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"Blues Box Guitar" unboxing review

I'd heard about these Chinese-made "cigar box" guitars coming onto the market a few months ago, and after hearing that they were on sale here in the UK, I decided to see what they were all about. From what I'd heard, some people seemed to hate the idea, some dismiss it, others appeared to feel threatened by the appearance of this mass-market instrument. I've tried to be as objective as I can...here's the first episode of my 3 part review.

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Comment by BUGGY (C) on November 29, 2015 at 12:06pm: They're £20 off the works website..60% off.

Might shove it on ebay and see what it goes for for a laugh..

Comment by BUGGY (C) on November 29, 2015 at 11:57am: Well just like these they caught on and did really well, and everyone gave up their cars and bikes... er ok maybe not then.. ;>)

But now I really want try one a Chinese CBG... :>(

Comment by Uncle John on November 22, 2015 at 1:09pm: I feel better about them after reading your comments. Yep, maybe and hopefully a good introduction to the roots and home made music world.

Comment by smilingdog1 on November 22, 2015 at 12:42pm

There are box guitars mass produced for sale on EB.(pic below) It is what it is and so you get what you're after. I personally like both a rusty old clunker and the more skill crafted instrument depending on my mood. But knowing the builder and story behind each build enhances the pleasure of ownership for sure. As far as starter kits, Chicken Bone John turned me onto the idea of build your own kits at our festivals. We've sold a couple hundred kits to both adults and kids who build em right there at the booth, tune and play them on the way home. Last years necks were 100 year old reclaimed Oak bridge beams. I'm sure they will be a big hit this next fest as well.

Details about Fully Loaded Pro 6 String Electric Cigar Box Guitar Opening Body w/mahogany core

Comment by Jim Morris on November 22, 2015 at 4:32am: Yeah I'm with Digly. This kind of thing will spark some folks into saying "I can make that, maybe even better". It actually looks like a cool starter git to get young ones into homemade instruments.

Comment by Diglydog on November 21, 2015 at 10:17pm: I guess that if a kid gets one of these for Christmas and it sparks an interest in music then it's done it's job. Once they've got one of these, they'll soon find out what CBGs are about and whether they want to pursue it as a hobby.

I don't think that this will threaten the market in hand-made CBGs. However, if the higher-quality end of the market has sufficient volume to make commercial production viable then, sooner or later, someone will start chasing the cash.

Comment by Bob LEVY on November 21, 2015 at 5:53pm: $29.99 US at Barnes & Noble book store. the Importer has a couple of vids on the net if you can't wait for John's next episode.

Comment by Uncle John on November 21, 2015 at 10:20am: Interesting.   First I had heard about them. Kind of pretty.  I look forward to the rest of episodes.

Factory made CBGs put me off a bit...    C.B. Gitty and few others are pretty close to being CBG factories.   At least with Gitty, I think you get good quality.

Mark me down as a fan of self made instruments as most desirable and home made (by some one else) as second place.

But if somebody shows up with one of these Chinese factory mades.....   I guess the thing to do is welcome them and encourage them.