A typical cigar box guitar from Nineboys

18 December 2020

This all kicked off after watching the BBC programme Cigar Box Blues. They highlighted a number of these idiosyncratic instruments and interviewed a number of players/constructors.

It's a great sound, to my ears at least, harking back to 1800s American Blues.

Cigars

I've always loved the smell of cigars, and when my friend Graham started working in the Netherlands he would return with Ritmeesters to savour.

My subsequent work travels would bring more opportunities, from a boutique cigar shop in Threadneedle St to the walk-in humidors of the Fullerton in Sydney. From lazy evenings in Bermuda to visiting the Partagas factory in Havana with cigar aficionado Hugh.

So I enjoyed the BBC programme, liked the music, own various cigar boxes, enjoy new projects …

6 January 2021

So let's build one.

According to Wikipedia, the cigar box guitar is a simple chordophone that uses an empty cigar box as a resonator. The earliest had one or two strings; modern models typically have three or more. Generally, the strings are connected to the end of a broomstick or a 1 x 3 inch wood slate and to the cigar box resonator.

On the basis that they have fewer strings than my electric guitar there was an assumption that they may be easier to play.

Decide to a look at the reviews, find a good primer to read and also acquire a few extra boxes, for flexibility.

20 March 2021

Acquire a few parts and accessories from various sources: - A ceramic guitar slide from Star Singer Slides in Glastonbury. These slides are constructed from man-made stone, triple fired to over 1200°c and then extruded.

- String ferrules from Black Dog Music (with a free plectrum!).

- 4 shiny brass screened grommets (to cover sound holes) from Astons Music.

25 March 2021

The BBC documentary featured, amongst others, Chickenbone John. It's quite likely that he registered a different name for the 2021 Census last Sunday. Nevertheless, Chickenbone creates his own cigar box guitars and runs courses. He also has an online shop, which supplied a few additional parts.

9 April 2021

15 April 2021

The long awaited Chickenbone John order arrives today: 3 strings (GGD); a cherry wood fretwire bridge; a Piezo pickup wired to an amp socket; three open back machine heads and the basic neck parts (fretless) for a 3-string cigar box guitar