What Exactly Do We Do??

Fretted Like Dulcimer, played like a guitar

Fretted like a dulcimer, played like a guitar.

In addition to keeping the history and soul of the cigar box guitar alive (see previous posts)I also build other types of instruments from these boxes. Sure I make 3 and 4 string Blues Box guitars, but I also make cigar box basses, ukeleles and an interesting instrument that I don’t really know what to call…It is fretted like an appalachian/lap dulcimer but you play it like a guitar. Basically it is a 3-stringed instrument that is fretted on a diatonic scale. It is tuned to a specific key or scale and no matter what note you fret it sounds great!! It’s perfect for anyone who thinks they are not musically inclined because no matter what you play it sounds like it belongs!!! Now, all I need is a name for this darn thing….hmmmm. Can’t call it a strumstick (that is copyrighted you see) but it is played just like one. Dulcitar?? Mountain Stick?? Strum-box?? Anyway, maybe I should give one away to the person that comes up with the best name???

One thing that we really like to do is customized and themed instruments. If you have an idea for a certain design or look then meet with me and we’ll come up with an instrument for you. Have an occupation, school, college or university that you want us to make you an instrument after then we’ll do it. There are no rules and no limitations to playing a cigar box instrument so why should there be any rule or limitations to building one??

As far as custom stains and finishes we can do that too. You will see pictures of a really nice guitar that I recently built from an Arturo Fuente box. The antique finish was done in several steps and created a really interesting “old” or “vintage” affect.
You’ll also find that we use high quality woods like Maple, Walnut, Cherry, Poplar, Red Oak and exotic species from Asia and South America.

Now, let’s talk about the subject of electronics and pickups. Most of our instruments will come with inputs for plugging into an amp, as they are typically not loud enough to play acoustically in a band setting without microphones or amps…however, cigar box guitars are not meant to be expensive or “fancy” instruments. If you want a guitar that plays or sounds like a Martin or Gibson or Fender, etc then you should spend $1,000 and buy one. If you want an instrument that has heart and sould and can produce a sound like no other and will turn heads while doing it, then you should buy a cigar box instrument. Sorry, but had to get that off my chest!!! As I was saying, due to the nature of what these instruments are about, it doesn’t make much sense to put an expensive pickup in one of these things…but, if you want it you got it, just let me know what you want. Usually I put in a small microphone type buzzer in these things. They are affordable and really replicate the acoustical nature of the box well to give you a hollow, authentic bluesy sound. But like I said, if you want something a little more “modern” then by all means we can make it happen.

Well, that’s about all for now I guess.  If you want more information or would like to schedule a meeting then just send me an e-mail at slackjackguitars@gmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you!!!