like myself how to do it!!

@SouthernFireGuitars

10 ай бұрын

Your welcome, Brad. Thanks for watching the videos. That's awesome, Happy Building. M~

Nice work ! good music. regards Peter from Holland

Thanks for the tips, Michael! great outro, always inspiring!

I liked the way you explained back angle!!

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Frank. M~

Your a great teacher ,guitar player and a builder

@SouthernFireGuitars

8 ай бұрын

Thanks Mark. M~ 😎

@user-ti6dj4ft1o

8 ай бұрын

Your welcome

Saucy tone on the jam!!🤘🏽🎸

Enjoy your videos,I screwed up my first neck and second neck. But it is playable. Good thing about these little guitars they are cheap and easy to change . Watching these videos is like going to school.since I didn't go to much or pay attention I screw up things ,you the man!

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dolly. If you want know exactly how I build my necks, and build my guitars, you can check out my CBG Pro Builders WorkShop. www.southernfireguitars.com/

one of these dayz i'll add some vid to my works that has an adjustable 2" abs pipe neck over a 1x2 inner 'neck', the 2 thickest strings from a 5string bass guitar set and eye screws and wingnuts to make tuners. I like the sound board to not touch the neck;, and often go from the opposite corners of the box to get access to higher frets. I prefer magnetic pickups, but piezo bars and disks often are easier to place and the combination, each with tone and volume pots; and a main volume knob. Blend pots are ok but separate controls work best; and just being able to control the pre-balanced volume/tone to a suitable level without getting at the amp knob is nice too. Also i've come to prefer the box or can lid as the back so I can work inside there later. by time sound holes, bridges, tailpieces cover up the sound board;... just decorate and have the well finished back... screws and wedges can use the sides and sound board.... oops! my 3string bass has a 1x2 neck and those wingnut tuners and the thinner 3 strings from the bass pack. the uses bass tuning gears ....and i carefully work at getting the fret or fretless action close. mag pickups need care for clearance as well... so that's what brings back angling or the 'other 'tilts' versus bridge height into use. Nice works, thanks for sharing.

This was fun AND informative, thank you, I've built a dulcimer and am ready to move to the cigarbox guitar, again thank you

@SouthernFireGuitars

4 ай бұрын

Thank you, Walt. Good luck with your CBG build.

Hi Michael. Michael here. I’ve learned a lot from your videos and have built 4-5 CBGs including 1 bass. Thanks.

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Michael, That's sweet. Congrats. M~

Great tech tip Mike!

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, my friend. M~

Just came across your channel. Love it, looking forward to building my first one now!

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Michael. M~

Great video. I think this is the best video I've yet seen in terms of explaining, conceptually, how the back angle works on a cigar box guitar. I really enjoy all your videos, and I've learned a lot from watching them! Thank you for taking the time to make them!

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Shaun. I appreciate that. M~

I find your video’s very helpful in making cigar box guitars and learning that good old swamp music keep up the good work thanks, George

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thank you George. M~

You've got it man. I used to use adjusting screws for neck angle :-)

Very good explanation. My CBG's will now have this back angle added. I have been struggling with this issue for a while now. Tanks you for learn'n me.

@SouthernFireGuitars

5 ай бұрын

Thanks Kidd. M~ Try it, you'll like it. M~

Greetings from Carrabelle Fl. I'm loving your pro builder work shop! Nice to have all the steps in order. Keep up the good work

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Antonio. I appreciate that. M~ 😀

Thanks for Back angle tip. I've have messed up several boxes because of back angle. Tim Schultz

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Your welcome, Tim. Thanks for watching. M~

Love the fat tone in the outro. Sounds great. Thanks.

@SouthernFireGuitars

11 ай бұрын

Thanks dragon. M~

Thank you so much. I guess I should use the string or fishing line test to make sure I have enough back angle.

I was just wondering about back angle and working on my first build. You answered my questions.

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Stan. That's great. M~

Thanks for the demonstration!

@SouthernFireGuitars

Ай бұрын

My pleasure!

