OUTSIDE THE BOX
There is a spirited musical revolution ringing out from backyards, lounges, and stages across the planet. It is a joyful, noisy uprising; picked and strummed by a passionate community of makers and players of handmade cigar box guitars (CBG).
These humble lo-fi instruments are capable of producing new sounds and unorthodox voices without the need for digital inputs or hard drives. Call it a rebellion against technology; they are innately unique, and can reawaken a sense of musical freedom in any virtuoso. Their reverberations were heard loud and clear — some time ago — by self-taught, Auckland CGB creator, Don Buckley of Bigsmoke Guitars.
“The first rule of cigar box guitar making is … there are no rules”
Rules, rules, rules
In the past half-decade Don has built more than 60 bespoke guitars; they are one-of-a-kind creations that he calls instrumental artworks.
“The first rule of cigar box guitar making,” says Don, “is there are no rules. The second rule is to have fun. It is easy to get addicted, because, by the time you finish one, you’re already thinking how to
