How to Build - Cigar Box Guitars - DVD for your own kit / amp or neck building

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This DVD plays in all TV players - USA - Europe - United Kingdom - Australia
It also plays on computers with a disc drive
Cigar box guitars are fun and easy to play. These guitars have a naturally vintage tone that sounds like they're from the past. It's also easier to learn how to play a cigar box guitar than it is to learn on a regular guitar - But, just as enjoyable as they are to play, they are also fun and easy to build.
If you would like to build your own guitar that can capture that old-time classic Delta Blues sound, this DVD video will show you how to build a great sounding guitar that can produce that soul moving tone that sounds like it's strait from the 1930's.
This video covers several types of guitars, both 3 and 4 string as well as resonator guitars.
It will show you how and what I do when I build guitars in my shop. Everything is explained from start to finish. It doesn't matter if this is your first time building or your 10th. After you study and watch this dvd you will build a better and more resonate sounding guitar.
I share what to do about the body of the guitar, the wood for necks, how to fret the neck and homemade fretting like a pro - and yes, fretting a guitar neck is easy, even if it's your first time. All done with only basic hand tools. I also cover headstocks of all types and so much more than you could ever get from a book or watching endless random youtube videos....You will save many hours of trying to learn on your own.
After watching this dvd you'll be able to build a guitar that sounds vintage or modern, clean or gritty, ring like a bell or bite like a dog!
When I record, I like the 'sound and tone' of my guitar to land somewhere in between the 1890's and a pair of rusty Hot Rod exhaust pipes :-)
The recording possibilities are endless, here's a short youtube video, it will open in a new window
Cigar box guitars are built with just a few basic hand tools that most people already have or can borrow from a friend. The great thing about building these guitars is that you don't need power tools. It's kind of liberating if you think about it, to build regular guitars you would need a whole shop of specialized tools, power saws and carpentry planes.
Here is a short sample list of the basic tools you will need,
a small hand saw
small hand pliers
sandpaper and wood glue
a small hand drill
pocket knife
small hammer / or rubber mallet
a few small screwdrivers / Phillips type
a quality ruler (I prefer Metric) Buy a steel ruler, It's the most important tool you'll own
As you can see, these guitars don't require many tools. You've already got a head start in this type of construction, the body has been pre-made for you, it's just an old used box. One aspect that I really enjoy about building these guitars, is that they are easy to complete.
- We will also cover all of the parts needed, ideas for homemade bridges, electric pickup types, body hardware, etc. You can use new or used guitar parts or you can get creative and make your own parts with stuff from around your house. It's also exciting to look around your garage or the local hardware store for random items that could be used in a creative way on a guitar.
Here below is a rustic looking and road worn 3 string guitar. It has homemade metal body parts. Even the hardtail bridge is made at home from a piece of bent metal. I explain how I make or find parts and how to think ahead when searching for them so that you can create ideas and themes that inspire you.
Resonator guitar construction is also covered on this DVD
Homemade resonators are fantastic to play and record with. If you're trying to recreate that hair-raising deep slide gritty down home blues from the 1920's and 30's than this is the type of guitar for you.
These instruments are a thrill to play, they have a crisp metallic bell like tone with a sound that is full of sustain and volume. The sound they produce is so vivid and incredible.
...and if you plug one into an overdriven tube amplifier it will turn into a rude little screamer!
These guitars are super captivating. There are many guitarist who play only this type of guitar and nothing else. The projection of tone that comes out of the front of the guitar is so phenomenal they can become the only guitar you'll ever want to hold in your hands.
Building a resonator is much easier than you may think, the neck is a stick that runs right through the box and the body is cleverly anchored at the end. There are some things that are different from a standard cigar box guitar, but it's not difficult nor any harder to build. It just requires a bit more time to construct.
The strings sit on a bridge that pushes down on a cone held upright inside the
body of the guitar. When you strum, it vibrates the center of the cone and
i
t provides amplification without electricity.
- The parts to build cigar box resonators are for sale online in many places.
The cones are specialty parts designed and made for these guitars, but if you want to build in the Lo-Fi style, I also explain how to use paint can lids and other items that work well as resonator parts. If you live in Europe or the United Kingdom there are makers of these custom parts available for sale in your part of the world. They are also available for sale in Australia.
Here's a recording of a homemade resonator this was captured acoustically open air with a microphone hanging right in front of me,
Resonator Blues - Cigar Box Slide Guitar
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If you have read this far, thank you for your time. I know this ebay listing was a lot to read but I only wanted to be factual and state what is offered on the video. This dvd will save you a lot of time from making mistakes and it will help you build a better sounding guitar.
Email me anytime with any questions you may have and thanks again, John
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Some might ask, what exactly is a cigar box guitar?
Since the mid 1860's, it's been common for poor people to make their own guitar or stringed instrument out of old and used cigar boxes and scavenged or found wood.
If you wanted to play guitar and didn't have any money, you'd have to build a guitar yourself.
In small towns in the southern United States, you can still hear stories about those old school Bluesmen of the past such as Lightnin' Hopkins, Scrapper Blackwell, Little Freddie King and many others who got their start in music by building their own homemade guitar.
One reason early American Blues music has such a distinctive sound is because it has an origin based on these simple homemade instruments.
From Muddy Waters to Elmore James, many great blues guitarist were influenced by them in their
slide guitar playing.
This long forgotten part of history is an important chapter in the story of early "Delta Blues" and its roots of slide guitar from the Southern Delta.
Even though this tradition has faded into the past, it's not completely gone. The art of making and playing homemade guitars still continues today and many musicians record with them. These guitars have a naturally vintage and authentic tone. Their dramatic and raspy voice can spark to life a new creativity that many musicians desire for in their playing. Blues guitarist in particular, really enjoy playing cigar box guitars in the search of hearing Delta Blues in its purest form.
Here is a short song below. Anyone can learn to play one of these guitars with just a little practice.
1930's Slide Blues Box Guitar
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If you are interested in learning more about the hobby of cigar box guitars,
I have 5 different disc for sale on eBay. I also have a book on the subject.
1. Understanding 3 string guitar - How to Play lessons DVD
2. How To Build - 3 & 4 String Cigar Box Guitars DVD
3. Dust Bowl Blues  - music CD
4. Cigar Box Americana - CD
5. Cigar Box Blues - CD
and a book titled "Box Guitar Blues" The story of the cigar box guitar and history of the Blues.
The 3 string
Lessons DVD - Understanding 3 string guitar - covers all the playing styles heard in Blues guitar playing, both slide and finger fretting styles.
Slide guitar is basically just one finger guitar.
If you've never played guitar before, it's never to late to learn... even if you're 70!
-
the best way to learn how to play guitar, is to listen to guitar
music.
All of the music and videos I have recorded is only played on homemade guitars.
To view the Lesson DVDs and the Cigar Box Music CDs - Click Here
Email me anytime if you have any questions