Poorness Studios's Posts - Cigar Box Nation2024-03-28T22:36:46ZPoorness Studioshttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/PoornessStudioshttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3856127394?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://www.cigarboxnation.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=2l83u44xkhrsk&xn_auth=noSaying Goodbye To a Long Time Friendtag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2022-09-17:2592684:BlogPost:37270912022-09-17T13:00:00.000ZPoorness Studioshttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/PoornessStudios
<p>It was an emotional week. I lost my beloved cat of 19 years. Ellie made cameos in several of my videos so I thought some folks here might want to know. I miss her very much, but I know she spent her life surrounded by love. She was a very special cat.</p>
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<p>It was an emotional week. I lost my beloved cat of 19 years. Ellie made cameos in several of my videos so I thought some folks here might want to know. I miss her very much, but I know she spent her life surrounded by love. She was a very special cat.</p>
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</p>Shedding a Tear for Dave Lynastag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2021-12-21:2592684:BlogPost:36864822021-12-21T01:30:00.000ZPoorness Studioshttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/PoornessStudios
<p>The other day I was shopping, as so many of us are at this time of year. I stumbled into a store and happened to hear Joni Mitchell's <em>Big Yellow Taxi</em> on the speakers. It stopped me in me tracks. I immediately thought of our dear departed friend Dave Lynas. That song has always reminded me of him, and ever since the video below... it will forever be Dave's song in my mind.</p>
<p>As I listened to Joni belt out those beautiful lyrics as only she can, a literal tear appeared on my…</p>
<p>The other day I was shopping, as so many of us are at this time of year. I stumbled into a store and happened to hear Joni Mitchell's <em>Big Yellow Taxi</em> on the speakers. It stopped me in me tracks. I immediately thought of our dear departed friend Dave Lynas. That song has always reminded me of him, and ever since the video below... it will forever be Dave's song in my mind.</p>
<p>As I listened to Joni belt out those beautiful lyrics as only she can, a literal tear appeared on my cheek. I realized I'll never again be able to hear that song without remembering Dave. I'm not sure if I shed a tear of sadness for the loss or a tear of joy for the wonderful memories. I suppose the two can exist simultaneously and there's no need to overthink it, but it's clear that music creates a connection unlike anything else.</p>
<p>2021 was a difficult year for the Cigar Box Nation. I know there were a lot of struggles and loss (Dave Lynas, Ted Crocker, & more). It sometimes feels like we're fighting a battle just to get back to normal... whatever that word means. I would just like to send Warm Winter Wishes to all CBN members and their families, I hope 2022 can be a year of healing and new endeavors. For the love of music!</p>
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</p>COMING IN MARCH... The 1st Texas Triangle Builders Swaptag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2021-02-01:2592684:BlogPost:35978532021-02-01T19:30:00.000ZPoorness Studioshttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/PoornessStudios
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8503389284?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8503389284?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="400"></img></a> Hey guys. This is just a little teaser for an upcoming builders swap. I'm collaborating with 2 other Texas-based CBN members and we're going to do a 3-way CBG swap to celebrate Texas on her 185th birthday. Here is the lineup:</p>
<p><strong>Builder #1</strong>: Steve's Strings, based in the San Antonio area > …</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8503389284?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8503389284?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="400" class="align-full"/></a>Hey guys. This is just a little teaser for an upcoming builders swap. I'm collaborating with 2 other Texas-based CBN members and we're going to do a 3-way CBG swap to celebrate Texas on her 185th birthday. Here is the lineup:</p>
<p><strong>Builder #1</strong>: Steve's Strings, based in the San Antonio area > <a href="https://cigarboxnation.com/profile/StevenMGerardi">https://cigarboxnation.com/profile/StevenMGerardi</a></p>
<p><strong>Builder #2:</strong> Bob Johnston, based just outside Houston > <a href="https://cigarboxnation.com/profile/RobertBobJohnston">https://cigarboxnation.com/profile/RobertBobJohnston</a></p>
<p><strong>Builder #3:</strong> Me, Poorness Studios, based in the DFW Metroplex > <a href="https://cigarboxnation.com/profile/PoornessStudios">https://cigarboxnation.com/profile/PoornessStudios</a></p>
<p><strong>The Project:</strong> Build a themed-CBG to commemorate Texas' Birthday (3/2/1836) and give it away to another Texas-based builder. It can be fretless/fretted, 3-string/4-string, painted/natural, acoustic/electric, etc. Basically... it's the builder's choice. Once the builds are completed, we'll each pass ours to the left (so to speak). The DFW build will go to Houston, the Houston build will go to San Antonio, and the San Antonio build will go to Dallas so the CBGs work their way around the TX Triangle.</p>
<p><strong>The Irony:</strong> In 1971, a small unknown Texas-based airline commenced service to 3 cities: Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston. They dubbed it the Texas Triangle for obvious reasons (see pic above). Today, that airline carries more passengers than any other US-based airline and flies to over 100 destinations. You know them as Southwest Airlines. From a humble trio of TX cities to the biggest carrier in the nation. We're hoping this idea spreads the same way.</p>
<p><strong>The Coverage:</strong> We're planning to meet up and exchange instruments in person (socially distanced of course) and we'll record the event to share with all of you. Each builder will tell the story of their instrument and each recipient will be able to play it and give any feedback. It should be a whole lot of fun.</p>
<p><strong>Stay tuned to see the fun on March 3, 2021 as we celebrate Texas' birthday with a trio of CBGs!!!</strong> If it goes well, maybe we can make this an annual event and let different builders participate each year. More to come on that front but for now we're concentrating on 2021 and Texas' 185th birthday!</p>Saying Goodbye to 3 Great Performerstag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2020-04-10:2592684:BlogPost:34710022020-04-10T12:00:00.000ZPoorness Studioshttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/PoornessStudios
<p>During this pandemic that's got us all locked in our houses, the music world has lost three great performers. As someone who was influenced by all three of these amazing musicians, I feel like its my duty to write this blog entry.</p>
<p>First of all, the world lost country music superstar Kenny Rogers on March 20th. Born in Houston, Rogers started his music career in the late 1950s. His first band was called The Scholars. He went on to play in the jazz band for musician Bobby Doyle. In the…</p>
<p>During this pandemic that's got us all locked in our houses, the music world has lost three great performers. As someone who was influenced by all three of these amazing musicians, I feel like its my duty to write this blog entry.</p>
<p>First of all, the world lost country music superstar Kenny Rogers on March 20th. Born in Houston, Rogers started his music career in the late 1950s. His first band was called The Scholars. He went on to play in the jazz band for musician Bobby Doyle. In the 1960's Rogers played bass for a folk group called The New Christy Minstrels. A few members of this group broke off and formed The First Edition in 1967. They gave us the popular tunes <em>Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Is In)</em> and <em>Ruby (Don't Take Your Love to Town)</em>. The First Edition broke up in the mid-70s and Rogers started his solo career. He would go on to work with Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Sheena Easton, and many more. Rogers' musical achievements are too numerous to list. He has won several Grammy Awards, Country Music Awards, and American Music Awards along with being inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Texas Music Hall of Fame. I posted a tribute to Kenny Rogers on my CBN page shortly after I heard the bad news.</p>
