Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Marcus Darwell on May 29, 2014 at 10:35am

Sad jokes aside, I'll just keep building a couple of gits a year, hopefully getting them better, and playing more. Every one I build looks better and sounds better...and costs a little more. I can now build a really nice git with a good pup for about $120. Dunno what the $50 guys are using but it ain't hardwood, the tuners can't even be budget, and the strings are what the cat threw up last nite.

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Permalink Reply by BUGGY (C) on May 29, 2014 at 10:39am

It's what ya do with the parts that make a difference
I know a man who gets lots for his CBG and they are awesome
But the parts are not expensive and they sound Fab
I think learning is the key.
P.s mine are crap!

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Permalink Reply by BUGGY (C) on May 29, 2014 at 10:41am

Plus It can't be dying that much as this blog has had over five hundred hits!

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on May 29, 2014 at 3:10pm

Bug, I know that yours sound good and tend to be innovative.

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Permalink Reply by Glenn Kaiser on May 29, 2014 at 10:45am

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Permalink Reply by Vinylhed on May 29, 2014 at 11:00am

I stumbled into the whole CBG thang already being a player and to some extent songwriter. I wanted a banjo, but I really couldn't afford one. Then I happened upon a photo on Google of a tin box banjo/guitar, and for some unknown reason I though "I could make one of those". It was while researching how on earth a fellow with no history of woodworking skills was going to be able to make a tin banjo/guitar thing that I stumbled across Cigar Box Nation.

It was an invaluable resource for ideas and advice. But what struck me was the support and goodwill that I found, unlike on 99% of other internet social networks. I recognised that there was a 'scene' that had some history, and I began to feel part of that 'scene'. I made my first guitar, a 6 string tin boxed guitar with a magnetic pick-up and a piezo to switch between, and immediately started planning my second. I managed to find a source of cigar boxes nearby (which has since dried up), and made my first 'proper' cigar box guitar. Despite having played the guitar for over 20 years, I had to learn to play with only 3 strings and to use a slide for the first time. I'm still learning by the way.

When I inevitably showed my home made instruments around, a couple of people approached me about commissioning CBGs for themselves. So, while I had no plans to start up a business, I found myself being paid to make these CBGs. I've still got a couple of people wanting me to make them instruments, but I find the practicalities quite difficult.

I'm rather rambling and not answering the question! 

I suppose there are two events that seal my involvement with the CBG community. The first was collaborating on songs for the Townes Van Zandt tribute album. It opened my eyes up to the potential the internet could have for creative collaboration. The second was being invited to play at last year's Boxstock Festival. 

I don't get out and play as much as I should, and this is something I intend to improve on in the coming months. In fact I'm playing at a small festival this weekend.

I would agree that I don't post photos and videos as regularly as I did a couple of years ago, but I swing by as often as I ever did. I might not comment as much as I did, perhaps due to the number of times I have left a comment to no reply in recent times. I've bought myself a new amp, so I reckon I'll be inspired to record some new sounds soon.

There will always be folks making and playing home made instruments, but the community will inevitably shrink, grow and shift over time. What it will look like in 10 year's time is anyone's guess, but I'm sure I'll be involved somehow.

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Permalink Reply by RTZGUITARS on May 29, 2014 at 11:35am

He who drinks red beer's in the morning shouldn't post on the internets. 

Hippies love home made things.

Devoting time to 3 and 4 string song writing takes Guts.

(When you could do them in a more conventional way to a larger crowd).

Did someone mention Chick Corea  on CBN.

The Townes record galvanized me to the possibilities also.

I think things here are fine, people post more vids when its colder, build more when it warm.

HERE'S A TIME SAVER JOHN.

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on May 29, 2014 at 3:22pm

RTZ,  I like the Bud and Clamato a lot.  I was just being cheap-ass  and old school and more or less mixing my own.  As for a couple drinks in the morning, it kind of goes with the old CBG no rules thing.    I feel kind of good about it.   I have a couple in the mornings a couple days a week and then none the rest of the day.  Doing what I like.   And not caring what anyone else thinks about it!

I partly disagree on the 3 and 4 string writing thing.   A good song on a 3 string works on other instruments.  It's just harder for some of us to play. 

I am playing more six sting lately for sure.  The circle jams we have where I live are accoustic.   No amps.  I find unamped CBGs do not work for me in those instances.   So, I am getting a side interest of fixing up battered and broken factory sixes.   And playing them.   Going to another jam tomorrow night.  Taking one of the landfill sixes.

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on May 29, 2014 at 3:14pm

You are one of my faves to listen to, Vinyl.  And somehow I learned from you that a performer does best by really feeling the part in the song or at least acting it out well.

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Permalink Reply by Blue Collar Devil on May 29, 2014 at 11:51am

So in conclusion, the CBG world is what it is and don't mix beer with tomato juice hee hee!!

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on May 29, 2014 at 3:23pm

No, BCD, red beer and CBGs is a good mix.   Wine and cbgs?   Naw, not me.

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Permalink Reply by David Campbell on May 29, 2014 at 11:54am

Hi Uncle John,

Glad to see your post.

Maybe folks are just tied up ,goes in spurts.

 Man, I would be uploading, but had to pack up my shop, bought a smaller home in Seal Beach, CA, mellower place, nicer neighbor hoods. Since my wife insist on staying in California. (although they have a nice wood shop there) so furnishing that along with so busy prepping my place here in Anaheim to sell (been here since 85 but time to go as population is more than I can take)...loved the spicy V8/PBR recipe, sounding pretty darn good :)  simple, yet refreshing LOL

Stay cool,

Dave

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