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Things I like about Cigar Box Guitars

Let's see the reaction from this angle.

I like:-

Creating something from junk that can make a good sound.

The amazing creativity of the builders thinking of new methods to achieve this.

Seeing people's reactions when they hear what is possible with something so cheap and simple.

The artistic finished products lovingly created.

How beginner players can get a tune out very quickly with minimal tuition.

I can't think of a better example of rules being made to be broken with such success.

Building is possible by differing abilities, skill sets and budgets.

Any more views very welcome!

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Permalink Reply by Blues Frog on May 23, 2016 at 11:02am

I love the fact that you can literally build a didley bow , with a quick piezo harness and be playing through an amp, in about a half an hour.

I can build a three string slide guitar in a day, no glitz no glam, and get a nice blues sound from it.

I love looking a some piece of junk wood, or an old tin or box and think, I should build a guitar out of that.

I like that fact that it is a functional art form. It can be viewed or played. not a lot of Art that can say that...

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Permalink Reply by Alan Hergert on May 23, 2016 at 11:12am

Belfast Guy:

I agree with your list.

I would add:

-- I love stepping up to the mic having people say, "What is that thing?" then playing a chord or a riff and having them say, "What is that thing!"

-- I love playing an instrument in which the worse you play the better it sounds.

-- I love playing just about any genre on three strings.

-- I love the blues! They sound pretty good on three strings!

-- I love talking to 6 string players, "You're cool but your not 'I just played my own song on a guitar I made myself out of a bunch of scrap wood' cool!"

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Permalink Reply by Belfast Guy on May 24, 2016 at 2:24am

Great feedback guys.

I think what is emerging is a coupling of art forms - the building and playing. Two different forms of expression and each as individual as the person creating them.

I suppose behind that is the move away from mass produced, buying in to the commercial hype - 'look at my cool brand new vintage Strat I sold a kidney to buy! Now I'm bound to sound like Clapton!'

Seeing amazing players and bands is fantastic, don't get me wrong, but you've got to hand it to the guy with next to nothing at his fingertips who can hold your attention and connect and move you in some way you can't explain.

Check out Brushy One String 'Chicken in the Corn' on you tube as well as all those guys on this site keeping it alive!

There- that's my therapy session for today. Next week, Doctor?

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Permalink Reply by Alan Hergert on May 24, 2016 at 11:08am

Wayfinder -- I built a Strat inspired CBG. Lots of fun.

Here's a great video on how to set up a Tele... ;)

http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Learn_About_Guitar_P...