I cheated, I bought a couple of CBG's (the price was amazing, and I couldn't have built them for the price I paid; you;ll forgive me, won't you?) after seeing KZread videos like yours. I had seen CBG's and thought of them as curiosities, or toys even, not even on a par with a Ukelele. How Wrong I was! After decades of trying to learn guitar, I found more music in a CBG than I EVER did in a 6 string.. Thanks to you, and all of your cohorts for teaching this old dog some new tricks!

@SouthernFireGuitars

6 ай бұрын

Welcome to the world of CBG's. Once you play one you're hooked. LOL. SO much fun the play and easy to learn. Happy Pickin. M~

@bobherget7676

5 ай бұрын

Hello, I'm a CBG builder and player myself. Like you, CBGs opened up music to me that escaped me when playing a 6 stringer. Your ukulele comment caught my eye. I'd like to share my recent ukulele experiences. For many years I was of the opinion regarding ukuleles that they were pretty much just the annoying accompaniment to caterwauling tweenaged girls, UNTIL, about a year ago when I came across these two videos while surfing KZread: kzread.info/dash/bejne/Yquu1advZ7KbpKg.htmlsi=wcDXNCMxsKtDqH-p kzread.info/dash/bejne/h6ZhutGfeZndgJs.htmlsi=cAFuu6ZSP5y-LBV4 I was blown away by them. I was also greatly humbled in regard to my previous disdain for ukuleles. I've since purchased a ukulele and play the heck out of it, somewhat in the styles of the two performers in the videos. I'm now ready to buy more ukuleles in order to take advantage of alternate tunings. Ukes aren't just toys nor are they simply for seemingly mindless tweenaged strumming. If you're interested, there's a KZread channel called Southern Ukulele Store that has tons of information to help select the best ukelele for oneself. There're other great uke YT channels as well, but SUS stands out to me as being one of the best. That may be more information than you may want, but I've become a passionate fan of ukuleles and feel compelled to pass the word about them. I want to give a huge 👍👍to Michael here at Southern Fire Guitars. In my opinion Michael has, by far, THE BEST CBG channel on KZread. Thanks, Michael! Cheers to you, Bob

@Crosshatch1212

4 ай бұрын

Cheet I just built mine .

@SouthernFireGuitars

4 ай бұрын

@@Crosshatch1212 Awesome! Congrats. M~

I've been building cbg's since 2015 and buildi g electric guitars since 2011. Your guitars are great I dig the playing too. The way you have your tuners right next to eachother, when I do that, the screw part that secures them to the back run into eachother.

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, It all about spacing lol

I made one 3 string cigar box guitar about four years ago. Still play it a lot but I never completed another one even though i have all the wood cut out for several, including a four string neck through with truss rod (all of mine are neck through). The reason is I couldn’t figure out the correct luthier approved way to make a back angle. Instead, I routed out the box on my 3 string and dropped the bridge in it. It would be great to get a video explaining in detail how to do it.

@SouthernFireGuitars

Ай бұрын

I have a 2 hour instructional video on how I build my guitars, from start to finish. The Pro Builders WorkShop www.southernfireguitars.com/

I would like to say thank you Michael for sharing your knowledge on building these guitars. You also make these videos fun to watch with your great sense of humor!!! You Da Man

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Nathan. I appreciate that. M~

Good lesson I'm trying to figure how to make adjustable back angle like riversong guitars

This is helpful for me. GBG is my next project and that's a very easy to implement tip.

@SouthernFireGuitars

4 ай бұрын

Thanks Matt.😎

Building my first guitar box using a Strat style guitar neck I got from an antique fair. It’s one of three necks I got for $5/each and I chose only the straightest of the lot. My next build I would like to try making a one piece block inside the cigar box that attaches to one of these necks. Then I would like to try imbedding a threaded nut into the back end of the neck block. Then have a threaded screw that fits that nut accessible from the back of the guitar box. The idea is to be able to adjust the back angle for easy slide playing and then change it back to fret playing with a simple twist of the screw. Anyways thanks for your videos. Gives me a lot of ideas.

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

That's awesome. Can't beat a neck for $5. Good luck with the build. M~

Perfect description , Thanks

Thanks for posting such informative videos. A Padron box I purchased on ebay arrived today. My first cigar box guitar build hopefully starting soon...

