(by W. J. Sutherland, published in Science and Mechanics Magazine - 1949)

By W. J. SUTHERLAND

Finger board is made from a broom handle 27 1/2 inches long and 1 inch in diameter (C in Fig. 4). On one end cut out a piece 2 1/2 inches long halfway through handle. Then glue finger board (broom handle) to lid (B in Fig. 4) and secure with small woodscrew. Drill screw hole to prevent splitting. Put screw in from up through lid into handle. At other end of finger board (E in Fig. 4) drill 3/8 inch hole 1 inch from end through top to bottom. This is so string can wind on D (Fig. 4). Then make saw cut at edge of hole to set in piece of brass 1/16 inch thick, 3/4 inch wide and 3/16 inch high.

You are now ready to sandpaper box and finger board. Apply two coats of shellac allowing first coat to dry. Use fine sandpaper again before second coat is applied. Tail piece is made of brass 1 1/2 inches long, 1/2 inch wide and 1/16 inch thick (G in Fig. 4). Drill hole 1/16 inch in diameter centered 3/8 inch from end. Then slot with hacksaw. Slightly bend 1/4 inch from top; this prevents string from slipping out (String should have piece of metal secured on end as anchor.) From other end of tail piece drill drill 1/8 inch hole 1/4 inch from end, and another 1/8 hole 3/4 inch higher. These holes are centered. Tail piece is fastened to end of box, 1/4 inch above surface of box (G and A in Fig. 4). Bend in tail piece should project from box.

Bow can be made from wire coat hanger (K in Fig. 3). First straighten and form as shown in diagram. End of wire is soldered to form handle on bow as shown in M in Fig. 3. Then a spool of fine white silk thread is tied at one end of bow and stranded to other end of bow( L in Fig. 3). Thread tight enough to keep thread taut. When readt to use rub thread over a piece of rosin. If you have a regular violin bow, you can of course, use it instead of making one, Peg shown (D in Fig. 1) is a regular violin peg. You'll find that a guitar 3rd string, if you have one, gives best results. And peg rosin and string can be purchased at a music store in your neighborhood.

The cigar box violin is played by holding box between the knees with finger board resting on left shoulder; this allows free use of hands. The bow is held in right hand and drawn over string. Finger is moved up and down pressing string against finger board to get the desired notes. This violin has a range of two and a half octaves, and should be tuned to G on piano.