Testimonials
Thousands and thousands of guitar professionals, home instrument builders, cigar box guitar enthusiasts, musicians and others have discovered the dedication to good prices and great service that we bring to all of our sales.
Here is just a small sampling of what some of our satisfied customers have said...
“Thanks to C. B. Gitty for the great CBG parts.”
- Charles O.
“I ordered a different parts kit from eBay, and met with less than optimal results. So I stopped goofing around and got the Gitty kit. It was exactly what I needed. Works great, sounds great, turns heads- couldn't ask for more.”
- Don L.
"After making my first-ever CBG for myself, my son and I made this one for him. Turned out great and he has barely picked up his 6-string since! It was an awesome father-son experience and I’m glad C. B. Gitty could be a part of it! We have lots of ideas for future projects, too!"
- Michael P.
“I just received a piezo rod pickup for my old Takamine acoustic/electric. Despite it being the Christmas season, it was delivered a day earlier than promised. I am very happy with the pickup. I feel like I have a brand new guitar. It sounds SOOOOO much better now.
This pickup was inexpensive, but the quality is much better than what Takamine used. I never knew how good this guitar could sound. Thank you. I am going to electrify all of my acoustics now that I see how easy the job is.”
- Gary S.
“I wanted to make my own CBG from scratch. I found all I needed to complete the project at C. B. Gitty. And the prices and turn around were awesome to say the least. I was able to finish the project on time. Lots of great help and how to get me through it. Was a great learning experience and I look forward to my next project.”
- Arthur P.
“I can't say enough about C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply. I've been buying parts and supplies from them for about 7 years, and they're always my first stop. It's a small town business run by Ben Gitty Baker, and he and his team do a phenomenal job. That and they're just great people who build, play, and love cigar box guitars like the rest of us.”
- Mark L.
“I buy all my tuners and hardware from C. B. Gitty. His piezo rod pickups are top notch.”
- Shane Speal, King of the Cigar Box Guitar, recording artist and founder of Cigar Box Nation
“Hey, I just wanted to let you guys know I appreciate how fast you get fret wire shipped out to me. It's helped me, my customers, and their instruments. I have ended up recommending you to a few friends. Hope you have a great day!”
- Drew in Seattle
“Ben, just received my box kit and as usual all is "Perfect!" I just love being a C. B. Gitty customer and have been for the last couple of years.
Just wanted to say "Thanks" for the CBG cut-outs that I will hand out at the next monthly meeting of 'Guys building guitars club' in Dallas. Can't wait to build my box CBG as soon as the "Heat" in Dallas lets up.
As always thanks for letting me be a C. B. Gitty customer.”
- Wayne in Dallas
"I love homemade instruments and love promoting the making of them. The students really had a good time (building the canjos we got from C. B. Gitty) and I wish there was a way to do this project with all of my students but at the moment that just isn't feasible.
I make tons of instruments and have had several posted on your site and I have no plans to stop making them! I give them to family members and friends as presents and even sell a few here and there.
Thanks again and please let everyone there know how much they are appreciated."
- Adam S.
“Hello friends at C. B. Gitty. I just wanted to let you know that the plain, simple slide CBG I recently ordered is just great. Easily assembled, as advertised.
It sounded nice and loud and clear when I strummed it. Then I added a piezo pickup and a pot and cranked it loud and it sounded nice and crunchy. So, thanks for the EZ kit. I hope you sell a lot of them. Perfect.”
- Tony S.
“I've built 5 cigar box guitars with almost all the parts from C. B. Gitty. I love the quality of their products and the service.”
- Mike P.
“Thank you so much! My husband is fascinated with your site too! Your CBG kit helped me overcome the inertia and start building. I sincerely love your website; you don't just sell products, you provide inspiration and support through newsletters, blogs, and other free features.
When I just pluck the strings and play a few chords on the CBG I built from your kit, people are amazed. They can't believe that a homemade cigar box guitar, built from a kit, could sound so good. I really think it has a better sound than many commercially manufactured guitars/ukes I've owned over the years.”
- Liz M.
"My projects all start with a fun shaped cigar box that I hand paint in mostly bright fluorescent colors that look beautiful under normal lighting, but flip the switch to a black light and these cbgs morph into a '60s flashback! I have learned through many trials and error about making these classic instruments into great sounding guitars and my hard work, and hours of how-to videos, taught me well. But none of that would matter if there wasn't C. B. Gitty there to help me along the way with not only quality equipment but invaluable info on building these cbgs!"
