Hey everybody! I don't know where to put this, but I did want to share with the community how building CBGs has helped me in other ways. Now my story isn't as dramatic as someone like Glenn Watt, but maybe somebody can relate to it in any case.
I was looking for a new hobby or interest about three years ago when I stumbled across the idea of cigar box guitars (I don't even remember where). I was immediately intrigued because as a long-time guitarist, I had never heard of them. I also thought that maybe I could build one. I had never considered myself handy, but what if I tried? I talked it over with my wife and she was supportive of the idea. I bought a few basic hand tools and some supplies and soon started building my first guitars at my dining room table (we were in an apartment at the time).
My first 4-5 guitars were honestly pretty crappy, but it didn't matter--I was hooked. Slowly but surely I began to make better guitars, learning as I went. I am since closing in on 30(ish) guitars and have even sold a number of them, mainly to friends but also to several musicians, even one who is in a nationally touring band.
But that's not why I wanted to write this. As I began to build more and more guitars, I realized that I had been telling myself a lie for a long, long time. I never thought I was a handy guy, simply because I had told myself I couldn't do it. However, when I actually began to do handy things (through the vehicle of CBGs), I found that yes, I really could do it. I soon found myself saying, "If I can build a guitar, then surely I could do X." Because of my newfound confidence--directly as a result of CBGs--I have now done things like:
- Replace all of the lights and light switches in my house.
- Built and installed a fireplace mantel.
- Replaced the motor on my treadmill.
- Built a workbench and a 6-foot bench for my patio.
- Built a coffee table for my living room.
This may not be a big deal for some people, but for me, it is. Three years ago I never thought I could have done any of those things. But thanks to the amazing craft of building CBGs--and lots of support from members of this community, here I stand today--a handy guy.
Jon Clemence
P.S.: Thank you to everyone who has given me an encouraging word. I woud love to know how CBGs have helped other people.
Replies
I come at this story from a different angle completely. I am a avid woodworker, to the point of selling tools & hardware at our closest Lowe's. A gentleman was looking for a new table saw (it just happened to be Uncle Lou of CB Nation) and we talked about what features he needed and I ask the defining question, "what are you building?" To which he replied, "Cigar Box Guitar fret boards." I thought to my self, what the heck is that? I helped him get the saw he needed and he was on his way. When I got home, I went straight to my PC & looked up a CBG. I've built a lot of things but never a musical instrument and the rest is history, to the point of starting CBG Minded Michigan'ders, which is having our first year anniversary meeting on 08 October at Red Sky Stage from 1 to 5pm. Everyone is invited to this free event. You can also check out our face book page: CBG Minded Michigan'ders, also check us out on C. B. Nation
Thanks to everyone for reading and responding to my post! It's something I'd been wanting to share for a while now, and I am glad it spawned some good conversation and encouragement.
Good story and good on you!
Wonderful story Jon. My favorite part was you saying you ran the idea by your wife and she was supportive. When I made my first instrument about 6 years ago my wife said "that looks pretty crappy, couldn't you just buy a better one" Well she didn't start liking it until it sold and my next 6 or 7 sold quickly and then she said "obviously you're not charging enough" So now when I do craft shows she says "make more of those canjos - they sell quickly. And charge more than $20 for them. I guess my point is that it's good to have someone supporting what you're doing even if it's only because it adds a couple of bucks to the budget. But yes this hobby has changed my life and I feel like I finally discovered what I'm meant to do. Newspaper and magazine articles about what I do are great ego boosters but making an instrument from stuff other people throw away and having people enjoy them is the real satisfaction.
Thanks for sharing. CBG's & The CBN has helped me be more sociable...
You meet lots of nice people here who aren't hell bent on selling you a bag of weed or pouring whisky down your throat. You get a sense of family from strangers 1000's of miles away, who quickly become friends and I have had great coversations about all kinds of stuff as well CBG's
I have been playing guitar for many years also, and CBG's I was aware of from being into old music but didn't buy my first until maybe 3 years ago, I've bought more since and collected loads of bits.. just need to get some tools together.
So that said , I think reading your account has helped me put my thinking cap back on and maybe sometime soon my collection of bits will become an instrument !
You can do it, Blue. I have faith.
Thank you Gary , very good of you :-)
You don't need much more than a junior hacksaw, some spare blades for it and some screwdrivers and any type of box to fit a prebuilt neck into it.
It's quite satisfying to build and play something you created.
We all know you can do it Bristol. Take a Saturday afternoon and get stuck in!
Thanks for the kind words of encouragement Fom , much appreciated.
As they say down here Bristol; I need to get my ass in gear :-)
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