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"Players" or "Builders"

So . . . ever since the advent of the CBG revolution - I have found that this is the demarcation line.

"Player" or "Builder"

The nation (God love it) has plenty of the latter, but notsomuch of the former.

The cigar box guitar is such a perfectly primitive instrument. It epitomizes "simplicity" and the raw joy of music. Music to the lowest common denominator. We all embrace the beauty of the instrument in that regard . . .

I suppose the nature of any "internet community" is that it can become SOooo specialized and sooo very deep in the particular interest . . . The trouble is: the case of CBG's, it makes for a bit of philosophical disconnect, doesnt it?

The nation is a GREAT collection point for ideas and a great gathering place where hobbyists can congregate. But when we delve, ad nauseum into the complete minutia of things like what-is-the-best-angle-for-a-scarf-joint and what-material-is-best-for-sound-hole-grommets - and analyze every aspect to the enth degree - do we lose a little bit of the raw "stick-in-the-box charm" of the cbg??

I've noticed that many of the early crowd of "players" have drifted away. Maybe what I feel is missing is not the role of "the nation", but I'd like to think there was *someplace* online that could focus on :the player: side . . . a place where the average curious Joe Citizen who doesn't want to launch into a "DIY hobby" could click and and simply find out where to go to experience the raw joy of people playing (I'll use Mr. Speal's word:) "Primal" music - locate cigar box guitar festivals, local bands playing this stuff etc. etc etc.

When we get THAT, the cbg movement becomes something akin to a musical genre,

am I alone in this thought?

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on April 16, 2014 at 9:19am

The "good old days" usually weren't. In the earliest days there were a few "original" members who seemed intent on driving off "newbies" with harressment and disrespect. Part of it was about economics. CBGs that would sell for $75 today were bringing $3-400. Thankfully there were enough gracious "first generation" CBG'rs that the second generation (like me) were able to hang in. There were a lot of trading tips, builder challenges and encouragement for both building and playing. Dr. Oakroot taught me how to fret behind the bar. Ted Crocker would always give you enough help to get you going. But, the hand writing on the wall was that the CBG community would grow and it would take exceptional builders and good business people to make a living out of it.

This is not bad or good, it just is. I like not be cussed out by a "character" who may deserve notice for being a CBG pioneer, but who was clearly a horrible human being. I do like the openness to musical styles other than delta blues and prim rock. Are things perfect now? Hell no! But, as things are now, more people have the opportunity to find their potential in the CBG world. And, unfortunately for us oldtimers, you have to be even more exceptional to stand out. That's true whether you build or perform. That's not really so bad either.

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Permalink Reply by Chris Carlson on April 16, 2014 at 9:36am

Well put Sam!

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Permalink Reply by RTZGUITARS on April 17, 2014 at 10:59am

As people build better instruments better players will play them we have all seen who plays Matty Baratto's guitars. It doesn't matter what the Nation was like, just what it's like now. As for players it's up to you to promote yourself here there everywhere. If your out playing shows and walking into bars looking for gigs this site won't help that but I see people like Shane and his Band, Hollowbelly and Stumblecol using it to the best they can. I bet 90% of all the hits on this site are on the front page. So that's why your need your own site.

It may be a while before someone wins a Grammy for a all Homemade Instrument record. I don't think they will make a new category, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try.

It's a big step to go from Busking in front of Starbucks to heading lining a large venue.

If the Muckland Crooners were going to play Carnegie Hall I would be first in line.

http://kevin-sprague.squarespace.com/events-calendar/

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Permalink Reply by Richey Kay on April 18, 2014 at 5:48pm

Thanks for sharing that Gary! Looks great, will watch it later.

Soulman O'Gaia film from steven lyons on Vimeo.

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Permalink Reply by ron carlson on April 19, 2014 at 2:56am

Considering that I only have 2.5 builds (I'm considering the .5 to be the kit I built ;)) under my belt, I actually play more than I build. It's only fiddling around about a 1/2 hour to an hour every other night but at least I'm playing. I picked up recording stuff for Christmas but not quite ready for prime time yet. One of these days I will regale you folks with something or another I put together. Warning though, it may prove to be a less than memorable experience ;)

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on April 19, 2014 at 6:15am

Or, Ron, it might be unforgetable.....lol.... that's not the point. You have to put it out there in order to grow as a player/performer. Get a 6 song set together and go to a nursing home or a street corner. That's where you are really grow as a player... Risk=growth=joy

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Permalink Reply by ron carlson on April 20, 2014 at 1:22am

Ha! As they say in marketing, Love it or hate it, no matter just as long as they remember it ;)

6 songs! Man, I've got some work to do. I kinda got a Calhoun Tubbs thing going on at this point,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdlK7Fbdkks

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on April 20, 2014 at 2:20am

That Good? I was a couple years before I got the nerve to do what I do in front of anyone else. If you're at the Calhoun Tubbs level, you got the nerve, now go to the woodshed and get the chops. And enjoy each and every moment of it.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Sprague (Knotlenny) on April 20, 2014 at 12:58am

Does anyone know if there exists a comprehensive list of scheduled CBG fests? (with the associated contact info)

I'd like to put together a little directory of those . . . and maybe active performers just to promote along with my activities

I guess that would be a good place to start

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Permalink Reply by gary herget on April 20, 2014 at 1:30am

Don't know of a list, but there's one coming up in St. Louis on June 7th at the HWY 61 Roadhouse Webster Groves MO 63119. Justin Johnson and others will be performing. Contact Smilingdog1 or myself for more info.

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Permalink Reply by Cause the Blue rat on April 20, 2014 at 9:47am

A comprehensive list of scheduled CBG fests? Even places were people are performing. No. But getting a comprehensive list of scheduled anything is not as easy to come by. I'm big into cosplay and Scifi conventions. Even the best lists out there are hit and miss. And these conventions bring in people by the thousands. Most people know about them by word of mouth. If you can get 4k people to show up without a single add why spend the money?

Someone would have to have contacts or know where to look in every major city. Then be able to find info in the surrounding big towns. And be able to keep up a list or have reliable people from different parts of the country to help keep up that list. A lot to ask volunteers to keep up with. TicketMasts and places like that have a financial stake in the events. They would have a very comprehensive list of scheduled events. It's really not as easy as it sounds.

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Permalink Reply by G.S.Monroe on April 20, 2014 at 6:42pm

I would suggest checking into the broader market... CBG fests are a sub-genre of Blues fests, and there is almost always local blues artists getting together. For example, I've connected in with the Sun Coast Blues Society here in Florida. They are very accepting of the "old school" cigar box blues.