A lot of the old bluesartists started with a homemade guitar. Before (being able to) spending all that money it was easier to try on something more within reach. A "real" guitar was considered kind of a reward for hard work and practice.

What remained however was the feeling of authenticity playing on a CBG. And not only the feeling, the sound is so typical that it's hard not to play blues on it. A lot  of the old recordings let you hear authentic CBG's.

At the moment there is what they call the "Cigar Box Revolution" taking place. On one hand based on a quest for authenticity, in a world full of endless digital possibilities, more and more musicians start to appriciate vintage instruments like cigar box guitars. On the other hand, as a reply to globalisation; a growing interest for home- and handmade products is clearly taking place; like the collection of homebrewn beers has never been bigger. And better!

Most of the modern CBG producers also play them. They have bands with likely instruments and play the blues like ever before. A name you'll have to remember is Shane Speal, the King of the Cigar Box guitar. He mostly builds and sells classic threestring models, and has a lot of tips on building, playing and even selling CBG's. He's the frontman of the Snake Oil band.

Another institute on producing and  playing is Mike Snowden. He also makes normal guitars but is known for his CBG's. Fine bluesmusician to.

Also for playing but especially building try Chickenbone John, the self exclaimed Godfather of The Cigar Box Guitar . A craftsman with tons of experience. He sells real nice DIY-kits; "just ad a box and a stick"!

The number of artists playing cigar box guitars can be as long as you like. Sooner or later every guitarplayer shows his love for the tiny instrument.

At first of all Seasick Steve (thanks for the idea in the first place!), the Dutch/Australian band My Baby, the very talented Justin Johnson, National and international known Bill Gibbons of ZZTop, and even Paul McCartney. Last year I had the honour to present one of my guitars to The rev. Peytons Big Damn Band. Just to name a very few having fun with nothing more than an old cigar box, a few feet of wood and some strings!

And very special honours for Wessay, a poor blind Liberian guy with an oilcan guitar. Boy oh boy, some musician!