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<p>Second, Bill Withers left a lot of fans behind on March 30th. Like Rogers, Withers was born in 1938, but he hailed from West Virginia. While serving in the US Navy, Withers discovered he had an interest in singing and playing guitar. After he got out of the service, Withers went to work for the Douglas Aircraft Corporation in California. The cover of his first album, <em>Just As I Am</em>, was a picture of Withers at work, carrying his actual lunchbox. Songs like <em>Ain't No Sunshine</em>, <em>Use Me</em>, <em>Grandma's Hands</em>, <em>Lean on Me</em>, <em>Lovely Day</em>, and <em>Just the Two of Us</em> will be known by many future generations. Withers songwriting was so simple and elegant. It will stand the test of time. During his musical career, Withers won 3 Grammy Awards and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. I remember the first time I heard a Bill Withers tune, I was mesmerized. I still feel that way when I hear his music. I opened my Cally Fest 2020 set with a cover of <em>Ain't No Sunshine</em>.</p>
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<p>This past Tuesday, the great singer/songwriter John Prine passed away. Prine was born in Illinois shortly after the end of World War II. He had an interest in folk music and learned to play guitar when he was 14. Prine did a short stint in the US Army, then moved to Chicago where he worked as a mailman. He participated in the Chicago folk revival and was discovered by Kris Kristofferson. Prine's debut self-titled album was released in 1971 and it launched his music career. Over the next 47 years, he'd release 17 more studio albums. After overcoming cancer in his neck during the late 1990s, Prine's voice became deeper and more gravelly, but it didn't stop him from singing. In 2013, he beat lung cancer and despite a prominent shortness of breath... he refused to stop singing. Bob Dylan once said of Prine's music, <span>"Prine's stuff is pure Proustian existentialism. Midwestern mindtrips to the nth degree. And he writes beautiful songs... Nobody but Prine could write like that." I don't think anyone could've said it better. Prine's accolades include 2 Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Since I've not yet covered a John Prine song, I'll add a video of Reina Del Cid covering <em>Illegal Smile</em>.</span></p>
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<p><span>I hate to leave everyone with a heavy note headed into the holiday weekend, but I do think its important to remember these great individuals' contributions to music - the passion that drives us all. This weekend, take a moment to remember these three talented individuals - and all the others who have gone before us. Sit down, close your eyes, and think of them. Listen to a song or two and just remember. It may bring a tear to your eye, but you'll feel better afterwards. Trust me.</span></p>My 3 Gitty Kitstag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2020-01-08:2592684:BlogPost:34305612020-01-08T14:20:32.000ZPoorness Studioshttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/PoornessStudios
<p>In 2018, I received my first CB Gitty kit as a Christmas present. A few of my family members banded together and bought me the 3-string Tin Pan Alley kit. After completing it, I posted <a href="https://cigarboxnation.com/profiles/blogs/my-first-cb-gitty-kit" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>a blog entry</strong></a> detailing the build and it was later featured in one of the Cigar Box Nation newsletters. I finished the guitar with a flame paint job and added a pickup/pot/jack to…</p>
<p>In 2018, I received my first CB Gitty kit as a Christmas present. A few of my family members banded together and bought me the 3-string Tin Pan Alley kit. After completing it, I posted <a href="https://cigarboxnation.com/profiles/blogs/my-first-cb-gitty-kit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>a blog entry</strong></a> detailing the build and it was later featured in one of the Cigar Box Nation newsletters. I finished the guitar with a flame paint job and added a pickup/pot/jack to transform the acoustic kit into an electric instrument. It was my first guitar built from a kit and I found it fairly intuitive to assemble. I would say the hardest part was notching the neck because you must create two notches of different depths, one for the wooden box top and a second for the paint can lid.</p>
<p>The Tin Pan Alley has a resonant banjo-like tone and projects really well. The 25” scale is a bit long for my taste but it’s still quite easy to play. Overall, I was extremely satisfied with the finished product and it has been used in many of my videos. My Tin Pan Alley is a unique instrument that sounds good plugged-in or unplugged. One of my favorite videos featuring this guitar is a cover of Paul Simon’s Slid Slidin’ Away.</p>
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<p>This past summer, my family surprised me again with an awesome birthday present, the CB Gitty 4-string Mountain Tenor kit. I chose to finish the neck, back, and sides with a golden oak stain and I painted the top harvest orange. It’s a striking combination that looks almost as good as it sounds. Like the Tin Pan Alley, this kit was designed to be acoustic, but I decided to electrify it with a Deltabucker pickup. The combination works really well and resulted in a very versatile instrument. I changed out the acoustic strings it came with for electric strings, but other than that, it was a fairly straightforward project.</p>
<p>Of the three Gitty kits I’ve completed to date, the Mountain Tenor is by far the loudest and most guitar-like. With a very playable 23” scale, it has become my “go to” instrument for cigar box guitar videos. It has appeared in many of the more popular videos on my Cigar Box Nation page. Among them is a cover of the 1985 Bellamy Brothers tune Old Hippie.</p>
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<p>I should probably also mention the Mountain Tenor went with me to York, Pennsylvania this past August for the Pennsylvania Cigar Box Guitar Festival. This was the gathering that set the Guinness World Record was set for the largest cigar box guitar ensemble. That was an incredible experience and I even wrote <a href="https://cigarboxnation.com/profiles/blogs/we-re-all-the-same" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>a blog entry</strong></a> about it. What a crazy day that was!</p>
<p>I guess that brings us to my third CB Gitty kit, which I received as a gift during the 2019 Christmas season. It is the super cool Hobo Fiddle kit, made famous by Ben Baker on the Gitty Gang Show. I completed this one very recently and was very impressed with the sound and playability. I painted and stained the two previous kits, but decided to finish this one with Danish Oil. Like the other kits, this was designed to be an acoustic instrument, but I added a piezo disc so I could amplify it when needed. Hmmm… I’m starting to spot a pattern.</p>
<p>This nylon-stringed instrument is by far, the quietest of the 3. However, what the Hobo Fiddle lacks in volume, it makes up for in mojo. With a 17” scale, this little baby is really a blast to play. I like it a lot more than I thought I would. My recent video covering Mobile Line is one of my favorites to date and it was made possible by the Hobo Fiddle.</p>
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<p>I’ve heard some people say that building a CBG kit is much less personal than building one from your own materials. As someone who has done both, I’m not sure I’d agree with that statement. These kits offer a lot of room for customization and finishing touches. Granted, the pre-made fretboards save a lot of time over doing it the traditional way, but the rest of the process is quite similar. A kit may seem less daunting to a beginner, but assembling one still requires the same skills. The real advantage of that kits is that all the materials come in a single box. You don’t need to hunt down tuners, strings, braces, etc. The disadvantage is the materials have all been pre-chosen for you. So if you like to select unique parts that have a particular aesthetic or a sentimental value, a kit might not be as gratifying to build. However, if you like to start with a basic design and modify it to suit your style, these kits are right up your alley.</p>
