Any Cigarbox and/or Homemade Instrument Historians?

Hi Cigar Box Friends, I'm in the process of planning an exhibition of Homemade Musical Instruments. Washtub bass, Washboard, Singing Saw and of course, Cigar Box Instruments. I'm very interested to hear from anyone that is knowledgeable about the History of these instruments. I would also be incredibly appreciative of any photographs (in high resolution) or old film footage that you may have to share. Further, if you just happen to live in or close to the Netherlands, are a builder and/or performer of such instruments and are interested in participating in this show i would be very happy to hear from you. Send me a message along with some images or video of your work. Looking forward to your replies! Thank you, Shelley.

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  • Hi Everyone,
    I just wanted to drop a line about the HomeMade Musical Instrument show i was planning.
    Unfortunately or Fortunately the enthousiasm for this show was so great that
    it outgrew my original intentions. I was forced to put it aside for awhile since
    other projects (that are already in progress) made it impossible for me to give the homemade instrument show
    the attention it deserved. I have however lost none of my enthousiasm for such a show and hope at a later
    date to make it a reality. I thank everyone for their photo submissions and invaluable information and
    hope eventually to be able to put this to very good use!
    Greetings & Happy Summer Wishes to Everyone!
    Shelley.
  • Thanks! I have seen your blog and really liked the garfic art, I have shared it with my wife and she really likes that style you used on alot of the banners.

    There is also a random blog here,

    http://cigtars.blogspot.com/

    & lots of fun cbg videos here,

    https://www.youtube.com/profile?user=johnmcnair&view=videos

    your welcome to take and use anything you want.





    Shelley said:
    Hi CBG,
    I love Red Dog Guitars. I visit that site often.
    Hadn't seen the blog before though. Thanks!
    Cheers,
    Shelley.

    CBG lessons said:
  • Hi CBG,
    I love Red Dog Guitars. I visit that site often.
    Hadn't seen the blog before though. Thanks!
    Cheers,
    Shelley.

    CBG lessons said:
  • Hi Shelly here is a link to information of Jean Ritchie; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Ritchie
  • Hi Larry,
    Very interesting. Thanks for the information.
    I am however more interested in homemade instruments made from
    common goods. Singing Saws, Washboards, Washtub Basses and Cigar Box Instruments.
    But i'll definately check out the sites.
    Thanks Larry!
  • Hi Shelly, Do you want any information on the Mountain Dulcimer? If so I can send you an artical written about me 35 years ago while I was serving in the army in Germany, actually I think it is on my page of the nation. Below is Jean Ritchie's email address She and George are friends of mine. she and george are now in there 80s. She is the person credited with educating the world on this fine Historic American instrument, greenhays@aol.com She and George traveled Europe giving concerts with the Dulcimer and telling the history of the instrument. Jean and George are very famous and she has written several books on the instrument. Jean has performed with Pete Seger and her family is well known in the folk world as the singing Ritchie Family. Tell her that I refered her to you. I am sure you will find her the most knowlegable person on earth on the subject of Dulcimers. You can find more information on JR at youtube.com. Larry McPheeters South Lake Tahoe Ca.
  • Hi One String Willie!
    (I love that name)
    Yes, diddly bo's, of course! I am definately going to make one for the show and I want to do a diddly bo workshop during the expo. Your website is a fantastic source for information. I will be visiting it frequently! I will of course aknowledge all of my sources that i use for the show.
    Oh, and i'm very interested to see what Mr. Bunch (another great name) is up to. I play a mean washtub bass myself.
    Hey, thanks for the note.
    I'll keep you posted on my progress.
    Bye!
    Shelley

    One String Willie said:
    Hi Shelley-

    I make and play one-string diddley bows, made from a length of broom-wire stretched between two nails driven into a wooden plank and played by beating out a rhtyhm with a stick or pick with one hand and changing the pitch with a glass bottle slide with the other. I have some history and a fairly complete article on how to build these instruments on my website, www.onestringwillie.com

    It would be easier for you to make one of these instruments (it takes about 10-15 minutes) than for me to ship one to the Netherlands.

    I should mention that Jim Bunch (gutbucketeer) is an expert on building and playing washtub (and the more portable suitcase) basses. I think he is a member here.

    If you have any questions or if you see any images you like, please contact me (I can send you higher resolution files).

    Best regards, Willie
  • Hi Shelley-

    I make and play one-string diddley bows, made from a length of broom-wire stretched between two nails driven into a wooden plank and played by beating out a rhtyhm with a stick or pick with one hand and changing the pitch with a glass bottle slide with the other. I have some history and a fairly complete article on how to build these instruments on my website, www.onestringwillie.com

    It would be easier for you to make one of these instruments (it takes about 10-15 minutes) than for me to ship one to the Netherlands.

    I should mention that Jim Bunch (gutbucketeer) is an expert on building and playing washtub (and the more portable suitcase) basses. I think he is a member here.

    If you have any questions or if you see any images you like, please contact me (I can send you higher resolution files).

    Best regards, Willie
  • Hello Shelley,

    Please visit my page here or my Youtube page: www.youtube.com/kenileeburgess. I play traditional bottleneck slide in open tunings on vintage resonators and homemade instruments. Please contact me if you have any questions. Enjoy, Keni Lee
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