In case you didn’t know, the economy is in the toilet and unemployment runs rampant nation wide. In conjunction with that, wood prices are on the rise and therefore so are instrument prices. Cigar Box Guitars have a rich American tradition reaching as far back as the 1840's, and a long list of musical pioneers like Lightning Hopkins, Jimi Hendrix, Roy Clark, Albert King, and Buddy Guy who all got their start on cigar box instruments. Since not everyone can afford a fancy instrument, when you find yourself with the desire but not the means, do it the old fashion American way and make it yourself. Make a diddley bow, guitar, dulcimer, banjo, mandolin or ukulele.

If you find yourself like me, with no money and all the time in the world...pick up a cigar box instrument of your choice, sit on the porch, take a deep breath and play your blues away.

Look around, post comments, ask questions, and just enjoy.

Jon Spencer
CornFed Grooves