Cigar Box Guitar Parts and Their Functions

When I build Cigar Box Guitars I like to find interesting and unique ways of building them so they’re not just like everyone else’s CBGs. With this in mind I decided to try using copper wire as the frets. In this blog and the included videos below I’ll share how I made and installed the frets.

I first learned about using copper wire frets from a video I found by Shane Speal.  Shane used them on a diddley bow.  In the video he pointed that because it was only one string the accuracy of installation of the frets wasn’t all that critical.  My plan was to use the copper wire frets for both 3 and 4 string cigar box guitars.  I had to come up with a method to install them in an accurate enough way so the instruments would be playable.  I had fun figuring it out and I certainly learned many lessons.  In the video below I share many of the lessons learned as a way to help you avoid potential mistakes and possible frustration if you plan to attempt using in one of your CBG builds.

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