1-Week Cigar Box Guitar Building Course
- Michael Whitney
- Dec 21, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
Build Your Own Cigar Box Guitar From the Ground Up
Thank you for your interest in our 1-Week Cigar Box Guitar Building Course.
While this course is no longer part of our regularly scheduled annual calendar, it remains available on a limited custom basis for individuals interested in building a handcrafted cigar box guitar in a focused, one-on-one environment.
Designed for hobbyists, musicians, woodworkers, and guitar enthusiasts alike, this immersive program guides students through the complete construction of a custom cigar box guitar while introducing many of the same fundamentals used in traditional guitar making.
Michael Whitney | Luthier, Instructor
A Personal Connection
My own journey as a luthier actually began with a cigar box guitar that I built years ago. I’ll never forget the excitement I felt when I plugged that guitar in for the first time after spending several months researching and finally building my very first instrument.
What it taught me was the basics of instrument construction: scale length, fretting, wiring, carving of bone for the nut and saddle, and finally bringing an otherwise random collection of hardware and up-cycled materials into musical form! It was that very fire that inspired me to continue to evolve as a guitar maker and to create the instruments that I’m making today.
A Brief History
Cigar Box Guitars harken back to the depression era when necessity drove invention and musical instruments were often fashioned from the most basic and common materials.
Typically, cigar box guitars were made from pretty much anything that was available; old oil cans, shoeboxes, cigar boxes, fence wire for strings, old keys and bolts for bridges and saddles — people became very resourceful!
These instruments developed an unmistakable tone and raw character that became closely associated with Delta Blues and traditional porch music.
The Typical Setup
Cigar Box Guitars are typically setup with the 3 or 4 middle strings from a standard guitar (one-stringed guitars are referred to as ‘Diddley Bows’), and are tuned to an open chord, such as ‘D’ or ‘G’, perfect for that old-time bluesy sound.
For beginners, Cigar Box Guitars are easier to play and for seasoned players, they add a very unique complement to one’s musical instrument ‘arsenal’.
Course Snapshot
Below is a general overview of what students can expect during the 1-Week Cigar Box Guitar Building Course.
DAY 1: Design discussion, cigar box selection, scale length layout, neck blank preparation, and body modifications.
DAY 2: Neck construction, fretboard preparation, fret slotting, radiusing, fret installation, and headstock shaping.
DAY 3: Neck carving, body assembly, neck fitting, electronics routing, and pickup installation.
DAY 4: Final shaping, sanding, finishing, hardware installation, and setup preparation.
DAY 5: Wiring, final assembly, fret dressing, setup, final adjustments, and bringing the instrument to playing condition.
Due to individual pace and learning style, exact timelines may vary. The focus of the course is to guide students through the complete construction of a playable Cigar Box Guitar while introducing the core principles of instrument building.
Past Project - 'Le Bijou' Guitar
Past Project - The 'Apehanger' Guitar
Student Spotlight
SAM PETHERS - AUSTRALIA
Mike is a great teacher and a highly skilled luthier. He has a creative eye and a knack for bringing out the best in his students. I had very little woodworking experience when I arrived, but Mike walked me through everything I needed to know and I was comfortable using the tools by the end of the week. I expected to leave with a basic understanding of how to build a cigar box guitar, but the course went far beyond that. The design and concept of the instrument were entirely my own, with guidance from Mike along the way. The process included selecting a cigar box from a wide range of options, designing the guitar, choosing woods, carving the neck, applying finish, and selecting and installing the hardware. The finished guitar sounds fantastic plugged into an amp, and I'd highly recommend the course to anyone interested in woodworking, music, guitar playing, or simply looking for a unique hands-on experience. The only downside was having to return to my day job when the week was over. ~Sam Pethers | Australia
1-Week Cigar Box Guitar Building Course Details
Certificate Program Yes |
Course Type On-site; hands-on; one-on-one. |
Style Cigar Box Guitar (3 or 4 string). |
Body Wood Cigar Box (student's choice) |
Nut Bone |
Fretboard Walnut, Wenge or Maple |
Finish Hand-rubbed oil finish |
Course Duration 1-Week |
Hours 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
Past Project - CLE 'Eve' Guitar
Past Project - 'Ashton' Guitar
Frequently Asked Questions
What course dates are available?
This course is offered on a custom-scheduled basis. Students interested in attending are encouraged to contact the school directly to discuss availability and scheduling options.
How do I register?
Prospective students interested in this course should contact the school directly to discuss availability, project goals, and scheduling options.
If a suitable course date is available, additional registration information will be provided at that time.
Do you provide accommodations?
At this time, we do not offer accommodations. Most students choose to stay in local vacation rentals, guest suites, or other short-term accommodations in Summerland and the surrounding area.
Located in the heart of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, Summerland offers easy access to wineries, hiking, cycling, lakes, and a wide range of outdoor activities, making it an enjoyable place to spend an extended stay while attending the program.
Can I go on a wait-list for your next course?
While this workshop is no longer part of our regularly scheduled course calendar, students interested in attending are encouraged to contact the school directly.
If there is sufficient interest, or if a suitable opening becomes available in our teaching schedule, we may offer the workshop on a custom basis.
Do I need to bring anything with me for the course?
As you'll be working in an active shop environment, we recommend bringing safety glasses, hearing protection, a dust mask, appropriate footwear, and comfortable work clothing.
A notebook and pen or pencil are also useful for taking notes throughout the program.
All required tools and equipment are provided. However, students who already own a small collection of lutherie tools are welcome to bring them if they wish.
Do I get to apply finish to my guitar?
Yes. Students apply a hand-rubbed oil finish to their instruments as part of the building process.
Do I require my own hardware? What is included?
All woods, hardware, and materials required to complete the guitar are included in the course fee.
Students may choose from a selection of cigar boxes and materials provided by the school. We use quality components selected to provide students with a rewarding building experience and a finished instrument they can be proud of.
Students are welcome to discuss custom hardware or specialty upgrades prior to the course, though additional costs may apply.
I still have questions. Can you help?
Of course. If you have additional questions about our programs, application process, or guitar making training, please contact the school directly. We're always happy to help prospective students determine whether a program is a good fit.
Interested in Building More Than a Cigar Box Guitar?
While this workshop offers an enjoyable introduction to instrument building, students interested in building traditional acoustic or electric guitars may also wish to explore our:
• 5-Week Acoustic Guitar Building Course
• 3-Month Comprehensive Guitar Building Program
• 6-Month Intensive Guitar Building Program
These programs provide a deeper dive into guitar construction and are designed for students seeking a more comprehensive guitar making experience.
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