Yeah, but here's my thoughts on that: the boxes themselves are beautiful, probably rare and potentially worth something to a collector, but I love they way they look (the graphics, the wood, the age) and would probably be happy just hanging them on the wall. Why not make this collectable thing a bit more entertaining? And that's what I think I want to do. I am doing the Cremo first but I fear for the collector that the others I have may follow. And isn't that the idea of the CBG: taking found materials and creating a new piece of folk art out of it. The folk art quality is what drew me to these instruments first. Unfortunately, I began building them like I wanted to become a luthier (tapered necks, tenon joints, truss rods, sweet tuning machines, etc. after expensive etc. dollar). So, now after all that, I'm looking to keep it simple and remember what I loved about the first cigar box guitars I saw.
While I feel for the poor collector that shivers knowing I'm going to put a stick in the object of his desire, I'm thrilled at the thought of this gorgeous piece of the past having more of a life as an object d' art (french is not my thing but I think that phrase covers it).
I may be full of it but I think they will look and sound great.
PS
Most of the boxes I got a deal on because of the condition and labels added by folks using them in a garage as storage containers. I worked hard to clean them up and am thrilled about giving them a new way to exist. I know this sounds a bit nuts. And on top of that, I hope I do a good job on them. I've practiced on enough boxes so far that I kind of know what I'm doing or, should I say I know very well how to fix, hide, and cover up mistakes....
I don't know, maybe I am full of it. I'll take your suggestion and cut up the Cremo.
The next group of guitars. Going all out with these and, again, am experimenting. I'm trying violin pegs as tuners. Yes, I've read up but I'm doing it anyway. I got a good reamer and a shaver...well, not expensive and am getting the boxes ready. The labels needed some cleaning and had to be glued down. There were some paper labels added by the previous owner on the box ends (labelled 'wire' and 'misc. screws'). I was able to remove those without disturbing the original labels underneath. How? Patience and a willingness to screw it up. The lids and sides are thin cedar. They should sound good. I plan on not using any metal parts so that these are all microwave safe.
Comments
Now i've read on and see you are up to the task. They will sure mean more to you than your common ordinary CB. Lindy'd do it...
Wow, yummy boxes. Might be hard to use one on a build. Scary... Measure twice...
You bet. And thanks. I hope I do them justice. And will do on the pictures.
PS: show us the end products, please and best wishes.
Right on Kimmer. I think you know exactly what you want. That's what counts.
I used one very special box and put the sound holes on the sides.
Yup on your experience. I did fancy ones or tried to. But simple ones or even ratty ones that play like a dream are more 'me'.
Yeah, but here's my thoughts on that: the boxes themselves are beautiful, probably rare and potentially worth something to a collector, but I love they way they look (the graphics, the wood, the age) and would probably be happy just hanging them on the wall. Why not make this collectable thing a bit more entertaining? And that's what I think I want to do. I am doing the Cremo first but I fear for the collector that the others I have may follow. And isn't that the idea of the CBG: taking found materials and creating a new piece of folk art out of it. The folk art quality is what drew me to these instruments first. Unfortunately, I began building them like I wanted to become a luthier (tapered necks, tenon joints, truss rods, sweet tuning machines, etc. after expensive etc. dollar). So, now after all that, I'm looking to keep it simple and remember what I loved about the first cigar box guitars I saw.
While I feel for the poor collector that shivers knowing I'm going to put a stick in the object of his desire, I'm thrilled at the thought of this gorgeous piece of the past having more of a life as an object d' art (french is not my thing but I think that phrase covers it).
I may be full of it but I think they will look and sound great.
PS
Most of the boxes I got a deal on because of the condition and labels added by folks using them in a garage as storage containers. I worked hard to clean them up and am thrilled about giving them a new way to exist. I know this sounds a bit nuts. And on top of that, I hope I do a good job on them. I've practiced on enough boxes so far that I kind of know what I'm doing or, should I say I know very well how to fix, hide, and cover up mistakes....
I don't know, maybe I am full of it. I'll take your suggestion and cut up the Cremo.
Use the Cremo now, research those others first.
Love the old timers. Man, those 2 on the right. Might be worth researching them before cutting. I think they are uncommon to rare.
The next group of guitars. Going all out with these and, again, am experimenting. I'm trying violin pegs as tuners. Yes, I've read up but I'm doing it anyway. I got a good reamer and a shaver...well, not expensive and am getting the boxes ready. The labels needed some cleaning and had to be glued down. There were some paper labels added by the previous owner on the box ends (labelled 'wire' and 'misc. screws'). I was able to remove those without disturbing the original labels underneath. How? Patience and a willingness to screw it up. The lids and sides are thin cedar. They should sound good. I plan on not using any metal parts so that these are all microwave safe.