<p>You’re probably wondering which one is my favorite, but I don’t know if I could choose. They’re each great in their own way. What’s more, they’re all one-of-a-kind instruments. Each one is not only a product of CB Gitty’s vision, but also a reflection of my personality as a builder. At the end of the day, a cigar box guitar is a captivating instrument whether it came from a kit or not.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3802937594?profile=RESIZE_710x&width=600" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3802937594?width=600&profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full" width="500"/></a></p>The Best Jugs in Kentucky Are Emptytag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2019-09-18:2592684:BlogPost:33819222019-09-18T10:00:00.000ZPoorness Studioshttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/PoornessStudios
<p>Since I’ve been involved with the homemade musical instrument community, I’ve noticed more and more coincidences in my life. I’m not sure if they’re happening more often or if I’m just more attune to them, but I’ve noticed increased synchronicity over the past year or so. Here’s another fun coincidence that happened recently. I wanted to share it with the Cigar Box Nation.</p>
<p>About a month ago, a book about jug bands showed up in my Amazon feed. I’ve always thought jug bands were…</p>
<p>Since I’ve been involved with the homemade musical instrument community, I’ve noticed more and more coincidences in my life. I’m not sure if they’re happening more often or if I’m just more attune to them, but I’ve noticed increased synchronicity over the past year or so. Here’s another fun coincidence that happened recently. I wanted to share it with the Cigar Box Nation.</p>
<p>About a month ago, a book about jug bands showed up in my Amazon feed. I’ve always thought jug bands were interesting, but never really took the time to learn the history of this music style. I decided to buy the book and it arrived a couple days later. I set it on my bookshelf not sure when I’d get around to reading it. As luck would have it, I had plans to visit a buddy in Phoenix the first weekend in September. I brought the book, <em>Louisville Jug Music: From Earl McDonald to the National Jubilee</em> by Michael L Jones, along to help pass the time.</p>
<p>I finished the book that weekend and it was a really good read. I did not realize how much jug music influenced other American musical styles or where it came from. Not only did I learn a lot about the past, present, and future of the genre, I also discovered there is a <strong>National Jug Band Jubilee</strong> which takes place in Louisville, KY every year. Coincidentally, the event was happening the following Saturday, September 14. I told my wife about this string of coincidences and she said, “It’s a sign. You need to go.” I made some quick travel arrangements and before I knew it, I was on my way to Louisville. I arrived at the Jubilee shortly after the first band took the stage on Saturday.</p>
<p><em>L to R: washboard, cigar box ukulele, dobro, bass, jug</em><a href="https://st2.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3556825528?profile=RESIZE_710x&width=640" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://st2.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3556825528?width=640&profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full" width="500"/></a></p>
<p>The first thing I did was visit the merchandise table to see what kind of swag they had for sale. After purchasing a T-shirt and a bumper sticker, I noticed Michael L Jones - the author of the book I mentioned above - was sitting at a nearby table eating lunch. I walked over and told him about the series of coincidences that brought me to Kentucky. He grinned ear to ear, signed my book (which I just happened to bring with me), and welcomed me to the festival. I sat down in the grass and watched a handful of artists deliver some lively performances. The musicians played instruments like banjos, kazoos, washtub basses, washboards, guitars, and, of course, jugs. I even spotted a cigar box ukulele on stage.</p>
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<p>At 4:00 PM the music paused and there were free jug band instrument classes. Led by known performers, these sessions focused on the basics of playing the jug, bones, kazoo, and washboard. They all appealed to me, so I had a hard time deciding which one to attend. I ended up at the jug playing workshop led by Arlo Leach. After one class and a little bit of practice, I’d say I’m still a novice jug player at best. Regardless, it was a lot of fun and I learned something new. At the conclusion of the classes, all the students took the stage and performed a song for the audience. I thought about how many coincidences led to this moment. Just one week ago I knew virtually nothing about jug music, and yet here I was playing a plastic milk jug on stage at the National Jug Band Jubilee. It was quite an experience to say the least.</p>
<p><em>That's me playing the jug (circled in red)</em><a href="https://st2.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3556825099?profile=RESIZE_710x&width=640" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><br/> <img src="https://st2.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3556825099?width=640&profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full" width="500"/></a></p>
<p>As the sun dropped towards the horizon, I watched the rest of the performances and found myself consistently entertained. The musical acts were great and so were the festivalgoers. The crowd was a mixture of folks from all age groups and walks of life, but everyone was in a good mood. It was an uplifting day and one I won’t soon forget. After returning home, I found myself digging through the recycle bin looking for empty milk jugs or water bottles I could blow into. I spent the latter part of yesterday checking my local antique shops for vintage whiskey jugs. I chuckled a bit when I realized I’m probably the first guy to come back from Kentucky and look for <span style="text-decoration: underline;">empty</span> whiskey containers. I’m sure that doesn’t happen every day.</p>
<p><strong>See the full album of Jug Band Jubilee pics here:</strong> <a href="https://cigarboxnation.com/photo/albums/national-jug-band-jubilee-9-2019">https://cigarboxnation.com/photo/albums/national-jug-band-jubilee-9-2019</a></p>The Accidental Canjotag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2019-09-08:2592684:BlogPost:33784512019-09-08T14:30:00.000ZPoorness Studioshttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/PoornessStudios
<p>This is one of those stories that you just can’t make up. It happened yesterday afternoon and I felt the need to share it with all of you. I was sitting at the computer watching some videos on Cigar Box Nation when my dogs started scratching at the back door. I let them out and thought to myself, “how long has it been since I fed the chickens?” I decided to go check, so I slipped on a pair of flip flops and headed out to the coop. I decided to top off their water and as I was dragging the…</p>
<p>This is one of those stories that you just can’t make up. It happened yesterday afternoon and I felt the need to share it with all of you. I was sitting at the computer watching some videos on Cigar Box Nation when my dogs started scratching at the back door. I let them out and thought to myself, “how long has it been since I fed the chickens?” I decided to go check, so I slipped on a pair of flip flops and headed out to the coop. I decided to top off their water and as I was dragging the hose over, my wife came outside to tell me she was going to get her eyebrows done. I’m not even sure what that means, but I nodded and she was off.</p>
