### Cigar Box Guitars
Cigar Box Guitars
The Cigar Box Guitar
The cigar box guitar is a primitive chordophone whose resonator is a discarded cigar box. Because the instrument is homemade, there is no standard for dimensions, string types or construction techniques.
Many early cigar box guitars consisted only of one or two strings that were attached to the ends of a broomstick that was inserted into the cigar box.
Other cigar box guitars were more complex, with the builder attempting to simulate a real stringed instrument, such as a guitar, banjo, or fiddle.
Currently, there is a resurgence in this humble instrument and musicians are creating many new designs. Some are adding additional strings and necks while others are incorporating active electronics that make them playable through guitar amplifiers.
Music legends who played cigar box guitars.
In the Mid-1990's , a small basement operation called Catfish Music Works churned out over 200 cigar box guitars. Many of these instruments were sold at a local 'needful things' store in Red Lion, PA called My Penny Lane while others made their way around the world. If there is one thing the company will always be known for, it is how they got their cigar box guitars into the hands of some major rock stars. Gov't Mule was just the first in an impressive list that includes:
B.B. King
Ted Nugent
Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull
Chris Ballew and Dave Dederer of the Presidents of the United States of America
Actor Tim Allen
Corey Harris bluesman
LT underground poet
Other Music legends
Jimi Hendrix, Carl Perkins, Albert King,
THE CONCERT
On May 20th, 2009 . . . . The students of Mr. McLoughlin's 7th grade Technology classes and Dr. Morgo's General Music classes performed the song "Lean On Me" on front of a large crowd. See pictures and a video of their performance.
Click here to view pictures and video of the concert.
THE PROFESSIONAL
On May 1st, 2009 . . . . Local artist/musician Jack Licitra and the Waterfall played a concert at the YMCA Boultan Center in Bayshore, New York. Jack featured one of the 136 cigar box guitars made by Mr. Mcloughlin's 7th Grade Technology classes and Dr. Morgo's Introduction to Music class. Click on the video link below to see and hear the performance.
Related Files
Scotty's Cigar Box Revolution
Welcome to the first museum dedicated to the humble cigar box guitar. We have gathered the facts & legends, pictures & players and stories that span over 150 years. We are the authority of the CBG
"Make" Your Own Cigar Box Guitar
With a piece of oak, some string and a cigar box, John Park creates a three-stringed guitar. The cigar box acts as the resonating soundboard for the instrument. John then wires the guitar to a buck-fifty cassette-player amp and makes it really rock.
Related Files
Scotty's Cigar Box Revolution
Welcome to the first museum dedicated to the humble cigar box guitar. We have gathered the facts & legends, pictures & players and stories that span over 150 years. We are the authority of the CBG
"Make" Your Own Cigar Box Guitar
With a piece of oak, some string and a cigar box, John Park creates a three-stringed guitar. The cigar box acts as the resonating soundboard for the instrument. John then wires the guitar to a buck-fifty cassette-player amp and makes it really rock.