As a guitarist, a slide guitarist, I have always wanted to build a custom guitar--one that would give me the sound I wanted. I didn't achieve success until I discovered THE CIGAR BOX GUITAR!

Cigar box guitars were birthed out of poverty by those who wanted to play the guitar but could not afford to buy them. They therefore BUILT their instruments from every day materials. Wooden cigar boxes made perfect resonators. A broom stick of piece of wood acted as the neck. Tuning heads could be screws, eye bolts or pegs. and strings were often baling wire, cat gut or screen door wire.

Not only were guitars built from cigar boxes, one-string diddley bows, violins, basses, banjos and other chordophones were made as well. Cigar box guitars do work. Electronic pickups can also be installed for amplification.

Every cigar box is unique. The sound that can be achieved is as varied as the kinds of cigar boxes out there, and one never knows exactly what kind of sound one will get with each guitar. They are fun to make and fun to play. In fact, ever since discovering cigar box guitars just a short time ago, I RARELY USE MY "NORMAL" SIX-STRING GUITARS ANYMORE!

I'd be glad to build one for YOU! Here's some info on that, how much it costs currently and what you get for the price...

Cigar box--$4.00
Bridge and Nut--$2.50
hinge string stopper--$4.00
strings--$7.00
tuning heads-- $10.00
other materials--$5.00

Material Total: $32.50


+

Labor and Time-- $22.50

TOTAL FOR BASIC UNAMPLIFIED GUITAR:
$55.00

For a guitar with a piezo pickup, add $20.00.
These prices do NOT include shipping, which varies.

You might already own a cigar box you would like turned into a guitar or diddley bow. Just send it me and I'll do the work...and I'll deduct the price for a cigar box.

I can make instruments that are for show or CONVERSATION PIECES or precision instruments meant for performance.

Since these are SLIDE GUITARS, you will require a slide to play them. You may purchase these at any guitar supply store or I can provide homemade glass bottleneck slide for an additional $10.

STILL THE BEST PRICE YOU’LL FIND AMONG SELLERS!

I’m not trying to fleece anyone. I love these instruments, enjoy building them and wish to pass on my appreciation for the cigar box guitar, slide guitar and the history behind them to anyone who wants to know—especially the next generation!