<p>I fed/watered the birds, did a few other miscellaneous tasks, and then headed indoors to resume my video watching. When I attempted to go inside, I realized my wife had accidentally locked the back door and stranded me in the backyard. My keys and cell phone were inside the house. Our property is surrounded by a 7' privacy fence with two locked gates. My first instinct was to call her but wait… I don’t have a phone. My neighbors have a key, so I could call them but wait… again, no phone. I don’t have the keys to open either gate, so I can’t go around to the front and check the front door. I guess I could climb the fence and walk to the neighbors but… I’m wearing flip flops and shorts. That doesn’t sound like a good idea. Besides, I’m not even sure if the neighbors are home. Ugh. I’m stuck.</p>
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<p>Well, at least the workshop is in the backyard. I figured I could start working on a new project to pass the time. Ironically, I had just bought an old motor oil can earlier that day. I wasn’t sure what I was going to make with it but it was only $5 so I grabbed it and set it on a shelf in the workshop. I picked it up trying to decide what I could make with an oil can. A fuzz pedal? No, I don't have the right transistors. A tiny amp? Nah, I'm missing the LM386 chip. Hmmm. Then it hit me. A couple weeks back, I bought one of those pre-fretted canjo necks from CB Gitty with the idea of making a cigar box dulcimer. I had set it aside due to other projects, but I rummaged through the parts pile and found it. “Time to make a canjo,” I said to myself.</p>
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<p>I started looking though the rest of my parts and realized I had everything else I needed, 2 long shaft tuners and a handful of screws. I didn’t want to make this a traditional single string canjo, so I decided to build a two stringer. I drilled a second set of tuner holes through the headstock, cut the nut and bridge notches, and then slapped a little stain on the neck. I let the stain dry for 15 minutes or so before I mounted the tuners and nut. Unfortunately, my phone was locked inside the house so I don’t have any pics of the build process.</p>
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<p>Once the neck was ready, I went to work attaching the can. I used some construction adhesive, then I drilled two angled holes and viola, instant canjo. I also decided to electrify it using a piezo and a jack. I used hot glue to attach the piezo disc and drilled a hole in the side of the can for the jack. After that, I used an scratch awl to make two small holes in the back of the can. The strings will go through these holes.</p>
<p><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3546469244?width=737&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="400" class="align-full"/></p>
<p>Up until this point, I hadn’t really thought about how I was going to tune this canjo. I decided to use two .013 Ernie Ball strings I had in the garage because: 1) I had them on hand and 2) I thought it would be cool to have a drone string and a melody string. I put a small washer on each string before threading it through the hole in the can to prevent it from denting under tension. When I started to tune her up I realized the strings were naturally trying to pull towards the middle of the neck, so I filed a couple small grooves near the tuner holes. I also used a few small screws to help guide the strings.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3546564613?profile=RESIZE_710x&height=600" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3546564613?height=600&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>My wife came home just as I was stringing it up. She realized what she’d done and was apologizing like crazy. Clearly she felt awful for locking me in the backyard. “But look what I made,” I kept saying as I held up my accidental canjo. A wiser person than me once said, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” I say, “when wife locks you in the backyard, make a canjo.” I’m not sure mine has the same ring to it.</p>
<p><strong>You can see/hear a demo of this instrument here: </strong><a href="https://cigarboxnation.com/video/the-accidental-canjo">https://cigarboxnation.com/video/the-accidental-canjo</a></p>CBGs Required, Pitchforks Optionaltag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2019-08-27:2592684:BlogPost:33727822019-08-27T18:00:00.000ZPoorness Studioshttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/PoornessStudios
<p>This past weekend, I made a trek to York, PA and attended the 10<sup>th</sup> Annual <strong>Pennsylvania Cigar Box Guitar Festival</strong>. It was a heck of a good time and I drew a ton of inspiration from the folks in attendance. In fact, as soon as I got home, I started my first electric washboard build. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the festival, it is said to be one of the premier cigar box guitar events in the United States. It takes place every year in the parking lot of…</p>
<p>This past weekend, I made a trek to York, PA and attended the 10<sup>th</sup> Annual <strong>Pennsylvania Cigar Box Guitar Festival</strong>. It was a heck of a good time and I drew a ton of inspiration from the folks in attendance. In fact, as soon as I got home, I started my first electric washboard build. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the festival, it is said to be one of the premier cigar box guitar events in the United States. It takes place every year in the parking lot of York Emporium bookstore. With lots of vendor booths, an indoor stage, an outdoor stage, and a plethora of CBGs, there was no shortage of things to see and do.</p>
<p><a href="https://st4.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3446967407?height=277&profile=RESIZE_710x" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://st4.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3446967407?height=277&profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full" width="300"/></a>I was able to see Those Baron Boys kick off the show with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, watch One String Willie perform on his 2X4 diddley bow, witness DIYatronics attempt to start a musical riot, see John Nickel reinvent the one man band, and so much more. It was a proverbial paradise for a Cigar Box Nation member. Additionally, I got to hang out with a bunch of “famous” folks from the community. I spent a lot of time chatting with Preston J Laisure and Sparky37 from the CBG Minded Michiganders. I swapped some building tips with Casey Baron. I even talked to Matt “MajicDaddy” Simpson about washboards and ended up buying one from him. Shortly after I arrived at the festival, I was engaged in a discussion with Lou LaManna, whom I originally met at Speal’s Tavern last November (see my blog entry <strong><a href="https://cigarboxnation.com/profiles/blogs/my-new-alexandria-adventure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a></strong> for more details). Lou gave me a copy of his latest CD, which is great by the way!</p>
<p><img src="https://st1.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3446085702?height=600&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300"/></p>
<p>At one point in the afternoon, I was shootin' the breeze with Jim Morris and Lou LaManna. We were discussing the resourcefulness of the CBG community, and - right on cue - Shane Speal walked up to ask what we were talking about. Woah! Here I was, a relatively new CBN member from Texas, standing across from three of the Cigar Box Nation’s superstars. The moment made me realize something obvious but profound. The famous folks in this subculture are just guys like you and I. There’s no pretension or elitism here. We’re just a bunch of crazies who like to put a stick through a box and add some strings.</p>
<p><img src="https://st4.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3446964795?width=277&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="400"/></p>
