I am building a cigar box guitar, or starting to! - see here for what they are you tube thingy

I have all the bits except for the neck, this really needs to be a hardwood, maple or similar
ideal size is around 1000mm x 50mm x 25mm
the DIY stores dont do anything like this, does anyone know a good cheap source for something like this in Leeds / yorkshire

You can buy neck blanks on ebay for around £20 but that isn't the locost way!

also if anyone has built one of these before any help / info greatly appreciated

cheers

Paul

Mate of mine has made a few, I can ask him where he gets his wood stock from tomorrow.
I have a bit of hardwood from an old fire surround but from memory it's about 15x25mm. Again,
will dig it out tomorrow and check size. It's not maple but much darker, more like Jarra. I was told
what it was a while ago but can't remember.

I have built an electric guitar and an electric bass. The neck was by far the hardest part, and that was with bought fretboards. Putting the frets in, and dressing them is not hard, but shaping the back etc is. BUY the neck and you'll be guaranteed a nice instrument you can be proud of! It is very satisfying to finally play something you've made.

I've bought a lot of good quality wood online from Robbins timber, they supply boat builders so don't sell crap

You could try http://www.john-boddy-timber.ltd.uk/ it's a great place if you like wood!
Hugh

Boddys are great we also use Fitchetts and Woollacott now part of Brooks brothers, we have made various guitars over the years including a slide guitar/ mandolin etc.
We have bought in finger boards after making our own with fine saw and fret wire - not worth the effort, Axes R us was a useful supplier.
Your local wood yard could easily have off cuts of decent wood big enough to make guitar necks also more traditional window installation gut s using hard wood frames for patio doors etc Also worth ringing around shop fitters who might have useful odds and sods no one is going to try and make their first million from selling off odd bits of timber
atb
Mike

Rutlands tools sell hard woods as well as all the woodworking tools you could ever need. Not sure if they'll have the right size/shape, but worth a look. Always had fast and complete delivery from them.

thanks guys will check out the suggestions and hopefully get what I need.

The neck on the cigar box guitar is much simpler than on an electric or acoustic guitar or bass.
three strings and basic headstock profile, bit of shaping underneath. I realise that fitting the frets will be a pain in arse but then thats part of the fun

cheers, will post a pic or video when it is done if anyone is interested