Once upon a time this was a cigar tin. Now it has found a second life as a musical instrument
What a treat to learn our “Sweet Burley” cigar tin was going to find new life as a cigar box banjo.
Evidently this wonderful example of upcycling began in the 1840’s when Civil War soldiers fashioned guitars, banjos & fiddles from cigar boxes & tins. Those hand made instruments, coupled with washboards, broomsticks & harmonicas, gave rise to the jug bands in what is known as the era of the blues.
Music & antiquing are two of our loves. How fun to play a small part in helping a talented craftsman ply his trade.
P.S. If you are interested in building your own instrument, you can find lots of good DIY information online. Check out sites like CigarBoxGuitars, CigarBoxNation and CigarBoxGuitar.
Who knows when Bono or Sir Paul might need a jamming partner? (Thanks to CigarBoxGuitar for the cool photos.)
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