Cigar Box Guitars: Their Rise During the Great Depression
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Introduction:
Have you ever wondered how the humble cigar box became a musical instrument? It’s one of the most fascinating stories in American folk history! The origins of cigar box guitars go back to times of hardship, when creativity and resourcefulness turned discarded objects into music-making tools. From their rise during the Great Depression to their influence on blues music, cigar box guitars hold a unique place in American culture. Let’s take a journey into the history of these incredible DIY instruments and see how they shaped the sound of early American music.
Early Beginnings: How Cigar Box Guitars Came to Be
It’s fascinating how the cigar box guitar came about. Necessity truly is the mother of invention, right? Picture this: It’s the mid-1800s, and musical instruments aren’t exactly within reach for most people, especially for those living in poverty. However, that didn’t stop folks from finding creative ways to make music! This is where cigar box guitars first made their entrance into American folk history. They were born from a mixture of creativity, resourcefulness, and, honestly, just the need to create something with whatever was available.
During this time, cigar smoking was popular, and the boxes used to store cigars were everywhere. These wooden boxes became the perfect body for makeshift instruments. People began building their own guitars, fiddles, and banjos using basic household materials. Some used broom handles or sticks for the neck and wire or twine for the strings. The craftsmanship wasn’t fancy, but the sound? Raw, gritty, and full of character. It was pure ingenuity!
What’s even more interesting is that the cigar box guitar wasn’t an isolated phenomenon. There were plenty of homemade instruments being created at the time. Banjos, fiddles, and even drums were pieced together from discarded or repurposed items. In a world where access to professionally made instruments was a luxury, people turned to what was right in front of them. The cigar box guitar just happened to be one of the most iconic of these DIY creations.
The availability of cigar boxes was largely due to the booming tobacco industry in the United States during the 19th century. Tobacco companies started using these boxes to store cigars, and people found ways to recycle them into instruments. I think what’s really inspiring about this is how people took something as ordinary as a cigar box and turned it into a tool for self-expression. Music wasn’t just for the elite; it was for everyone, no matter their financial situation.
These early DIY instruments symbolized more than just music—they represented a kind of resilience. People found a way to make their own joy, even in tough times, and in doing so, they helped shape the future sound of American music. From folk ballads to bluesy tunes, these homemade guitars found their place in the hands of those who would go on to create timeless music.
Cigar Box Guitars in the Great Depression
The Great Depression was a period of hardship, but it also fueled a wave of creativity and resilience that touched every part of life, including music. During the 1930s, when the economy was in a tailspin, money was tight for nearly everyone. This is when the humble cigar box guitar truly found its footing as a symbol of resourcefulness in the face of extreme adversity. It wasn’t just a makeshift instrument—it was a lifeline for musicians who couldn’t afford traditional guitars but still had a burning desire to create and share music.
For many blues and folk musicians, the cigar box guitar became the go-to instrument. When times are tough, you make do with what you have, and that’s exactly what musicians did. They’d scavenge for materials, using cigar boxes for the body, broomsticks or old wood for the neck, and wire or string for the frets and strings. These guitars may have been simple in design, but the music that poured out of them was rich with emotion—raw, unpolished, and real. It reflected the tough times, but also the unbreakable spirit of those living through it.
What’s amazing about this era is how widespread the use of DIY instruments became. Musicians who had learned the craft from relatives or friends passed on their knowledge, and entire communities bonded over building instruments together. In a way, it wasn’t just about music—it was about survival. People used these handmade instruments to bring a sense of normalcy and joy back into their lives, even when things seemed bleak.
Blues and folk artists in particular embraced the cigar box guitar. The rough and ready sound of these DIY instruments matched the raw, emotional nature of the music they played. It wasn’t about perfection. In fact, the imperfections were part of the appeal. You didn’t need a fancy guitar to pour your heart into a blues riff or to strum a folk tune that told the story of your life’s struggles. The cigar box guitar was a perfect fit for these genres, and it helped shape their sound.
Culturally, the cigar box guitar became more than just an instrument; it was a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness. In a time when everything seemed to be falling apart, music—and the ability to make it, no matter the cost—remained a vital part of people’s lives. The Great Depression might have broken a lot of things, but it couldn’t break the human spirit or the love of music, and cigar box guitars were a testament to that.
Cigar Box Guitars and the Blues: A Natural Fit
There’s something about the raw, stripped-down nature of the blues that makes it a perfect match for cigar box guitars. If you think about it, the blues itself was born out of hardship—emerging from the deep, emotional struggles of African American communities in the Mississippi Delta. The cigar box guitar, with its simple design and unpolished sound, fit right into that world. Both the instrument and the genre were rooted in authenticity, and together, they created a sound that was as real as it gets.
What’s fascinating is that many early blues musicians either started their musical journey with a cigar box guitar or played one at some point in their careers. Legends like Lightnin’ Hopkins and Bo Diddley were known to have tinkered with these DIY instruments in their youth. These guitars were often the first instrument that aspiring musicians could get their hands on, especially in poorer, rural areas. Imagine being a kid with a love for music but no money to buy an instrument—building your own cigar box guitar was a rite of passage for many.
One of the most iconic elements of cigar box guitars is how naturally they lend themselves to slide guitar playing. For those unfamiliar, slide guitar is a technique where you use a piece of metal, glass, or other materials to press down on the strings, creating a gliding sound. It’s an essential part of the blues sound, and cigar box guitars were often played this way because of their fretting limitations. The open tunings that were common with these guitars made them ideal for slide playing, and that gritty, soulful sound became synonymous with early blues music.
