|
Post by izzydunne on Dec 6, 2014 23:58:02 GMT
Jreading, thanks for the tip on Moreland and Arbuckle. I just watched some of their youtube videos. Those boys are good.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2014 6:06:29 GMT
One of the difficulties with cigar box guitar is that it is a completely different instrument to a 'regular' guitar, and it's like jumping from 6 string guitar to 5 string banjo...you need to learn a whole new load of stuff, and some folk don't have the patience or attitude to make the adjustment.
Also, the market is flooded with eBay "wallhangers", made by guys who understand neither either guitar construction nor how to play, so consequently many of the ones offered for sale are effectively unplayable. It is a 'folk art' instrument, which is part of its charm, but the internet creates many overnight experts, and helps to perpetuate many falsehoods -it still doesn't remove the skill and craft needed to make a properly playable instrument from unpromising materials. Learning about action, set-up, string tension and playability needs experience and a feel for the task in hand when making an instrument...and that doesn't come easily or quickly.
Just the other day someone came to have lessons with me, bringing along his eBay cigar box guitar..it did play, but had an action that was nearly that of a lap steel, so it was more difficult than it needed to be in terms of learning chords and bass figures -it's easy to get put off by that. Here's Brooks Williams, an American guitarist who has got to grips with the 3 string cigar box guitar .
|
|
|
Post by izzydunne on Dec 10, 2014 18:49:32 GMT
ChickenboneJohn:
Yes, I agree. Many CBGs are unplayable. It is relatively easy to construct one with only a few simple tools, but the end product is often undesirable. Making a quality instrument (or even just a decent one) takes skill.
I also agree that the 3 string CBG is a different instrument than the 6 string, and the learning curve is there. However, for me, it is a more intuitive instrument, and I find it much easier to play than a standard guitar. Of course it helps that I am used to playing in open G and using a slide. The example you posted of Brooks Williams shows how a somewhat simple arrangement produces a very musical experience for both the performer and the audience. I think this is getting back to the roots, and embracing a less compacted approach to music in particular, and life in general.
And....I have to say that I certainly enjoy your playing as well.
|
|