- James A.
“There is no denying that these beautiful parts form the basis of the dream. How do you know what your CBG is going to look like unless you look at and choose the parts you want?
You offer such a great range of both beautiful and practical parts. Not only did you help me make my CBG look like a million dollars, you also helped me make it sound like two million dollars! I owe you guys many thanks for helping me build my dream.”
- Jamie M.
“Just want to thank you for your excellent customer service. You guys have been most helpful, in a day and age where it seems increasingly difficult to get good service, it's most appreciated. Be sure to tell the lady at the end of the phone how pleasant she is and how much it is appreciated. You guys have my loyalty!”
- Theo E.
“Got my guitar kit today, spent a leisurely half hour putting it together this evening and am completely pleased with the results. Surprised at the volume, even more so at the sensitivity - this will make me a much better slide player in short order.
Great product, great intro to the art of cigar box guitars, and well worth the small sum invested! Thanks for turning me back on musically.”
- Steve
“Hi Ben I am new the cigar box revolution. I love playing and building... your products are excellent and your site is awesome. I am going to send some pics of my current build soon. Thank you.”
- Todd P., Cigar Box Nation member
“I've been a customer for a few years and always amazed at the reasonable prices of your products. Just ordered the ‘Pure and Simple’ cigar box guitar, [and am] really looking forward to it. Just wanted to say thanks from guys like me who get a chance to enjoy this hobby. Cheers.”
- Robert P.
“I have purchased all of my parts from C. B. Gitty. They are the best!!!!!”
- Cliff L.
“Mr. Ben Gitty---thank you, thank you, thank you! I received my first (and not the my last) order from C. B. Gitty!!!
I gotta tell you, Ben and his peeps rock! The shipping was über fast and super affordable. I got an email notice once my stuff was pulled from the shelf and shipped which was less than 12hrs. It was packed well and everything looks pretty tip top, although I haven't had a chance to test the electric harness, but I'm sure it's good too.
You all can buy from these folks with extreme confidence.
BTW My XXXXL t-shirt is the best walking-talking billboard ever.
‘I might not be the best CBG player out there, but I am in my weight class.’”
- Edward T. S.
“This was my first CBG project and I think it turned out great. I've watched about a million YouTube videos on the build process and with a little time and patience my guitar is complete. Thank you C. B. Gitty for all your help.”
- Jason R.
“Just wanted to say thank you for the manner in which you conduct your business. You are always prompt with your deliveries, accurate in what you send, have reasonable prices, and I LOVE the personal notes you include with the shipment! I hope you NEVER quit doing what you are doing and the way you are doing it! Great job!
So far I've made 14 guitars and have given 7 away. I love making them, even though I'm not much of a carpenter. It's just fun! Your business has helped me a lot in finding and obtaining the supplies I need. Plus, I get new ideas from you. I can hardly wait to try the electric percussion box you showed in your newsletter!
Thanks again!”
- Barbara in Burns, Kansas
“I just wanted to write you and say thanks for selling such great products - I like so many of them! I bought something from you about three months ago and now, as I was looking to buy a similar thing, I immediately thought of you and went straight to your website! :-) So, thanks again!”
- Peter
"Good, honest, up-front company. Love their products and their service."
- Karl H.
“Lovely product, nice note enclosed; would do business with this company again because of the vibe; they seem down-to-earth, eager to make sure the customer is happy, and they seem grateful for your business!”
- Eugene in New Jersey
“I began making cigar box guitars after getting released from hospital for cancer treatment. I could not return to work, and needed to occupy my time, so I decided to give making these type of guitars a try.
I love the fact that I can put my own spin on each of them, making them truly unique. Music is universal and can heal the soul and calm the mind. I like knowing I am doing something that will outlive me, and possibly enrich someone’s life. I have some of the highest standards when making my cigar box guitars, I want them to not only sound great, but to actually look and feel great too.
So, when I am crafting one, I really think about what makes sense. From the neck to the sound holes and everything in between is carefully thought out and tested before set in stone. My plan is to continue to make these instruments and possible sell them online, once I get at least 15-20 made.
Thank you C. B. Gitty for the opportunity to display my work!”
- Erik L.
“I have never been disappointed by the products or the service from C. B. Gitty.”
- Buck in Texas
“I first became interested in cigar box guitars when I came across some on YouTube videos. So I started doing a lot of research and found out from a man named Shane Speal that I could buy all the parts I needed from the C. B. GItty Company.
