C. B. Gitty 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Kit with Pickup Review: The Ultimate DIY Path to Delta Blues Soul

There is a certain sterile quality to walking into a music store and picking up a guitar that was one of ten thousand made in a factory that week. For many of us, the search for a “signature sound” isn’t about the most expensive pickups or the glossiest finish—it’s about character, history, and a personal connection to the instrument. We often find ourselves scrolling through endless listings, looking for something that feels authentic, only to realize that the most authentic thing we can play is something we’ve had a hand in creating. I remember the first time I felt this itch; I wanted a guitar that screamed “porch blues” but didn’t know where to start. This is exactly where the C. B. Gitty 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Kit with Pickup enters the frame. It solves the problem of accessibility for builders while delivering a raw, unadulterated tone that modern guitars often struggle to replicate. Failing to find this creative outlet often leads to a stagnant playing style, whereas building your own rig breathes new life into every chord you strike.

Essential Factors to Consider Before Buying Acoustic-Electric Guitars

An Acoustic-Electric guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for players who need the intimacy of an acoustic instrument paired with the stage-ready volume of an electric. This category bridges the gap between practice at home and performance in a club. When you’re looking at this category, you aren’t just buying wood and wire; you’re buying the ability to project your music without losing the organic resonance of a hollow body. Whether it’s a full-sized dreadnought or a DIY kit like this one, the goal is versatility.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a creative block or a seasoned musician looking to explore the “low-gear” grit of 3-string slide playing. It is perfect for the hobbyist who enjoys working with their hands. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who require 24-fret access, complex shredding capabilities, or a perfectly polished, orchestral acoustic tone. If you are looking for a standard 6-string experience, you might consider a traditional dreadnought instead. However, for those looking to check the latest price and availability of a truly unique build, this kit is unparalleled.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Consider where you will be playing. A 25-inch scale length is standard and comfortable, but the overall body size of a cigar box is much more compact than a traditional guitar. This makes it an excellent travel companion but requires a different sitting posture than a jumbo acoustic.
• Capacity/Performance: In the world of 3-string guitars, performance is measured by “vibe” and resonance. Look for a kit that includes a pickup if you plan to play with others; a piezo pickup allows you to plug into any standard amp, transforming a quiet acoustic box into a screaming blues machine.
• Materials & Durability: Poplar is a fantastic choice for DIY necks because it is sturdy yet easy to sand. When comparing materials, look for solid wood components over flimsy laminates. The quality of the tuners and the bridge system will ultimately determine how well the instrument stays in tune during a heavy slide session.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Since this is a kit, “Ease of Use” starts with the assembly instructions. A good kit should require only basic hand tools. Long-term maintenance for a cigar box guitar is actually simpler than a 6-string, but you must be comfortable adjusting a floating bridge to keep the intonation sharp.

While the C. B. Gitty 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Kit with Pickup is an excellent choice for those looking to build their own legend, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Heritage: First Impressions of the C. B. Gitty Kit

Opening the box of the C. B. Gitty 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Kit with Pickup feels like stepping back into a 1930s Mississippi workshop. There is no flashy plastic packaging here; instead, you find a well-chosen cigar box, a sturdy poplar neck, and all the hardware required to bring it to life. We were immediately impressed by the inclusion of a 26-page assembly booklet. In an age where most products come with a QR code and a “good luck” message, having a physical, detailed guide is a breath of fresh air. The components, from the brass eyelets to the chrome box corners, feel intentional and high-quality. Compared to previous “bare-bones” versions of cigar box kits, this package feels complete—you won’t find yourself running to the hardware store for a missing screw. It’s a comprehensive entry point into the world of lutherie that doesn’t feel intimidating, yet doesn’t feel like a toy. Before you even drive the first screw, you can see its full feature set and user reviews to understand the potential of what you’re about to build.

Deep Dive: Putting the C. B. Gitty 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Kit with Pickup to the Test

The Assembly Experience: A Journey, Not a Race

We found that the true value of the C. B. Gitty 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Kit with Pickup lies as much in the building as it does in the playing. We spent about four hours on the assembly, though a more experienced woodworker could likely trim that down. The beauty of this kit is that it only requires basic hand tools—a drill, a screwdriver, and perhaps a small saw. The instructions are remarkably clear, guiding you through the critical steps of centering the neck and installing the floating bridge. We noticed that taking your time with the sanding of the poplar neck pays massive dividends in the “hand-feel” of the final product. One user noted that they went “very slow” to avoid mistakes, and we wholeheartedly agree with this approach. When you finally string it up and the box starts to resonate, there is a sense of accomplishment that you simply cannot get from a retail-bought instrument. This is the perfect weekend project for any music lover looking to understand the mechanics of their instrument.

Acoustic Resonance and the Electric Edge

Once assembled, the tonal profile of the C. B. Gitty 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Kit with Pickup is fascinating. Unplugged, it has a “banjo-esque” snap—bright, percussive, and surprisingly loud for a small wooden box. The 25-inch scale length provides enough string tension to keep the bronze strings feeling snappy, especially when tuned to the traditional GDG (Open G). However, the real magic happens when you use the pre-wired piezo and jack harness. By plugging this into a small tube amp with a bit of gain, the instrument transforms. The piezo pickup captures the vibrations directly from the box, resulting in a lo-fi, gritty sound that is the hallmark of modern blues and roots music. We found that the lack of a volume knob on the guitar itself (it’s a direct jack) actually forces you to play with more dynamics in your fingers, which is a great way to improve your technique. It’s an authentic sound that really sets it apart from “cleaner” acoustic-electrics.

