It seems there are more Cigar Box Ukulele's than ever before. Most are completely built for you and all you have to do is send off your payment, wait patiently for your delivery, open the box, tune it up, and play. Naturally the fully functioning uke's (and guitars) carry a higher price tag because of the labor to put them together. I've built dozens of fully assembled ready to play Cigar Box uke's and guitars.
Kits on the other hand allow you to put your hands into the building of your own instrument. I find it very satisfying to complete a kit. You get to put a lot of yourself into it and do any customizing that you may want.
Most kits will (should) include a complete set of easy to follow instructions, the cigar box (body), the neck and head of the instrument, strings, tuning pegs, the nut and bridge, screws, nuts and bolts necessary to complete your instrument. Other than a couple of simple tools required for assembly it should be complete and ready to put together.
Most kits are going to leave you to do any finishing touches to it such as; final sanding, sealing the wood, and applying the finish of your choice. And of course stringing your instrument up and tuning it.
Kits can come fretted or not depending on what you want or what your kit maker offers. The notches (to accept the neck) should already be precut into your cigar box, or at the very least marked off on where to cut the notches. I personally would want the head predrilled for the tuning pegs and any other holes needed for mounting parts to your instrument.
I have some Cigar Box Ukulele Kits in the making and will post pictures of them when they are closer to being completed.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Prayer of The Woods
This really hit me as something I really believe this about trees. I am clearly a huge fan of trees, woods, forest, and jungles!
Most of us consumers in this world take the bounty we receive from Mother Earth for granted, that is consuming without thanking.
Wouldn't our lives be unusual without trees? Let's do what we can to protect our forests, starting by being thankful for what she gives us.
Most of us consumers in this world take the bounty we receive from Mother Earth for granted, that is consuming without thanking.
Wouldn't our lives be unusual without trees? Let's do what we can to protect our forests, starting by being thankful for what she gives us.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Music with a Purpose
To me music has become so jaded, a lot of words and sound but no meaning or depth. Recently a good friend posted a youtube link to a sister group called Rising Appalachia Music. They haven't busted into the Top 10 of the everyday radio sound, but they are putting out what my cousin coined as 'music with a purpose'.
They call their style Medicine for the People. This is revolutionary music in the sense it is bringing back the old heart and soul and meaning to the sounds we hear today.
When I first listened to the song and watched the performance of Leah Song, sister to Chloe Smith, singing Wash It Away with Nahko Bear I was blown away by the depth of soul and pure heart.
I think you will agree they are a formidable team who are once again returning the music to the people, only this time as Medicine to the People. Enjoy.
Here is their Facebook page if you would like to learn more about this incredible band or look into their new CD Wider Circles feel free.
They call their style Medicine for the People. This is revolutionary music in the sense it is bringing back the old heart and soul and meaning to the sounds we hear today.
When I first listened to the song and watched the performance of Leah Song, sister to Chloe Smith, singing Wash It Away with Nahko Bear I was blown away by the depth of soul and pure heart.
I think you will agree they are a formidable team who are once again returning the music to the people, only this time as Medicine to the People. Enjoy.
Here is their Facebook page if you would like to learn more about this incredible band or look into their new CD Wider Circles feel free.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Custom Built Cigar Box Ukulele
Recently I built this beautiful custom Cigar Box Ukulele for Austin, Texas musician Carolyn Wonderland.
It is made from a black Brick House cigar box, a mahogany neck, ebony fret board, electric pickup, and some cool antique brass. It even has the 1960's Flying Heart inlay done in abalone shell.
The re-purposed antique brass came from the historic West Hill Hardware Store in Akron, Ohio. This is a great old time hardware store with many hard to find parts. I love this store and stop in every chance I get.
See more of my Cigar Box Ukulele's
It is made from a black Brick House cigar box, a mahogany neck, ebony fret board, electric pickup, and some cool antique brass. It even has the 1960's Flying Heart inlay done in abalone shell.
Take a look at this beauty!
See more of my Cigar Box Ukulele's
How to Make a Cigar Box Instrument
I came across this great poster which details how to build a cigar box guitar (or any instrument).
Remember it is basically made from 3 materials:
For more information on or where to purchase this unique one-of-a-kind Americana instruments visit Cigar Box Ukulele's
Remember it is basically made from 3 materials:
- A cigar box
- A stick of wood
- Strings
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
A Birds Eye View
If you haven't guessed... I love building Cigar Box Ukuleles! Here's a birds-eye-view of my latest brood...
Carolyn Wonderland - Guitar playing and singing, oh so good!!
If you haven't heard Carolyn Wonderland play yet... you are missing a truly gifted artist! Enjoy!
This was taken from Austin City Limits http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJV1Lrou55U
This was taken from Austin City Limits http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJV1Lrou55U
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