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Book in the Works: "The Art of the Cigar Box Guitar"--Help me write my book.

Posted by David Sutton on July 21, 2010 at 5:00pm in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever
Hi, I'm David Sutton and I'm writing a book which is tentatively titled "The Art of the Cigar Box Guitar" for Fox Chapel Publishing. Fox Chapel publishes books about woodworking primarily but they're branching out a bit.

I'm looking for short (1 sentence to two paragraphs?) comments from clubhouse builders on the subject of what building and/or playing cigar box guitars means to you, what has it brought to your life and why you do it?

Be advised that I intend to publish some of these comments, so whatever you write could end up published. If you post here you are implying permission for me to use the quotes.

You may choose to identify yourself by name or by initials, just let me know what your preference would be.

If you have any questions let me know, and if you'd like a solid reference talk to Diane in Chicago. Please tell your friends if you think they might have something to say.

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Replies

  • Lonman August 3, 2012 at 8:36pm

    Our public library had it. I took it out for a while. Nicely done.

  • Ryan Rose August 3, 2012 at 6:07pm

    Finally got my hands on a copy today. It looks nice. That's pretty much the most substantial review I can give, since I just got it, and have barely had a chance to look it over. But other reviews I've read have me very excited to dig in.

  • David Sutton May 28, 2012 at 6:40pm
    Well. It's no longer in the works! It's a book, and it's out there and it's for sale. Did I mention that
     it's beautiful? Let me say so myself…

    It's actually titled, simply, Cigar Box Guitars.
  • Mike Bingham October 21, 2010 at 7:30pm
    Building cigar box guitars is very addicting. I'm working on the seventh build since discovering cigar box guitars nine months ago. It is a study in seat-of-the-pants engineering, creativity, scrounging, making do, anticipation, and gratification. But the biggest rush (and addiction) to me is watching people's faces when they see a cigar box guitar for the first time. It seems that people go through three distinct phases: the "What the heck is that thing?" phase, the " oh, but I'll bet it sounds like c**p." phase, and finally, when they hear some good solid licks played on it, the "I'll be doggone!!" phase. I'll NEVER get tired of watching the realization set in for people when the CBG proves itself to be a real instrument capable of some fine music. - Mike Bingham
  • Dan Sleep October 21, 2010 at 7:05pm
    Building or playing a cigar box guitar can be sneakily addictive. I don't think anyone thinks when they build their first one, that they will ever build another one. But they build the first one, make their mistakes, and discover how easy it can be. They look at the one they built, and they think to themselves, “That little mistake right there is easy to correct. I should just build another one.” So they build a second one, and then a third one. And before they know it, they can no longer count how many they have built. As their building skills improve, so does their playing, even if they couldn't play a stringed instrument before. Before long, they are playing complete songs in spite of not knowing anything about music.

    The tinkering aspect is what appeals to me the most. I look at the process of creating an instrument from a “gadget” perspective. Each cigar box is different, and presents different challenges to the builder. The sheer number of possible components makes it easy to make each guitar completely different. I find that it is difficult to make any two guitars the same, even if I try. “What can I use for a bridge? How about this door hinge for a tailpiece?” A trip down the aisle at the home improvement store turns into a CBG parts locating expedition.

    And when you complete your instrument, and you string it up, and you strum your first chord, those first notes that come from your creation make it all worth while. The satisfaction derived from building your own instrument is unique. And then, your friends and family see the guitars you have built. The first time one of them picks up your CBG and plucks at it, and smiles, you yourself can't help but smile.

    And smiles is what makes life bearable.
    • Dr. Dave > Dan Sleep June 12, 2012 at 10:14pm

      You are right on with the concept of seeing a mistake, then trying to correct it with the next build.  It is what drives me, and why I am always thinking three builds ahead.

  • Shane Speal October 21, 2010 at 6:59pm
    My name is Shane Speal and...um... I'm a cigar box guitar addict.

    ***everyone: Hi Shane!***

    My descent into "the madness" was quick. I built my first, a simple Swisher Sweets job and played it for a year. Then I had to build another. Then another. Eventually, I couldn't stop. I had to play more...build more...buy more...

    ***everyone: we understand, Shane. We're not here to judge you***
  • David Sutton October 21, 2010 at 4:46pm
    i LOVE this, Tom, thanks.




    Tom Caneschi aka TC said:
    If you’re a builder, a player or just a member, Cigar Box Nation is like a brotherhood every body is willing to help you succeed.
    There are so many different ways to build and play a cigar box guitar you can’t help but be inspired buy what you see and read on Cigar Box Nation,
    Playing an instrument I built gives me much more satisfaction than playing one I bought, it’s something almost anyone can do it just takes a few tools a little research and light woodworking skills.
    I was a below average woodworker when I started this hobby and not much has changed but a year and a half later I have now built 6 guitars and 4 amps.
    Personally I consider it to be an art form and at the same time a form of self-expression. The thing I like most is that there’s no right or wrong way to play it or build it, like everyone says (there are no rules). It’s an obsession that gets into your blood and won’t go away.
    I’ve always had an interest in making my own guitar, now thanks to Cigar Box Nation and it’s members I can scratch one off the bucket list.

    Tom Caneschi AKA TC
  • Tom Caneschi aka cbg tom October 21, 2010 at 4:29pm
    If you’re a builder, a player or just a member, Cigar Box Nation is like a brotherhood every body is willing to help you succeed.
    There are so many different ways to build and play a cigar box guitar you can’t help but be inspired buy what you see and read on Cigar Box Nation,
    Playing an instrument I built gives me much more satisfaction than playing one I bought, it’s something almost anyone can do it just takes a few tools a little research and light woodworking skills.
    I was a below average woodworker when I started this hobby and not much has changed but a year and a half later I have now built 6 guitars and 4 amps.
    Personally I consider it to be an art form and at the same time a form of self-expression. The thing I like most is that there’s no right or wrong way to play it or build it, like everyone says (there are no rules). It’s an obsession that gets into your blood and won’t go away.
    I’ve always had an interest in making my own guitar, now thanks to Cigar Box Nation and it’s members I can scratch one off the bucket list.

    Tom Caneschi AKA TC
  • Julz aka Varnum Slim September 6, 2010 at 10:12am
    Very poetically put :o)

    Shawn said:
    In a world filled with high-teck souless devices we build low-teck and soulful insterments.

    We breath life into junk and give it a voice to sing to others hearts.

    For me there is no greater thrill than that first strum of a CBG that was built by my own hand.

    One man's junk is another man's Cigar Box Guitar.

    The problems of the world today can be solved with the music of yesterday.
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