<p>As many of you already know, approximately 266 festival attendees (various sources have quoted numbers between 263 and 268) made it into <em>The Guinness Book of World Records</em> when they set the benchmark for the world’s largest cigar box guitar ensemble. It was incredibly cool to see so many folks walking around with cigar box guitars slung over their shoulders or across their backs just waiting to make their mark on the civilized world. It really embodied the spirit of the Cigar Box Nation. It’s crazy ideas like this which make "The Nation" great. As Shane Speal said back in 2008, “this is our revolution, instead of holding pitchforks, we’re holding cigar box guitars.” I couldn’t agree more.</p>
<p><img src="https://st2.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3461786278?width=277&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="400"/></p>
<p><strong>Check out the full album of pics here:</strong> <a href="https://cigarboxnation.com/photo/albums/pennsylvania-cbg-festival-8-2019">https://cigarboxnation.com/photo/albums/pennsylvania-cbg-festival-8-2019</a></p>
<p><strong>See One String Willie sing about clean livin' here:</strong> <a href="https://cigarboxnation.com/video/one-string-willie-at-the-pa-cbg-festival">https://cigarboxnation.com/video/one-string-willie-at-the-pa-cbg-festival</a></p>A Tale of Two Ukestag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2019-06-25:2592684:BlogPost:33472152019-06-25T14:00:00.000ZPoorness Studioshttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/PoornessStudios
<p>The truth be told, I’ve never been a big fan of ukuleles. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve always appreciated the sound, but I never gravitated towards this particular instrument. Needless to say, ukuleles are popular with CBG builders because they’re inexpensive and relatively easy to build/modify. After assembling a handful of homemade string instruments, I decided to try building a cigar box ukulele just for fun. I ordered the soprano kit from CB Gitty and embarked on another project. Before…</p>
<p>The truth be told, I’ve never been a big fan of ukuleles. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve always appreciated the sound, but I never gravitated towards this particular instrument. Needless to say, ukuleles are popular with CBG builders because they’re inexpensive and relatively easy to build/modify. After assembling a handful of homemade string instruments, I decided to try building a cigar box ukulele just for fun. I ordered the soprano kit from CB Gitty and embarked on another project. Before I go any farther, I should mention this is not a builder’s diary; it’s a series of coincidences I felt I needed to share.</p>
<p>I received a package from CB Gitty one warm Texas afternoon and went out to the garage to start on my first cigar box ukulele. I sorted through a pile of empty cigar boxes and settled on a white HR box that I thought had a cool aesthetic. About this time, my wife came into the garage. She said she had just gotten off the phone with her friend Sara who happened to be in the market for a ukulele. I immediately perked up and responded, “Tell her she can have this one when I finish it.” I wasn’t confident in my ability to build a ukulele, but I thought the timing was an interesting coincidence. I always liked the idea of building an instrument for someone and I knew Sara would appreciate it even if it wasn’t perfect.</p>
<p><a href="https://st2.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2846738540?profile=RESIZE_710x&width=640"><img src="https://st2.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2846738540?width=640&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="500"/></a></p>
<p>Here’s a little more information about Sara. She is an interior designer who has played guitar since high school. She’s a crafty type who sometimes creates her own art for the spaces she decorates. In other words, she’s an artistic lady and she's also one of my wife’s best friends. In addition, she's a really great person.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2854427985?profile=RESIZE_710x&width=640"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2854427985?width=640&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="500"/></a></p>
<p>Back to the build, I was amazed at how well my first uke went together. The kit didn’t come with instructions, but it was pretty easy to figure out since I’d already built several CBGs. I decided to paint the headstock white to match the box, something I’d never done before. I had some white spray paint on hand and it just happened to match the box perfectly. I also stained the back of the neck to match the color the wood on the underside of the cigar box. Again I just happened to have the right color of stain on hand. As the project neared completion, it looked great, but I felt like it needed something extra to decorate the headstock. After searching through my parts box and failing to find the right item, I took a trip to a local craft store. I found a small metal oval emblazoned with a 13. “This is perfect,” I thought and so it became the headstock decoration on my first cigar box uke.</p>
<p><img src="https://i.imgur.com/9aH57Eh.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="500"/></p>
<p>Once the glue was dry, I strung up my first homemade ukulele and was surprised by how well it played. I even made a video and <strong><a href="https://cigarboxnation.com/video/cigar-box-ukulele-build-demo-song" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted it on Cigar Box Nation</a></strong>. I liked the instrument so much, I actually thought about keeping it for myself. However, I think that’s a bad omen. You should never promise an instrument to someone and then keep it. This one had to go to Sara. It was made for her. Besides, I could always build another just like it… or could I?</p>
<p>As you can probably guess, I ordered another ukulele kit from CB Gitty and it showed up just a few days later. I settled on a natural colored Casa Turrent box for my second soprano build. I made a few small design changes, but by-and-large stuck to the same idea. Again, I used stain, varnish, screws, and other things I had on hand to complete the project. I was pretty sure it wouldn’t come out as good as the first build, but I was still going to give it a try.</p>
<p><img src="https://st6.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3076182248?width=277&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="500"/></p>
<p>When I finished uke #2, I was pleased with the aesthetic, but I decided it too was missing a headstock decoration. I went through my box of parts and found an old railroad nail. I was from… wait for it… 1913. Another number 13? What are the chances of that? I know 13 is commonly referred to as an unlucky number, but I was born on the 13th so it’s always been lucky for me. One thing was obvious, 13 is the right number for these two coincidental cigar box instruments.</p>
<p><a href="https://st4.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3076182317?profile=RESIZE_710x&width=277"><img src="https://st4.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3076182317?width=277&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="500"/></a></p>
<p>Finally, I strung up uke #2 and the first chord rang out. Up until this moment, I was afraid it would never sound or play as good as uke #1. Some part of me was worried I may have given away the best ukulele I’d ever build. To my surprise, the second one plays just as good as the first. It’s a bit quieter, but it has a warm woody tone. In fact, I played one, then the other, and I really can’t decide which one I like better; they’re both great in different ways. One is a little bit modern, while the other is more rustic, but let’s face it… they both look pretty darn cool.</p>
<p><a href="https://st5.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3076182352?profile=RESIZE_710x&height=277"><img src="https://st5.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3076182352?height=277&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="400"/></a></p>
<p>As I stood back and admired my handiwork, I thought about all the coincidences that had to happen for me to create 2 cigar box ukuleles in two weekends, especially since I didn't have any experience, or even any interest, in building ukuleles. My grandma used to say there are no coincidences in life, they’re all just messages from the universe, and how you interpret those messages is up to you. She was a wise woman. I miss her a lot. I guess that brings me to the moral of this story. If you build something for somebody else, make sure it gets to them. Never keep it for yourself. As the old adage goes, you'll get what you give. It rang true in this case.</p>
