There's been many discussions about the best tools to use when making cigar box guitars, but this video is guaranteed to humble any builder. Filmed in 2012, the video, Guitar Maker at Dzalaka Refugee Camp, Malawi shows refugees making great, playable guitars out of chunks of discarded wood and the most basic tools available.
Note how the builder makes a radiused fretboard with just a hand planer! The frets look like they're nothing but electric fence wire. And yet, they sound great, as evidenced by the soundtrack.
I don't know if the builders are still refugees, butthey do have a facebook page.
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This is totally inspiring to any would be guitar maker. It inspired me when I saw this a few years ago. The excuse of not having the right tools go out the window. The best tools you have are your hands and eyes. :-D
Does anyone know if they've shipped guitars before? We're so used to things coming from China without a problem because they ship in bulk containers made for voyages, but these guys probably don't have that option. So as far as buying products from them goes, the first question to answer would be is shipping even a possibility.
If the answer is yes and the concern is that CBGs can't make the trip because they are hollow whereas solid bodies are OK, then maybe a solution would be to have them make a three string version of their guitar with a solid body in a rectangular shape that looks like a CBG. That would be a simpler build as well.
I'm sure someone could arrange to get donations through, but it would be cool to have one of their amazing products and that would be incentive to spend.
As far as sending them things go, paint would be one thing that is restricted. Tools is a great idea. I don't know if there are restrictions on those with all the terrorism these days, but the last I heard was it's OK if in the cargo of the plane and not being carried on board. For ships, I have no idea.
shows that the flatness of the neck is irrelevant (i.e. close is good enough) especially as the frets are filed flat. beat these play nicer than most factory made un-setup guitars
That was amazing.
Heres true git builder!!! Look those tools... huh. I raise my hat.
Total respect to these guys, they are better Luthiers than I. I would buy one too and pay double for what he asked for.
Amazing. All hand work. I'd buy a CBG from these guys.
Yup I'm looking into that right now with Shane's help....
That is so cool. All with just a hand saw, file and a Jack plane! Hope he can sell some.
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