I started gathering up my parts and found a place near where I live that I could buy cigar boxes for one dollar apiece. And then of course I put in my order to C. B. Gitty for the parts I could not find locally and received my order in two days which I could not believe how fast it arrived.
I put quite a bit of thought into my design and procrastinated a little bit but then I realized that these guitars are supposed to be simple and so I just dove into it and ended up putting it together in a little over one week. I had to work out some bugs on it because this is a resonator guitar and I used a paint can lid that I bought from C. B. Gitty.
I was getting a little bit of buzz when I strummed the strings and I discovered that it was the bolt and nut I was using for a bridge and so I swapped that out for a piece of red Oak and the buzz went away. I am very happy with my guitar build and it would not have been possible without Shane Speal and the C. B. Gitty Company. I am already making plans to build more guitars and I will be buying all of my parts from C. B. Gitty.
Thank you for all of your help and advice.”
- Robert M.
“Great company. VERY fast service. Very good prices. My first and last stop for CBG parts.”
- Michael in Michigan
“C. B. Gitty rocks! They always have what I need in stock, and shipping is super fast. Love you guys. Thanks C. B. Gitty!”
- George W.
“Deal with assurance.”
- Gary in California
“C. B. Gitty is probably the best known site in connection with cigar box guitars. My husband found this in the mail ... was SO excited, curious, etc. over WHAT I had ordered ... I caved and let the man have his birthday present early. That seller is THAT good and THAT well known!”
- Marie K.
“I just got my shipment of tuners today, great item, great price, fast shipping, even a thank you written on the receipt. From now on I'm not buying from anyone else. Thanks Gitty!!”
- Brian S, Cigar Box Nation member
“I received tuners, fret wire and piezos from Gitty today. Everything is in order and these tuners rock for the price! A great value overall. I'll be a repeat customer for sure.”
- BenBob, Cigar Box Nation member
“Even if Ben were not such a great, reliable and honest guy, if the prices are good it makes good sense to support the ppl who advertise here [on Cigar Box Nation] bcoz they are funding the site, and we all want them to continue to do so. I've only got fretwire off him but i can tell u he doesnt bone u on international shipping like a lot do, in fact he goes to extra effort to keep the shipping costs low.”
- Jef L., Australia
“I have shopped from Gitty -- great products, fast shipping, great service and Gitty knows his stuff and is always willing to help. HIGHLY recommended by me!”
- NoxTerran, Cigar Box Nation member
“Hi Ben, I noted on my own status how much I appreciate the way you do business, but I doubt you saw it- so I'm telling you here, just to make sure you know. I don't order often or much at a time, but I know I can expect the same great service and speed that you give to your most prolific purchasers. That means a lot to me, and that's why you are one of my very favorite vendors -- regardless of the type of merchandise -- and THE 'go to' CBG parts guy. Thanks again.”
- Jeff T., Cigar Box Nation
“Just have to say that you guys are really great. Have ordered several items for my new cbg hobby and the complete experience with you guys is superior. Nicely packaged/labeled/packed. Consistently fast shipping. Also having the right 3 strings prepackaged saved me a bunch of research. Prices are fair too. I look forward to doing business with you in the future. Glad your feedback is representative of how you conduct your business. The few neg feedbacks are obviously from boneheads. Thanks.”
- Tom
"C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply's customer service was top notch, and the shipping was fast. The fret wire and [fretting guide] CD arrived quickly and in perfect condition."
- Joann
“Hey Ben, used the gold fret wire on my dulci-jo build. I love that wire, so easy to finish the ends. Took me half as much time then the nickel wire I use. I’m hooked on the gold wire now, will order more of it in the near future......Outstanding fret wire!!!!!”
- Randy B., Cigar Box Nation member
“Hey C. B. Gitty, I like the fretting guide... I really like the way you did it. Very professional! I like the Stu Mac references for different tools. The various links are great. The pic's are very clear. You explain things quite well. Good job!!! Thanks!”
- Lenny, Cigar Box Nation member
“Just wanted to post an unsolicited testimonial: the Guide which C. B. Gitty included with my fret wire order was most helpful in getting my first fretted CBG workable. Thanks very much for putting it together!”
- Tres S., Cigar Box Nation member
“I've got that CD and also want to say how great a help it is! I'll be getting some wire from you soon, Ben!”