Ergonomics, Fretwork, and Playability

One of the standout features of the C. B. Gitty 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Kit with Pickup is the fully fretted neck. Many DIY kits in this price range come with “fret lines” or require you to hammer in your own frets—a daunting task for a novice. This kit arrives with the frets already seated and leveled. We were particularly pleased with the “zero fret” design. By using a fret instead of a traditional nut to set the string height at the headstock, the action remains consistently low and easy to press. The poplar neck is substantial enough to feel like a “real” guitar but narrow enough for comfortable slide work. Whether you are playing with your fingers or using a glass slide, the 1.35-inch nut width provides plenty of room without feeling cumbersome. The use of high-quality poplar for the neck ensures that it won’t warp under the tension of the three bronze strings, which is a feature that really sets it apart from cheaper, plastic-heavy alternatives.

Hardware Durability and Aesthetic Customization

Finally, we have to talk about the “bits and bobs.” The inclusion of eight chrome box corners isn’t just for looks; they reinforce the structural integrity of the cigar box, which wasn’t originally designed to withstand the pressure of guitar strings. The floating, banjo-style bridge is another masterstroke. It allows you to fine-tune the intonation of the instrument by moving it slightly forward or backward, ensuring that your chords stay in tune all the way up the neck. We also loved the chrome sound hole inserts, which give the instrument a polished, professional look. Because the wood is unfinished, this kit is a blank canvas. We chose to apply a light linseed oil to the neck and a vintage stain to the box, but you could just as easily paint it or leave it raw. The C. B. Gitty 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Kit with Pickup is designed to be personalized, making it a truly bespoke instrument for the creative player.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment among users who have tackled this project is one of surprise and satisfaction. Most builders highlight how “fantastic” the kit is for the price, often noting that it includes “all the important things you needed” without requiring a workshop full of power tools. One user mentioned that while a table saw might have sped up the process, using simple hand tools took about 3 hours and was a highly rewarding experience. We found that users particularly appreciate the easy-to-follow directions, which mitigate the fear of making a costly mistake.

There are very few negative reports, but those that exist usually center on the time investment. As one user noted, “It took a lot longer than I thought,” emphasizing that this isn’t a “snap-together” toy but a genuine instrument build. This feedback is relevant because it sets a realistic expectation: if you rush, you’ll miss the point. However, once the strings are on and the amp is humming, the consensus is that the C. B. Gitty 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Kit with Pickup is a “fun to build” and even more fun to play machine. You can read more about these real-world results on the product listing page.

Comparing the C. B. Gitty Kit to Modern Alternatives

1. Yamaha FGX800C Acoustic-Electric Cutaway Guitar

The Yamaha FGX800C is a world away from the DIY world of C. B. Gitty. This is a standard, full-sized, 6-string dreadnought with a solid spruce top. It features a sophisticated under-saddle piezo pickup and a built-in tuner. This alternative is for the person who wants a “ready-to-play” professional instrument with a traditional sound. While the Gitty kit is about raw character and the joy of building, the Yamaha is about reliability and industry-standard performance. If you need a guitar for a standard wedding gig or a coffee house set where you need 6 strings and a cutaway for high-fret access, the Yamaha is the better choice. However, it lacks the unique soul and “conversation piece” factor of a cigar box guitar.

2. Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle

The Fender CD-60SCE bundle is designed for the absolute beginner who wants everything handed to them in one go. It includes a gig bag, tuner, and strap. Much like the Yamaha, it is a traditional 6-string acoustic-electric. It offers a very polished “Fender” sound that is bright and clear. This is a great alternative for a student who wants to learn standard guitar theory and chords. However, if you find standard guitars a bit boring or intimidating with their six strings, the 3-string C. B. Gitty kit offers a much lower barrier to entry for playing actual songs and slide blues. The Fender is a tool; the C. B. Gitty is an experience.

3. Yamaha APX600 OBB Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Yamaha APX600 is a “thinline” acoustic-electric, making it much more comfortable to hold than a standard dreadnought. Its body depth is closer to the C. B. Gitty kit than the other alternatives, making it a good “middle ground” for those who want a slim instrument but aren’t ready to build one themselves. It features excellent electronics and a very playable neck. This is for the stage performer who wants to avoid feedback and needs a comfortable fit. While it’s a fantastic guitar, it still produces a very “standard” acoustic tone. It won’t give you that swampy, porch-thumping resonance that comes naturally to the C. B. Gitty 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Kit with Pickup.

The Final Verdict: A Masterclass in DIY Music

After spending significant time with the C. B. Gitty 3-String Cigar Box Guitar Kit with Pickup, we can confidently say it is one of the most rewarding musical purchases you can make. It successfully demystifies the process of building an instrument, providing high-quality parts that result in a professional-grade cigar box guitar. Its strengths lie in its clear instructions, pre-fretted neck, and the raw, electric growl of its piezo pickup. While it requires a few hours of focused labor, the payoff is an instrument that is uniquely yours. We recommend this kit to anyone from the bored intermediate guitarist looking for a new challenge to the DIY enthusiast who wants to hear their handiwork sing. It’s affordable, durable, and packed with personality. If you’re ready to stop playing everyone else’s sound and start building your own, we highly suggest you pick up your own kit today and start your build.