The simplicity of the cigar box guitar allowed for pure expression. Unlike modern guitars with intricate designs and smooth finishes, these homemade instruments had no frills. They were rough around the edges—literally—but that only made the music feel more immediate and personal. The blues isn’t about being perfect. It’s about conveying deep emotions, whether it’s heartache, joy, or resilience. Cigar box guitars helped early blues musicians do just that.
Even though cigar box guitars weren’t built with the craftsmanship of professional instruments, they were filled with soul. It didn’t matter if the instrument was a little out of tune or if it had only three strings—the music that came from these guitars was honest. And in the blues, honesty is everything. It’s no wonder that cigar box guitars became a staple in the genre’s early days and continue to be associated with the roots of blues music.
The Folk Revival and Cigar Box Guitars in the 20th Century
The 1960s were a time of cultural revolution, and the American folk music revival was at the heart of it. This revival brought a renewed interest in traditional, acoustic music, and with it, a fascination for the instruments that shaped the folk and blues scenes of earlier decades. Among these instruments was the cigar box guitar—a simple yet powerful symbol of America’s DIY spirit. But how did an instrument born out of necessity in the 19th century make its way back into the spotlight nearly 100 years later?
The folk revival was all about going back to basics, reconnecting with the roots of American music, and paying homage to the working-class musicians who shaped the country’s musical identity. It was no longer just about electric guitars and polished production. Instead, the focus shifted to authenticity, and nothing was more authentic than a homemade cigar box guitar. Musicians like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez were bringing folk music back to the forefront, and as interest in this genre grew, so did curiosity about the instruments that had been used in earlier folk and blues traditions.
In a way, the cigar box guitar became a symbol of rebellion during this era. In a time when commercialism was creeping into every corner of life, the idea of building your own guitar from scratch was a radical statement. It represented a rejection of the mass-produced and a return to the personal, the handmade. This resonated deeply with the ethos of the folk revival movement, which was about staying true to the roots of the music and the people who created it. The cigar box guitar, once considered an instrument of the poor, was now embraced as an artifact of genuine artistry.
The 20th century also saw a resurgence of interest in traditional blues, thanks to musicians like Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker. These artists drew attention to the raw, emotional power of blues music, and for many fans, part of that appeal was the stripped-down sound of homemade instruments like cigar box guitars. As the folk and blues revivals grew, so did the curiosity surrounding these DIY instruments, leading more and more people to explore building and playing them.
It wasn’t just about nostalgia, though. The rise of DIY culture during the 20th century—fueled by the counterculture movement and later, the punk scene—helped solidify the cigar box guitar as a symbol of individuality and resourcefulness. People began seeking out plans, kits, and guides to build their own cigar box guitars, keeping the tradition alive and kicking. What started as a necessity for early blues and folk musicians became a badge of honor for musicians who wanted to connect with music on a deeper, more personal level.
Cigar Box Guitars in Modern Times
Fast forward to today, and cigar box guitars are still going strong, perhaps stronger than ever. What began as a necessity-driven DIY instrument has now become a beloved part of the music world, embraced by both traditionalists and modern musicians alike. The appeal? It’s more than just nostalgia—it’s the raw sound, the creativity, and the personal touch that makes each instrument unique.
In modern times, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of cigar box guitars, partly thanks to musicians like Seasick Steve and Justin Johnson, who’ve brought these quirky instruments back into the spotlight. Seasick Steve, in particular, is known for his gritty, slide-driven performances on cigar box guitars. His success helped reintroduce the instrument to a new generation of music lovers. Justin Johnson, on the other hand, is famous for his mastery of the instrument, blending traditional blues with modern techniques, proving that the cigar box guitar can still pack a punch in today’s music scene.
One of the most remarkable things about cigar box guitars today is the sheer variety available. While some musicians still build them from scratch, there are now plenty of kits on the market, making it easier than ever for beginners to get started. Whether you want a simple three-string guitar or a more elaborate, electrified version, there’s something for everyone. You can find cigar box guitars with all sorts of creative designs, from vintage-inspired models to modern, high-end builds that rival professional guitars.
The DIY culture surrounding cigar box guitars is also alive and well. Enthusiasts around the world are still building these instruments, sharing their creations online, and offering tips and tricks for newcomers. There are even entire communities dedicated to cigar box guitar builders and players, fostering a sense of camaraderie and creativity. This sense of community is a big part of what keeps the cigar box guitar tradition thriving—whether you’re an experienced luthier or a complete beginner, there’s a place for you in this world.
In terms of sound, cigar box guitars continue to offer something special that’s hard to find with mass-produced instruments. Their raw, unpolished tone still resonates with musicians who want to tap into that bluesy, gritty sound. Even modern genres like rock and punk have found a place for cigar box guitars, blending the old with the new and proving that these instruments are far from outdated.
Whether you’re building your own or buying one, playing a cigar box guitar today is like holding a piece of history in your hands. It’s a reminder of where music came from, how it’s evolved, and the enduring power of creativity. There’s no doubt that the cigar box guitar, with its humble beginnings, will continue to inspire musicians for years to come.
Conclusion:
The journey of the cigar box guitar is a testament to human ingenuity and the power of music to thrive in even the toughest times. From its origins in the 19th century, through the hardships of the Great Depression, to its role in shaping the sound of blues and folk music, the cigar box guitar has left an indelible mark on American music history. And today, it continues to inspire musicians and builders alike with its simplicity and raw, authentic sound. Whether you’re a musician looking to explore a new instrument or a DIY enthusiast wanting to build your own, the cigar box guitar offers a unique connection to the past, while still being very much alive in the present.
