Acoustric lap steel from a 'cigar box'?

Mark Mansueto · Post by **Mark Mansueto** » 7 Nov 2010 7:39 pm

Very, very cool, Jim. Looks like it turned out nice. How did you determine what box t use? I'd be interested in seeing the inards, do you have any pictures of the inside structure? How does the plugged in tone compare to a solid body?

I've been toying with adding an acoustic pickup to my cigar box lap steel just to see how it would sound. FYI, I have mine tuned to E and I've been playing it every day since I finished it over the summer summer. I even made a stand for it which I'll post once I get a picture.

John Drury · Post by **John Drury** » 8 Nov 2010 6:35 pm

Jim,

Nice job on the "CigTar".

Here is an axe I built for myself. I anticipated some neck bending on this one, I like to use heavier guages than most guys (.018, .026, .035). I sandwiched an aluminum strip in between the neck and fretboard and that seemed to counteract it O.K..

Jim Bates · Post by **Jim Bates** » 8 Nov 2010 6:57 pm

To determine which 'box' to use, I went to a local cigar store in Houston and found the largest one with paper on it (which meant it had a thinner wood top) and that was 'free', which that Macanudo box filled the bill. My friend said he had the best luck working with the paper coated boxes which was also a big factor.

Sorry, I do not have any idea what was done to the inside to make it strong enough for the string tension.

I have yet to try it out on my big amps (Nashville 1000 or Session 500). I also have a early Peavey Ecoustic amp that may get an interesting sound. On a small amp,it just sounds like a lap steel to me.

Will have to change out the Phos-Bronze wound strings for nickle wrap to get the loudness balanced.

Thanx,
Jim

ps- did you notice the name on it "StoveWood". So if it doesn't wotk out, into the fire place it goes!
Or not.

John Drury · Post by **John Drury** » 13 Nov 2010 8:29 am

Mark Mansueto wrote:Very, very cool, Jim. Looks like it turned out nice. How did you determine what box t use? I'd be interested in seeing the inards, do you have any pictures of the inside structure? How does the plugged in tone compare to a solid body?

I've been toying with adding an acoustic pickup to my cigar box lap steel just to see how it would sound. FYI, I have mine tuned to E and I've been playing it every day since I finished it over the summer summer. I even made a stand for it which I'll post once I get a picture.

Mark,

Pickup should get there Monday, hope it works out for you.