#1 resource for Cigar Box Guitars, Free Plans, How-To, Parts & More!

The No Rule Policy Vs Rules

I read the conditions being sold as opinions on media related sites.
I love to keep it positive. I like building instruments and sharing with friends. I hope we are not a clique or even snobs. Let us define what it means to be a cigar box guitar. They are boxes that once housed cigars that have been converted into stringed instruments. We all know that. However, with the cigar box guitar comes its many cousins. It is hard to define because there are so many varieties of homemade instruments that can be created limited only by imagination.
Here’s comes the conflict that seems to drive a wedge between a community that supports diversity on all levels of experience.
Do we have the freedom to build with any material from anywhere, be it China or US?
Does it matter the shape or density, originality?
Is it completed from scratch or salvaged from cheap knock offs?

Do we police the post on a CBG build site by ostracizing those who fall short of build criteria?
I’ve heard the sermon on the mound about purity and rite of passage from those who have paid their dues or came before us.
I really hope nobody buys into that!
For if you do, we will alienate ourselves from a unique opportunity to connect with people whose interest for the most part is to share all related subjects that have sprung from the Cigar Box Guitar.

Remember this blog is a response to other media sites that use their association with friends on here as leverage to support their ideology. I personally am open to discussion on definitions as long as I’m not attacking another member while expressing with them my views.

I not only respect but appreciate all the hard work and giving from all that have come before and are still providing us with service. There are many types of leaders, those who dictate, use fear and those who encourage though positive influences.
I see the latter here on the Nation and admire his restraint and experience at knowing when to step in and calm things down to keep the peace

I’m a firm believer in the no rule build policy but strongly encourage the traditional CBG build and respectfully share it’s roots. I build everything from canjos, 1-2-3-4-5-6 string CBG’s, Whamolas, bases, Ukuleles CBU’s, salad bowl banjo’s and vintage ironing board lap steels! “If it’s dead and laying around, I will build it and string it”. Stay positive!
smilingdog

3 members like this

Comment

You need to be a member of Cigar Box Nation to add comments!

Join Cigar Box Nation

Comment by John Roberts on January 5, 2015 at 7:20am: Scott :

"It is clear that someone needs a hug, and that is it in a nutshell."

That is very dismissive and not to the point.

"A man who embraces limitation only limits himself."

So, a 5'8" white guy can be a center in the NBA? A person who cannot speak can become an opera singer?

A young person can jump off a building and expect to be able to fly? Come on, your position is beyond absurd.

Comment by Brown Water Jerry (Rice) on January 5, 2015 at 12:56am: ( Don't be analyzed retentive.)

Comment by Brown Water Jerry (Rice) on January 5, 2015 at 12:55am: It was once said keep yer mind and her Bowels open?

Comment by Brown Water Jerry (Rice) on January 5, 2015 at 12:41am: Will we soon see cheap Asian knockoffs?

Comment by Scott aka Farmer Ted on January 5, 2015 at 12:18am: Well, it is clear that someone needs a hug. And that, in a nutshell, is it. A man who embraces the constraints of limitation only limits himself. Even a rock has the potential to become rich fertile life giving soil. Philosophical, perhaps. But in the end, I am still smiling and happy.

No, I suppose we are not equal. Some of us get it. Others just waste time complaining about it.

Comment by Ron "Oily" Sprague on January 4, 2015 at 4:18pm: I think that Kumbayah is a sucky song, that should never be played on a diddly bow. There; I said it. Let those who will, aim well. >:-E

Disclaimer: No animals were harmed in the making of this disclaimer.

Comment by smilingdog1 on January 4, 2015 at 3:53pm: Scott aka Farmer Ted, you actually put it much more eloquently then I did.

I'm glad to see you guys talking through this together.

Comment by John Roberts on January 4, 2015 at 2:35pm: Scott:

Thank you for your reply. If the intent of the post is only about respect, it certainly wasn't clear to me. Thanks for showing me this fact.

Respect is very subjective. What is respect to one person is lack there of to another. In the selfie-generation mindset (which is infecting our entire culture), anything critical is deemed unacceptable.

And to your point, no we are not all equal. We may be equal in the eyes of the creator, but we all have very definite strengths and weaknesses. A man has gotta know his limits.

Perhaps this would be a good time to join hands and sing kumbaye?

And.............the last line was a joke ;)

Comment by Scott aka Farmer Ted on January 4, 2015 at 2:20pm: I usually speak plainly and diplomatically. I am also patient enough to revisit and clarify. In my humble opinion, the point of Smilingdog1's blog post was not about the physical/mathematical/technical "rules of building" . Aesthetics was not the point either. It was, quite simply, about respect for everyone, no matter how, why, how many, what materials, where materials from, cigar box, not cigar box, Padron box, maple neck, fretboard, used bedpan, broomstick...whatever.

There is a wide variety of builders and players here. Many are new, and many have numerous builds to his or her credit. But regardless of numbers, we are all equal, no better than the other. And nobody deserves to feel less than that.

Offering a critique or opinion about someone's work is quite acceptable, as long as it is done with respect. And while it may be true that by posting photos or videos of one's work, he or she is open to positive and unfortunately, negative opinions, it is the responsibility of the person offering said opinion to really think about what is being offered. Make it relative, and above all, be nice.

If I am wrong, if I have missed Smilingdog1's point, then I would appreciate hearing from him directly.