A cigar box guitar is a fascinating blend of simplicity and creativity — built from a wooden cigar box, a neck, strings, and often cabinet hinges used as structural or decorative elements.

If you need to repair, rebuild, or customize your cigar box guitar, you may need to take it apart carefully, especially the hinges, which are typically small metal fittings connecting the lid or back panel.

Disassembling this kind of instrument requires patience and attention to detail to avoid damaging the wood or hardware.

1. Understand the Construction

Before you begin, take a close look at the structure of your cigar box guitar.
Most models use the following components:

• Cigar box body: The wooden box acting as the guitar’s resonator.

• Cabinet hinges: Used to attach the box lid or as decorative side plates.

• Neck assembly: Typically runs through or under the box, supporting the strings.

• Bridge and nut: Control string height and vibration transfer.

• Tuning keys and strings: Mounted on the neck and headstock.

In many handmade guitars, the hinges also function as part of the box closure or as a creative mounting point for straps or tailpieces.

2. Gather the Necessary Tools

To take apart your cigar box guitar safely, prepare:

• Small Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers

• Needle-nose pliers

• Soft cloth or towel for protecting the surface

• Plastic scraper or putty knife (if hinges are glued)

• Container or tray to hold screws

• Optional: Electric screwdriver with low torque setting

Having the right tools prevents slipping or over-tightening that could strip screw holes in the wood.

3. Detune and Remove the Strings

Start by loosening all guitar strings to relieve tension on the neck and body.

1. Turn the tuning keys counterclockwise until the strings go slack.

2. Remove the strings from the tuning pegs and bridge.

3. Coil and set them aside if you plan to reuse them.

With the tension gone, the box structure will relax, making it easier to handle without bending or cracking.

4. Identify the Hinges and Their Fasteners

Inspect where the hinges are located:

• On the rear of the box lid, connecting it to the back panel.

• On the sides, sometimes used decoratively.

• Occasionally attached under the neck plate as reinforcement.

Each hinge is secured with small wood screws or brads.
If they appear rusted or painted over, spray a tiny amount of penetrating oil (such as WD-40) and wait 10–15 minutes before loosening.

5. Remove the Cabinet Hinges

1. Lay the guitar flat on a padded surface.

2. Hold the hinge firmly with one hand.

3. Use a precision screwdriver to unscrew each fastener slowly, maintaining downward pressure to prevent cam-out (slipping).

4. Place all screws and hinge parts in a small container to avoid loss.

If the hinge is glued or stuck:

• Insert a plastic scraper under the hinge plate.

• Gently twist to separate it from the surface.

• Avoid metal prying tools — they can gouge the wood.

Take your time. Cabinet hinges are small and can bend easily if forced.

6. Separate the Box Lid or Back Panel

Once the hinges are off, you can safely remove the cigar box lid or back.

• If the lid is removable, lift it gently along the seam.

• If it’s nailed or glued, insert a thin blade or spatula along the edge and slowly work around until it releases.

• Always move gradually to avoid splintering the wood.

This exposes the internal cavity of the guitar, allowing access to the neck joint, wiring (if electric), and soundboard.

7. Remove or Adjust the Neck (If Needed)

If your goal is to rebuild or modify, the next step is removing the neck:

1. Check inside the box to see if the neck is bolted, screwed, or glued in place.

2. Unscrew any visible fasteners from the interior or back.

3. For glued joints, use a hair dryer on low heat to soften adhesive before gently wiggling the neck free.

Keep all parts organized — even small washers or spacers can affect alignment during reassembly.

8. Clean and Inspect the Hardware

With the cabinet hinges removed, inspect each part for wear or rust.

• Light corrosion: Soak in vinegar or lemon juice for 10–15 minutes, then wipe clean.

• Severe rust: Use fine sandpaper (600-grit) or a rotary brush to polish.

• Repainting or refinishing: Apply a thin coat of clear lacquer to protect against oxidation.

For authentic vintage appeal, leave light patina intact — it adds character without harming function.

9. Reassemble (Optional)

If you plan to reattach the hinges after inspection or modification:

1. Align them precisely in their original positions.

2. Pre-drill pilot holes if the old holes are stripped.

3. Tighten screws gently — overtightening may crack thin cigar box wood.

4. Verify that the lid opens smoothly and closes flush.

Before restringing, make sure the lid and body are stable with no looseness at the hinge line.

10. Safety and Preservation Tips

• Always support the guitar body while removing parts.

• Avoid using power drills on fragile wood.

• Keep screws sorted — many hinge screws look identical but vary slightly in thread pitch.

• Store small parts in labeled bags if the project will take several days.

• After reassembly, wipe all metal surfaces with a dry cloth to prevent future rust.

11. Key Takeaways

Taking apart a cabinet hinge cigar box guitar is a careful balance between craftsmanship and mechanical precision — a mindset shared with how WINTON designs its temperature-controlled cabinets and fine furniture systems.

Conclusion

Disassembling a cabinet hinge cigar box guitar is an opportunity to learn the craft behind its simple but ingenious construction.
By taking time to loosen, clean, and realign each hinge and joint properly, you preserve both the instrument’s integrity and its handmade charm.

Whether you’re repairing, upgrading, or studying guitar design, the same principles apply as in high-end craftsmanship — precision, patience, and respect for materials.

Explore more expert guides and engineered storage innovations at www.wintonwinecooler.com — where craftsmanship meets control and precision design.