<p>P.S. Sara sent me a photo of her playing the ukulele and singing. I can't remember the last time a photo made me this happy. This is why we build.</p>
<p><img src="https://i.imgur.com/nuZ94Rl.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="400"/></p>Looking for CBG’s at DIGFtag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2019-05-06:2592684:BlogPost:33278362019-05-06T11:00:00.000ZPoorness Studioshttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/PoornessStudios
<p>This past weekend was the annual <strong>Dallas International Guitar Festival</strong> (DIGF). The 3-day event is the largest guitar show in the United States. It attracts attendees from all over the US as well as abroad. It spans many types of instruments, genres, and styles. In addition to dozens of booths selling guitars and gear, there are live performances on 3 different stages throughout the event. It’s somewhat of a paradise for guitar players.…</p>
<p></p>
<p>This past weekend was the annual <strong>Dallas International Guitar Festival</strong> (DIGF). The 3-day event is the largest guitar show in the United States. It attracts attendees from all over the US as well as abroad. It spans many types of instruments, genres, and styles. In addition to dozens of booths selling guitars and gear, there are live performances on 3 different stages throughout the event. It’s somewhat of a paradise for guitar players.</p>
<p><a href="https://i.imgur.com/f0ELHlS.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/f0ELHlS.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full" width="400"/></a>Since I live in Dallas, I try to visit the DIGF every year. At previous shows, I’d seen a few vendors selling cigar box guitars. Despite the fact that I just took up the hobby in the last year, I always liked looking at the CBGs and respected the art form. This year, I walked in expecting to meet a few CBG makers and talk a little shop. Alas, there was not a single one in attendance.</p>
<p><a href="https://i.imgur.com/v9C5Uxb.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/v9C5Uxb.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full" width="530"/></a>Despite the fact the there were no CBG vendors; I did manage to find a 2-string cigar box bass. It was a commemorative item on display at the <em>Lone Star Blues Festival</em> booth. I ended up talking to those guys for a while before I sauntered on down the aisle to find a 3-string solid-body instrument that was basically an electric CBG. It was made from several parts I recognized and the workmanship was fantastic. What a cool little creation.<a href="https://i.imgur.com/NK9q01b.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/NK9q01b.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full" width="400"/></a>I didn’t find any other CBGs per se, but I certainly found some folks who would fit in with the CBN community. For instance, there was a builder who took 2 ukuleles and made them into a one-of-a-kind double-neck instrument. I’m not sure how he did it, but he managed to make them fit together perfectly. Perhaps the most fun thing I found was Mucho guitars' custom-made briefcase lap steel. It was very unique. I talked to the builder and he took the time to show me how he did it.</p>
<p><a href="https://i.imgur.com/IfPHfGX.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/IfPHfGX.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full" width="400"/></a>Now don’t get me wrong. I like to look at rare Les Pauls, pre-war jazz boxes, cowboy acoustics, and vintage Telecasters as much as the next guy. I love guitars of all shapes and sizes and I really look forward to DIGF every year. However, since I took up this hobby, I’ve found myself ignoring my traditional guitars more and more to focus on homemade instruments. I guess there’s just something magical about an guitar made in the garage from mismatched parts. It speaks to me in more than one way.</p>Finding Xanadu in Memphistag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2019-04-13:2592684:BlogPost:33204082019-04-13T22:00:00.000ZPoorness Studioshttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/PoornessStudios
<p>When I first started learning about CBGs, I discovered John Lowe, a luthier and performer in Memphis, Tennessee. He does a one-man show under the moniker Johnny Lowebow and builds string instruments known as Lowebows. I had read he owns a bookstore, which morphed into a combination book/music retailer over the past couple decades. The shop, located on Central Avenue in Memphis, is called Xanadu. It just so happened I was going to be in Memphis last week, so I decided to explore…</p>
<p>When I first started learning about CBGs, I discovered John Lowe, a luthier and performer in Memphis, Tennessee. He does a one-man show under the moniker Johnny Lowebow and builds string instruments known as Lowebows. I had read he owns a bookstore, which morphed into a combination book/music retailer over the past couple decades. The shop, located on Central Avenue in Memphis, is called Xanadu. It just so happened I was going to be in Memphis last week, so I decided to explore Xanadu.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1946767416?width=640&profile=RESIZE_710x" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1946767416?width=640&profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full" width="500"/></a></p>
<p>I arrived at the bookstore a few minutes after 11:00 AM on Friday morning. They had just opened and hadn't even turned on the lights yet. A lone employee was setting up a rack of books outside. He told me to make myself at home and explore the shop. As I wandered inside, I was greeted by about a dozen Lowebows hanging on the walls. There were 1-string, 2-string, 3-string, 4-string, and 6-string variants. There was even a double-neck 10-string Lowebow.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1946767364?width=640&profile=RESIZE_710x" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1946767364?width=640&profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full" width="500"/></a></p>
<p>After staring upward in wonderment for a minute or two, I made my way into the main room where a couple dozen instruments adorn the walls. Some are completely stock and others have been heavily customized. All of them are for sale. As you can probably guess, there are bookcases everywhere and the titles cover nearly every topic. The place has a really homey vibe. It feels more like your grandma’s spare bedroom than a music store.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1946767335?width=640&profile=RESIZE_710x" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1946767335?width=640&profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full" width="500"/></a></p>
<p>As I kept wandering, I stumbled across what appeared to be a small practice space. There were some amps set up along with a drum set. A few homemade instruments (including a 5-string Lowebow with a movable nut), a vintage keyboard wrapped in red tolex, and a slew of cables were strewn around the area. A paper sign stating, “please don’t play the drums, thanks” made me realize the things in this nook were not for sale. I presume several Johnny Lowebow songs have been written in this little room.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1946785260?height=600&profile=RESIZE_710x" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1946785260?height=600&profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full" width="375"/></a></p>
<p>Alas, John was not present the day I visited Xanadu, but I had a nice chat with the employee who was on duty. He knows a lot about the instruments and is a performer himself. We talked about music, building things, and the DIY community in general. It was a great discussion. Which leads me to the point of this article, next time you’re in Memphis, stop by Xanadu and have a look. You won't regret it. It’s a quaint little shop full of rare books, good vibes, fun conversations, and a plethora of homemade instruments. Oh… and be sure to pet the cat.</p>
