Will My C. B. Gitty Cigar Box Guitar Neck Warp?

We recently received this letter from Bob in North Carolina regarding our Front Porch Picker cigar box guitar.  We thought it would be a great opportunity to share with everybody, especially since we are so proud of the instruments created in the Gitty Workshop up here in New Hampshire.  

Here is Bob's question...

Dear C. B. Gitty

I was pleasantly surprised with the front porch cbg Christmas. I own several guitars, this is my first cbg and I love it.

Should I slack the string when not playing? Should I have concerns about the neck bowing with age? 

Also received the Busker amp, amazing sound. Love the sound, and its a show success! 

Thank you for making my Christmas wonderful!

-Bob in North Carolina

And here is Gitty's response...

Very glad to hear that you are happy with the instrument and amp, Bob!

We string those guitars to be fairly low-tension, and the hardwood oak necks stand up to it well without bowing, so you shouldn't need to slack the strings. But of course you can if you want.

Happy picking!

 - Ben/Gitty

So there you have it folks, right from Mr. Gitty himself. Good strong hardwood like oak, maple and such can stand up pretty well to the tension of 3-string guitars, and many often 4-string as well. Tending towards lighter-gauge strings can help reduce the overall tension to prevent bowing as well. If your strings seem too tight and your neck is bowing, try lighter (smaller) gauge strings!

Have questions regarding a Gitty product?  Email us at gittyfans@cbgitty.com.

See also -

“Open G” GDG Tuning on your Cigar Box Guitar: 4 Methods, with String Sizes & Sound Clips