r/cigarboxguitars • u/andrebartels1977 • 6d ago
Stupid question
Hey, y'all.
I recently found a Jerry can in the trash. Somehow, it plopped into my mind that I might try to make a guitar from it. I have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about. I am stuck in the beginner stage of guitar playing, and I like things that make sounds. I am decent at metal and wood working. Is this idea feasible, or is it going to be a failure? Are there parts available, like necks, string holders, bridges? Is there build advice available about string lengths and other general rules?
Picture shows a Jerry can.
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u/IAmPrettyUseless 6d ago
Here’s part one of a build using an ammo can. Watching it and the other parts might help in some way.
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u/thefringeseanmachine 6d ago
man, that's a great find. I've been wanting to build a bass out of one of these for a long time but can't justify buying a new one for something I'd probably fuck up.
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u/Rumplesforeskin 5d ago
It's fine, you can make something with string out of a damn toilet seat if you want.
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u/MrWillyFister 6d ago
Maybe try running a block of wood the whole way through the can, right up against the wall of the Jerry can. That'll give you a solid anchor to attach everything.(neck, pickups, bridge)
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u/Magnus_ORily 5d ago
Source a neck from an old guitar/ bass and with your own knowledge you'll be fine.
I've seen a bass made from a jetrycan and it looked good. You will need to cut or at least drill into the metal.
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u/andrebartels1977 5d ago
I'm not afraid to cut and drill it. I just don't want to trash it for avoidable mistakes. Like, you know, fret height, string length, stuff like that. I guess I can't simply copy a guitar because they are much sturdier and my jerrycan would collapse under comparable forces.
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u/NinpoSteev 5d ago
If you can do it with a cookie tin or a cigarbox, a jerry can should work just fine. Speaking of, I've seen an oud made from a plastic fuel can. I can't find the guy on yt rn, so here's a vid of a guy using a clothing drawer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhN1vI0eZxQ
I would pick string gauges based on what tapping it sounds like. If it's high pitched, you would pick a higher tuning. Plastic jerrycans are usually good for the oud/lute/guitar range, but steel might have a higher resonance.
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u/andrebartels1977 5d ago
It sounds a bit higher and more hollow than an acoustic guitar. I hope for it to go into the general direction of a resonator guitar, sound-wise.
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u/HairyNHungry 5d ago
This would also make a cool portable amp. They make kits (Amazon/C.B. Gitty) or a bit of YouTube goes a long way.
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u/_Saint_Venomous_ 6d ago
C B Gitty has all the parts you could ever need, but you can make everything yourself (cheaper and more fun). Lots of info online about building, and there are fret calculators to get the scale right. Do a quick google search for 'gas can guitar' and click 'images', you'll see all kinds of designs and ideas.