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A Cigar Box Christmas Story

Just a part time, casual builder. I sometimes go to the local market days with a git or two to raise enough spare change to support my habit of building and collecting CBG's. I was sought out by a couple who had stopped by a couple times and looked at my rude initial attempts at making music. Seems they had a shy teenager that was somewhat of a musical prodigy - several instruments already under within his mastery. Intrigued by the boxes, but just too darn shy to even ask if he could try one out. I put one in his hands and he was almost embarrassed that he couldn't play it right away, obviously uncomfortable to be in public and plunking away at an unfamiliar instrument. And he was left handed to boot, and I with nothing but "righties".

So last week, these folks sought me out to make that boy a proper "lefty" git out of a cigar box. A little short on the order as I was already making a couple that were to be gifts. But I remembered the kid, and thought, what the heck? Of course, they wanted everything I could put in, three pickups, nice wood, picked out a nice Punch box and fretboard. Regulars here may have noticed my "Need a 3 string mag pickup" thread I started because I couldn't find any readily available. One Mr. Dan Sleep answered my call and I promptly bought one of his nicely finished pickups to complete this build. Of course, with my "day job" the build stretched on and it was into this last week when I was fitting the pick up. I cut the hole in the top a bit too small and as I was pushing it in and out, I managed to cut the fine winding wire. DOH!

Now I knew I could be in trouble. First it was only 7 days from Christmas and I still had a ways to go with this git. Second, I would have to admit to Mr. Sleep that I fumble-fingered his nice pickup. Third, I still needed a pick up!

A hurried email was fired off. The very understanding Mr. Sleep said he would wind me a new one, with a special base so even this moron could get it in there right, and get it in the mail to me the next day (Wednesday, Dec. 18th). This decreased my stress level a little, but I knew it was still on me to get this gift finished quick! The Priority Post ponies were mercifully on time and I got the replacement pickup on Friday, Dec 20th.

So here I sit in my shop on Sunday, December 22nd, awkwardly trying to make sounds with a FINISHED left handed guitar. I kind of feel what the kid did that day - your fingers just don't work backwards! I did just flip it over and play it "righty" and it sounds great! Starting with the buried bridge piezo pickup she makes a muted, but hollow sound, then to the "acoustic" piezo to bring out the "delta blues" twang in the box, and finally on to the smooth tones of Dan Sleep's magnetic pickup. The parents are on the way over to take possession of their special gift.

Oh yeah..... I asked Mr. Sleep how much money I could send him for bailing me out and custom winding me a pickup on short notice and jamming it in the mail for me. He sent me an email and it had two words on it.

Merry Christmas!

Thank you Mr. Sleep

To all - may you never break a string, may every build be better than the last, and may your intonation be perfect, and may you have a Merry Christmas!

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Permalink Reply by jawbone on December 22, 2013 at 8:08am

That is one fine looking git - and a darn nice story!!!!
Merry Xmas to all...now, out to the shop and tune up the Grand daughters CBUke one more time!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on December 22, 2013 at 12:49pm

That turned out really nice Gene! I am glad I could help you out.

I hope your and your loved ones have a fantastic holiday season!!

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Permalink Reply by Jim Woods on December 25, 2013 at 6:57pm

Gene,

Great looking CBG & great story.

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Permalink Reply by Slowpaw Steve T on December 26, 2013 at 12:13am

beautifully made guitar and great story - and here's to the lefties! (-;

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Permalink Reply by Gene Robinson on December 26, 2013 at 3:58am

Thanks guys,

The boys parents came by and picked it up on Monday - they were thrilled! Always like to see that look when they know it's theirs. I haven't gotten a report back as to the boys reaction to it but I'm sure I will.

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Permalink Reply by Phil Thomas on December 26, 2013 at 5:48am

Hi Gene
Don't know about anybody else but I want to know how the young man got on with this nice looking instrument. Did mum or dad get back to you? Should we be looking out for a new member on the Nation? Hats off, too, to Dan for putting himself out for you.

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Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on December 31, 2013 at 11:07am

Very nice story and build! Awesome!

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Permalink Reply by Gene Robinson on December 31, 2013 at 11:41am

Well, I did get to visit with kid!

The jack ended up going flakey and I replaced it the day after Christmas. I turned it around quick because he told me he's been playing the heck out of it thing. He was pretty pleased when he got it back and ran back off to his room and start playing it.

I'm sure I'll seem him around!