<p><strong>View the full album if pics here:</strong> <a href="https://cigarboxnation.com/photo/albums/memphis-trip-4-2019">https://cigarboxnation.com/photo/albums/memphis-trip-4-2019</a></p>Building My First CB Gitty Kittag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2019-01-13:2592684:BlogPost:32717852019-01-13T02:00:00.000ZPoorness Studioshttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/PoornessStudios
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/769554321?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/769554321?profile=RESIZE_710x"></img></a></p>
<p>Every year around December my family asks me to provide gift ideas. I always do, but typically they ignore most of them and I end up getting socks or dress shirts or something like that. I don't want to sound ungrateful, I always appreciate it, but this year my older sister surprised me with a <strong>Tin Pan Alley</strong> kit from <strong>CB…</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/769554321?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/769554321?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Every year around December my family asks me to provide gift ideas. I always do, but typically they ignore most of them and I end up getting socks or dress shirts or something like that. I don't want to sound ungrateful, I always appreciate it, but this year my older sister surprised me with a <strong>Tin Pan Alley</strong> kit from <strong>CB Gitty</strong>. What a cool gift!</p>
<p><em><strong>Note: This article has been chosen as featured content for Cigar Box Nation. We've added the top header image and the accompanying video to the original blog. A big thank you to Poorness Studios for the fantastic builder's diary.</strong></em></p>
<p><iframe width="640" height="385" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_Qp-5iis-g?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/453065909?profile=RESIZE_930x&width=736" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/453065909?width=736&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>This was my first time building a guitar from a kit. I've modded many guitars in the past and fixed several broken instruments, but I'd never built one from just a stick and a box. I was a bit nervous but I figured I'd just go slow and take it one step at a time. First things first, I started putting the box together and went to work contouring the neck.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/468812261?profile=RESIZE_930x&width=736" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/468812261?width=736&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/468812261?profile=RESIZE_930x&width=736" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/468812141?width=736&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>The kit was pretty darn easy to put together. Most of the wooden parts were pre-cut, but you have to cut the neck notch (both in the body and the neck) yourself. Once all the glue was dry and the braces were in place, I started thinking about how I was going to finish this kit. I decided I wanted to try to paint it black with hot rod flames. I also decided to finish the neck with a nice dark stain.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/485434183?profile=RESIZE_930x&width=736" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/485434183?width=736&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>The next step was to notch the neck so the top can vibrate freely and the resonator cone doesn't hit the wood. This was probably the most difficult part of the whole build. Even though this kit is designed to be acoustic, I decided to add a Lace matchbook pickup to the instrument. I added a pot and jack and wired them up before I fitted the neck.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/558646636?profile=RESIZE_930x&width=736" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/558646636?width=736&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/576858484?profile=RESIZE_930x&width=736" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/576858484?width=736&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>This is where the guitar really started to take shape. I mounted the neck and began adding the finishing touches like chrome corners and pearl tuners. At this point I realized I had no idea how I was going to paint the flames on the top so I did some research. It turns out you can do a pretty good flame job with rattle cans.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/576858549?profile=RESIZE_930x&width=736" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/576858549?width=736&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>I practiced painting flames on an old shelf and discovered it's not as hard as I thought it would be. It's actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it. I covered the top in masking tape and went to work laying out a pattern. Then it was time to lay down the paint.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/604933454?profile=RESIZE_930x&width=736" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/604933454?width=736&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/665090495?profile=RESIZE_930x&width=736" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/665090495?width=736&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>After 3 shades of paint, several coats of clear, and a lot of dry time... I was happy with the way the top came out and decided it was time to glue this baby together. First I had to wire up the pickup though. Once I tested all the electronics, I used a couple pieces of scrap wood and some clamps to hold everything in place while the Titebond dried.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/678369334?profile=RESIZE_930x&width=736" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/678369334?width=736&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="400" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>At this point I decided to add an old railroad nail to the headstock as a decoration. It looks super cool. However, this isn't an original idea. I stole it from Ben 'Gitty' Baker. He uses this technique on his Hobo Fiddles. I also noticed the low G string rattled a bit, so I added a screw to the headstock to act as a string tree.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/719848417?profile=RESIZE_710x&height=600" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/719848417?height=600&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>The kit comes with acoustic strings, but I wanted to use electric ones. I had some laying around but the gauges were a little heavier than what's supplied with the kit. After some initial trouble with the bridge, I found a spot where all the strings intonate well. It took a bit of trail and error, but I got her to tune up real nice. Yeehaw! Now I've got 2 CBGs in my musical arsenal.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/734856864?profile=RESIZE_710x&width=640" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/734856864?width=640&profile=RESIZE_710x" width="400" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>Overall, I'm really impressed with this CB Gitty kit. It was a pretty intuitive build and I had a lot of fun working on it. I would recommend this kit to anyone who wants to wants to become part of the <strong>Cigar Box Revolution</strong>. Take your time, follow the instructions, and you too could have a pretty lilttle gitty just waiting to be played.</p>
<p></p>My New Alexandria CBG Adventuretag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2018-11-13:2592684:BlogPost:32366232018-11-13T00:30:00.000ZPoorness Studioshttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/PoornessStudios
<p>Ever since I learned about the <strong>Cigar Box Guitar Museum</strong> (inside of Speal’s Tavern) in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, I’ve wanted to visit and see this unique collection of instruments. Last month, I haphazardly noticed <strong>Shane Speal and the Snakes</strong> were playing there on 11/10 and decided it was time to cross this item off my proverbial bucket list. Here's a recap of my adventure...</p>
<p>After boarding a 737 outbound from Dallas' Love Field, I arrived at…</p>
