GME Cigar Box Guitar Kit Instructions

GME Cigar Box Guitar Kit Instructions:

1. Unpack your kit and spread all the components on a large bench.

2. Glue and clamp the Fingerboard/Fretboard to the neck ensuring to leave a little room at the headstock end for the “nut” to sit – about 5 mm is fine.

3. Glue and clamp the “heel block” and the “tail block” into the box/body (this should be marked)

4. Once this glue is dry, you can drill and screw these blocks with the supplied 10mm screws for extra strength. We suggest putting 2 screws from the back and 1 in the side for each block.

5. Glue and clamp the “Neck Ears” in position shown

6. Drill your holes for the the machine heads (tuning pegs) – you will need a 10mm hole for each tuner. Don't install your tuners just yet.

7. Now is a good time to sand your neck – you will want to sand/file the fingerboard flush with the sides of the neck as well as carve the backside of the neck. Its also good to smooth out the headstock and the rest of your neck in preparation for oiling or finish (optional).

8. Drill your 4 mounting holes and screw your neck into the tail and heel bocks – best not to glue, as you may need to remove your neck or box at a later date.

9. Install your provided pickup/electronics – the bug pickup should be stuck to the inside of the lid (as close to the bridge) and wired to the output jack (see our instructions page for a wiring diagram).

10. The lid of the box can now be closed – you may want to tack it shut.

11. Position your “bridge” and screw into position – to get your string length, simply measure from the nut to the 12th fret then multiply by 2. Also ensure to line up your bridge with your neck (so the string run straight).

12. Install your machine heads (tuners) – the washer and threaded bushing go through the top/face and the body of the tuner go into the back, the bushing then screws clockwise until it is tight. It is also good practice to install the small tuner screws supplied.

13. Position the “nut” - this will need to be removed and adjusted, so, do not glue into position. The strings should hold it into position, if not, just dab a dot of glue to keep it there.

14. String it up! Feed the strings through the bridge (small holes) and wind them onto each machine head.

15. At this stage you will need to make some adjustments to your string height – the bridge has adjustable saddles (small allum key provided) and the “nut” can be shaved/sanded down to get the strings as close to the frets as possible, without buzzing.

16. Tune it up! There is no standard tuning for CBG's however, some common ones are as follows: DGBE (4 string) or DAD (3 string).