Judging the 2x4 build-off was brutal! Everybody stepped up their game and each entry was top notch. In fact, it took us an entire week to narrow it down to three winners.
Entries made from 2x4 planks covered the gamut, including lap steels, ukuleles and even recreations of Old World European dulcimers. You can see every submission here.
With that said, here are the top three winners:
FIRST PRIZE: Rose Ericson's Folk Art Fiddle - The entire instrument was made with 2x4 wood (with the exception of the PVC fretboard and tailpiece)!
Judges comment: If memory serves correct, Rose Ericson of Grand Junction, CO is the first woman to ever claim the #1 prize for a Cigar Box Nation build off! Her hand-carved Blonde Fiddle has the folk art look of classic instruments, but as shown in the video below, it actually plays.
(Note: we scoured Cigar Box Nation to find the video after choosing her as winner. The video proof wasn't used in judging.)
SECOND PRIZE: Michael Spiker's 2x4 Snare Drum
Judges comment: There was no way we could pass up this entry, especially when Michael Spiker shared his makeshift drum lathe he had to create just to build this. (Pictured right)
Spiker's snare was based on the video feature, Building a 2x4 Snare Drum. After looking at the original post and comparing it to Spiker's creation, we think he actually improved on it!
THIRD PRIZE: Clark Roden's Joker King lap steel guitar
Judges comment: Picking only three winners in a contest that had stellar competition was almost impossible. There were several 2x4 lap steel entries (including a really coolacoustic version), so we decided that at least one lap steel should be included.
Clark Rowden's Joker King had great design, a classic look fantastic curves. We love the fact that it also maintains the 2x4 center, giving a nod to its lowly wood plank origins.
Thanks to everyone who entered and to our sponsor, C. B. Gitty!!!
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