<p>Ever since I learned about the <strong>Cigar Box Guitar Museum</strong> (inside of Speal’s Tavern) in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, I’ve wanted to visit and see this unique collection of instruments. Last month, I haphazardly noticed <strong>Shane Speal and the Snakes</strong> were playing there on 11/10 and decided it was time to cross this item off my proverbial bucket list. Here's a recap of my adventure...</p>
<p>After boarding a 737 outbound from Dallas' Love Field, I arrived at Pittsburgh International Airport on Saturday afternoon and rented a car. Then I headed East across the autumn-colored Pennsylvania countryside towards New Alexandria. Despite one wrong turn near Monroeville, the drive went pretty smooth.<a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/242095443?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/242095443?profile=original" class="align-full" width="500"/></a>I parked in front of Speal’s Tavern a few minutes after 5 PM and wandered inside. The exterior is a bit unassuming, looking more like a house than a museum. However, the big blue letters that spell out SPEALS TAVERN let you know you’re in the right place. Once inside it’s hard not to notice all the homemade instruments on the walls.<a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/242095834?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/242095834?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full" width="500"/></a>As luck would have it, Shane Speal was there and he was giving patrons a guided tour of the museum, including several of the latest additions. Shane took us through all the exhibits on the walls and invited everyone to get up close and notice the details. His knowledge of each and every instrument was astounding. Each CBG has a unique story.<a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/242093179?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/242093179?profile=original" class="align-full" width="370"/></a>After taking a quick walk through CBG history, I grabbed a spot at the bar and ordered a Yuengling. I just so happens I sat between CBN member Lou LaManna and <em>Pennsylvania Musician</em> journalist Jim Price. Thanks for all the good conversation fellas!<a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/242092231?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/242092231?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full" width="370" height="500"/></a>Around 6 PM, I ordered a Spealburger off the cigar box menu (a very clever touch), as Shane made rounds and talked to everyone. When I told him I made the trek from Dallas, his mouth gaped for a minute. Then he anxiously agreed to sign my copies of <em>Building Poor Man’s Guitars</em> and <em>Songs Inside the Box</em>. I’ll treasure these for years to come.<a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/242094821?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/242094821?profile=RESIZE_480x480" class="align-full" width="370"/></a>Around 7:00 PM, the other band members showed up and started sound check. Dar, the bartender, kept the Yuenglings flowing as I prepared myself to finally see <strong>Shane Speal and the Snakes</strong> live. Around 8 PM, the band began their first set. Wow, these fellas put on a heck of a show!<a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/242095142?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/242095142?profile=original" class="align-full" width="370"/></a>Farmer Jon was playing the legendary Soul Bucket and boy was he kicking out the grooves. Watching Rick thump that cajon made my hands hurt. He’s amazing… and Shane absolutely owns the stage. They are great entertainers for sure! The Snakes played for 3 hours doing a number of original songs as well as cover tunes from Prince, Depeche Mode, Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Robert Johnson, and several others. What a night!<a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/242095761?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/242095761?profile=original" class="align-full" width="500"/></a>Well... it may have taken a 3 hour flight, a rental car, and an overnight stay in a shoddy hotel room to cross this item off my bucket list, but the trip was well worth it! I was able to explore the museum, learn some random facts, meet Shane, hear The Snakes play, have some CBG-minded conversation, and get some cool souvenirs all in one night. This was definitely a trip to remember. Thanks to everyone who helped make the night special.</p>
<p><strong>Check out the full album of pics here:</strong><a href="https://cigarboxnation.com/photo/albums/new-alexandria-trip-11-2018"> https://cigarboxnation.com/photo/albums/new-alexandria-trip-11-18</a></p>
<p><strong>Watch The Snakes do their rendition of The Star Spangled Banner here:</strong> <a href="https://cigarboxnation.com/video/shane-speal-the-snakes-play-the-star-spangled-banner">https://cigarboxnation.com/video/shane-speal-the-snakes-play-the-star-spangled-banner</a></p>My Foray Into the World of CBGstag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2018-10-13:2592684:BlogPost:32176162018-10-13T14:30:00.000ZPoorness Studioshttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/PoornessStudios
<p>I started my musical exploration on bass back in my late teens. A buddy of mine was learning guitar and needed someone to play bass for him. "It's so easy," he said, "there's only 4 strings and all you do is play one note." Well, needless to say, I quickly found out bass playing is significantly more complicated than that. After playing bass for a bit, I tried out a guitar. Guitar led to synthesizer, and synth led to drums. Somewhere along the way I picked up a mandolin, a harmonica, a…</p>
<p>I started my musical exploration on bass back in my late teens. A buddy of mine was learning guitar and needed someone to play bass for him. "It's so easy," he said, "there's only 4 strings and all you do is play one note." Well, needless to say, I quickly found out bass playing is significantly more complicated than that. After playing bass for a bit, I tried out a guitar. Guitar led to synthesizer, and synth led to drums. Somewhere along the way I picked up a mandolin, a harmonica, a dulcimer, and a few other miscellaneous things just for fun. I played in several bands ranging from folk to metal. I had seen CBGs but just never really got into them.</p>
<p>Despite this, I started modifying my guitars and basses. First it was just replacing pickups, then capacitors, then tuners/bridges, some light routing, and so on. Eventually I made a couple guitars from parts and really got addicted to building things. Learning to solder and modify the electronic circuits in guitars led me to build my own effects pedals and then I started building some simple electronic instruments. I also started modifying amps.</p>
<p>My interest in synthesizers and effects led me to the music DIY community. There are a ton of folks out there making electronic instruments in their garage. Through this similar but different subculture, I somehow stumbled onto the CBG community. I absolutely loved the concept. It brought together two things I love, instruments and building stuff. Not sure where to begin with this new hobby, I started searching the Internet for CBG events. I found this CBN and consequently learned about the <strong>St Louis Cigar Box Guitar Festival</strong>, which was only a few weeks away at the time.</p>
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<p>I attended this festival in 2018 and learned a lot. I even got to talk to CBG guru Justin Johnson. They had a DIY booth and was planning to make my own CBG at the festival. However, I started playing some of the ones in the parking lot and fell in love with a 3 string fretless creation from Smokey Joe in Jerseyville, IL. Needless to say, it came home with me. Since then I've been pickin' and grinnin' as they say. As much as I like the traditional twangy stuff... I am kind of unconventional, so I've done some stuff like processing it through multiple effects, integrating with drum machines, and I even posted a video of me combining CBG and modular synthesizer.</p>
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<p>Don't get me wrong, I still like to sit back with a CBG and harmonica for some down home front porch entertainment. Now that I've got some of the basics, my next step is to build my own. Somehow, I have a feeling this may be happening soon. :-)</p>