Handmade Music Factory: The Ultimate Guide to Making Foot-Stompin' Good Instruments (Fox Chapel Publishing)

If you want to make hand-made, simple folk instruments such as box guitars, tub bass, stomp boxes or eep... a bedpan guitar, this is the definitive MUST-HAVE reference book. I bought this on a whim and realized this book is absolutely invaluable. It not only covers a wide variety of folk instruments, it includes essential references such as sound pickup wiring, piezo disc contact mike use, and making a guitar amplifier out of such things as a cassette tape player. It includes such wondrous concepts as hubcap banjos, an electric washboard, and lots of little "box instant tips" on how to make very simple home instruments (how to play "spoons", a jug, and many more).When it comes to making box guitars (commonly known as "cigar box guitars") it not only shows step-by-step how to do so, but makes suggestions on finding cheap parts (which is great, because I know from experience that relying on the local hardware store can be VERY costly. Building supplies are ridiculously expensive). In addition this book includes several fret charts (showing exact placement for various sizes of fretboard lengths, ranging from ukulele to bass), sound hole templates and much more.This book is worth every dime. If you're new to the box guitar field, its tips will save you far more the cover price. I would recommend this as an essential reference for every home-grown musician who wants to make his/her own musical instrument. Excellent photos, easy-to-read and understand, step-by-step instructions, tips and suggestions. Simply awesome.

I'd have to say that the sign of a really good book is that it inspires one to do something they otherwise wouldn't have done. That is the case of this book and me.I've always been intrigued with the art of lutherie in all of its forms, from primitive to refined and proper...but never had the inclination to try my hand at it. This book, Handmade Music Factory, manages to create an enthusiasm for doing just that. Its 160 pages are chock full of gorgeous photos, entertaining history, step-by-step instructions, and templates. The materials are easy to acquire and I already have all the necessary tools. I have a bit of woodworking experience, but many of the projects wouldn't require any.My first instrument is to be a cigar box guitar. Amongst a few lovely cigar boxes that I've collected over the years, I have the perfect box just waiting for this purpose and I'm in the process of assembling the rest of the wood and materials. It's going to be a beauty.Even for those not planning to ever build their own stringed instrument, there is so much to enjoy about the artistic expression in this book.

I actually pre-ordered Handmade Music Factory: The Ultimate Guide to Making Foot-Stompin'-Good Instruments after reading about it on the Cigar Box Nation website.If you're looking for how-to information, visit the website. Better yet, visit "Handmade Music Clubhouse". Those sites are frequented by builders, players, and fans of handmade musical instruments. You'll find photos, how-to sections, and enjoy genuine community with others who share your interest.The book, however, is a great coffee table item. It provides you some good ideas, interesting applications, and excellent photos. It serves to validate my hobby when a guest spots it, and reminds me I am not alone in my quest to make music from nearly anything.

Mike Orr has put together a great book for building cigar box guitars, diddley bows, stompboxes and washtub basses and other homemade instruments. This book is extremely layman friendly, you only need a few simple tools (which Mr Orr lists for each project)and not an extensive workshop to build these instruments. Many items used in the construction can be obtained for free or for minimal cost. You don't need to be an experienced woodworker (I am not!) to handle any of these projects. Having assembled a dozen or so cigar box guitars, a dozen or so cigar box ukes, and a half dozen didley bows I can attest that this book will save you a lot of trial and error. It also has a number of great suggestions for personalizing your finished project. If you have never heard any of these instruments played, you will be surprised at the quality of sound. The best reward of all is being able to play an instrument that you've manufactured with your own two hands. Great color illustrations and patterns to assist you. If you want to improve your stock or if you wish to embark on building your first instrument, THIS IS THE RESOURCE!

A well written guide book that can also make a good gift just to read and enjoy. Good background on the history of homemade instruments in the states with anecdotes throughout the book. High quality photos and cover. Orr writes his instructions clear and concise for each project and provides close up photographs to help understand the process. I would have preferred more instructions regarding finishing/painting instruments, but the simplicity of the instructions keeps these projects in the realm of novice wood workers. Orr does give tips and alternatives to make some aspects easier or more decorative. I would give a 4.5 star, but due to the multiple projects, high quality photos, and even traceable patterns in the back pages make this worthy of more than a 4 star rating.My advice, be forgiving with yourself on your first handmade instrument. They only get better after you learn from mistakes and practice. And check out the net as there are a lot of good ideas and tips out there.

The book is a excellent guide to building a variety of home made instruments. It also has some templates, plans and step-by-step instructions and pictures. It makes a excellent read and a great resource for the DYIer that wants to try and build a Cigar Box Guitar, Washtub Bass, etc. Highly recommend

Il libro è bello, ma gran parte del contenuto è occupato da esempi fotografici di oggetti finiti.Avrei preferito magari illustrazioni di dimensioni più ridotte con qualche suggerimento e istruzione in più riguardo alla costruzione.

Superbe ouvrage avec de belles images et différents plans. J'ai plusieurs livre sur les cigares box mais c'est le plus beau.

zwar nicht ganz was ich erwartet hatte, aber dennoch sehr gut.Ich betriebe dieses "Hobby" schon länger und kann nur bestätigen einmal CBG immer CBG. Empfohlen wurde mir das Buch von einem oder besser dem schweizer Kollegen von mir. Ach ja ich bin Gitarrenbauer und mein Hobby sind CBGs.

So glad I bought this book it is packed from cover to cover with inspiration. Since I received it a couple of weeks ago I have been collecting the component parts for my first cigar box guitar and can't wait to get started. I'm going to start with a 3 string fretless version as these seem to be the way to go for beginners like me with little or zero woodwork skills. Plenty of how to's on building and playing these instruments on You Tube which in turn led me to a whole community of Cigar Box Guitar makers and players. INSPIRATIONAL.