- Lana R., Cigar Box Nation member
“Fast shipping, thank you. Will do business again.”
- eBay Customer huttstuff71
“Wow, thanks! A hard to find very small fretwire!! Perfect!”
- eBay Customer crazy_diamond_1971
“Got what I expected. Thanks! Will buy from C. B. Gitty again.”
- eBay Customer davarm
“Very pleased with item and seller. An excellent ebay transaction! Thanks!!”
- eBay Customer jrchnbch
“Thanks for making so much good stuff at hands reach. This website is the store where you can by all the goodies at a fair price. I had never played a Cigar Box Guitar before and then I heard Ben Prestage play one and I was hooked! I built my first before I found your website, and it had a few problems. When I found this site I could see what others had built and found my way to building a better guitar. I now build guitars for friends because they are so much fun to build and play. I buy things I need to , like fret wire and tuning machines from your store and it's all great stuff quality and price wise.”
- John M.
“Hello, I just wanted to say thanks for the recent orders. Everything arrived promptly and as promised. You folks do a great job and your website is a terrific resource. I'll be sure to spread the word. Kindest regards.”
- Joe H.
“Ben, I have to say, Thank you! And that I am very impressed with the swiftness with which I received the order I made on your site. You folks do wonderful things. Thanks again.”
- Adam S.
“This is my first guitar build and I am quite happy with the outcome. Thank you C. B. Gitty for having the parts needed to complete this build!”
- Randy S.
"C. B. Gitty is more than a business with sales and customers. It is a community where both sides collaborate in advancing production and appreciation of instruments and the music created with them. This includes but is not limited to materials instruments and lessons.
I've found it the most beneficial site around for finding a deeper connection to my music."
- Roger M.
"I am a retired engineer and enthusiastic maker of 'things'. Generally, model toys, games, puzzles and novelties. Music is a mystery to me, but I was captivated by the simplicity of the Cigar Box Guitar concept and thought I would have a go at making one as a surprise for one of my grandsons who plays guitars.
The C. B. Gitty and Cigar Box Nation web sites are so helpful. Shared discussion on one of the Forums, parts purchased from C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply and the Glenn Watt videos all spurred me along.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the project, learned things along the way and am pleased with the result. It makes a nice 'twang'.
I am sure my grandson in New Zealand, to whom I shall present it at Christmas, will serenade me with a tune or two. I shall direct him to the C. B. Gitty website for more information."
- Norman G.
"I love the fun attitude and spirit that C. B. Gitty has about being creative in using anything that works to create an instrument."
- Evan H.
"Gitty has been my major supplier and has enabled my business to grow every year for the last 6 years. The service has always been great and I don't think I could do it without them."
- Dean M., Soul Cat Guitars
"Builds go so easy with C. B. Gitty's large selections good pricing and fast shipping."
- Paul K.
“This will sound like an advertisement, but what the hey... I don't think I could have done this project without C. B. Gitty! The fret saw in particular was a God-send. Accurate, easy to use, and inexpensive. Same for the fret finisher.
I also purchased the fret template which took the guesswork out of laying out the frets. As a result, the intonation is great.Perhaps the best resource was the book I purchased, Mike Orr's "Handmade Music Factory". While not perfect, it gave me just enough to start creating my own instrument and feel comfortable about the process.
I look forward to making many, many more instruments! Thanks C. B. Gitty!!”
- Kevin C.
“Stick-to-it-ivness! That's how I can explain building your first CBG. At many times, I thought I was crazy to continue but I kept going and finally finished. I now can't wait to do many more of my own designs. Thank you Gitty for all your tutorials and components. Probably would've given up if it weren't for you guys :)”
- Philip G.
“C. B. Gitty has great products and prices and helps keep my builds going! I can always count on great customer service, quick shipping and plenty of great products to choose from to inspire my CBG builds!”
- Matt H.
“Gitty has helped every step of the way.”
- Alex R.
"What a joy to be able to put an instrument together and play it. I have played for forty years and just heard of these beauties. I purchased the fretting kit and some snazzy embellishments to start on my journey.
I have made a diddley-bow and two 3-stringers, and am learning and getting better every day. This is a perfect hobby for a blues-loving, retired English teacher. The open G tuning has taught me more about the fretboard and (dare I say) theory than I ever knew before.
Thank you for providing everything I could ever need to make a new guitar. Also, your videos on YouTube have been rather handy several times. You have a fan for life in Ohio."
- John H.