@SouthernFireGuitars

6 ай бұрын

Thanks Tony. M~

I enjoy every video that you put,they are informative,entertaining and comedic,see you on the next one

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Wayne. I appreciate that. M~ 😎😎

Finally I got it, thanks Sr.

Del Puckett also does a very nice discussion of back angle. You recommend a difference of 1/8” front to back, Del suggests two quarters stacked one on top of the other for the difference. Both approaches make a lot of cents (sorry Michael could not resist 😁).

@SouthernFireGuitars

2 ай бұрын

Thanks Bruce. lol

Rock on!!

Thanks for taking time to explain that, been playing around with different back angles in my recent builds looking for that just right action

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Your welcome. Thanks for watching. It does take a little practice to get them how you like it. M~

HI, I’m new to cigar box guitars. I am waiting for my first kit to arrive here in Thailand from C B Gitty I just love these videos and I am learning a lot of valuable information from you. Thank you.

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Barrie. Welcome to CBG's. Good luck with your build. M~

Those cigar box guitars are really killer! 👍🎸🙄✌️

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Jim. M~ 😎🎸

Brilliant explanation - you made it very clear.

@SouthernFireGuitars

6 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Great info! Your explaination was easy to understand and the props really helped show what you were talking about. Thanks a bunch! Nice outro too 😁🤘🏻

@SouthernFireGuitars

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Freddy. M~

You do good Michael

Thanks for your videos. And your "out-tro" playing. I used you video to add some back angle in my CBG. Easy since I hadn't attached the neck yet. Once the guitar neck is set the back angle is defined. At this point it is all about the saddle/bridge height that will impact the action. The back angle in a through neck cigar box guitar is easily controlled using the construction method you showed in the video. But when you are using different bridges/saddles or using a bolt on neck design, the heights might differ slightly from guitar to guitar. Here's a tip that might help make some of the trial and error experimenting with bridge height a little less trial and error. It is a trick I picked up from violin bridge fitting (with no original to copy). Use a straight edge to project the plane of the top of the frets to where the saddle will be. (Fix the bridge and saddle in place -- strings or double sided tape.) Draw a mark above where the projected plane hits the saddle with enough height above the projected plane to account for the action you were going for at the end of the fret board. Then adjust the height of the saddle/bridge either by shimming to raise or trimming to lower as needed.

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips, ,good info. M~

Excellent 👍

Thank you for the back angle info. Hope that helps with my CBG build.

Good information... I'm planning on building my first cigar box guitar and this information is exactly what I need. Thanks for the great content you share

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Thomas. Good luck with your build. M~

Always nice to see you! Think about 3 degrees is good.

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks. M~ yep

explained in a way that the beginner can grip. Thank you!

Thanks that was very good

Very helpful and clear instructions. Thank you!

@SouthernFireGuitars

6 ай бұрын

Thank you. M~

Great good information beginners thanks i've

I liked it and sent it to a fellow cbg maker

@SouthernFireGuitars

3 ай бұрын

Cool, thanks. M~

After discussing this subject at my local music shop ( my retail outlet) and adding a back angle to one of my cbg's, we found the back angle improves playability by a bucket load, I never build a cbg without a back angle between 6-10mm (1/4" to 3/8") over the length of the cigar box 👍👍🇦🇺

@graysaw

Жыл бұрын

The actual math is to deduct.017 per inch of angle. So a 9” box you deduct.153ths of an inch overall

@Grumpy_CBG

Жыл бұрын

@@graysaw and I thought I over thought shit, my kinda bloke 👍👍

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Great info, Brad. Thanks. M~

I just got real dang lucky on my first CBG and got the angle perfect. Course I aint got no frets but its still all good!

@SouthernFireGuitars

8 ай бұрын

Congrats on your first CBG. M~

Thanks for sharing. Trying it on my next build.

Thanks for the explanation and the visuals …

Enjoyed the video helped me a lot with setting up the strings,cheers.

Thanks for that explanation, Michael - I think that's why [no back angle] my intonation is always out. BTW, that outtro would be a great lesson! Just saying ...

@SouthernFireGuitars

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Nick. M~ 😎🎸

Thanks Michael - learned something new today!

@SouthernFireGuitars

11 ай бұрын

Your welcome, Mark, Thanks for checking it out. M~