Cigar Box Guitar Value Guide

The Cigar Box Guitar is a quintessential piece of American folk history, born from the resourcefulness of musicians in the late 19th-century South. These instruments are highly collectible for their raw, delta-blues sound and their status as a symbol of Great Depression-era ingenuity.

What affects the value of Cigar Box Guitar?

• Historical provenance, particularly instruments dating back to the Great Depression era.
• The condition and rarity of the specific cigar brand's box used for the body.
• The quality of the 'DIY' craftsmanship and whether the instrument remains in playable condition.
• Presence of original folk-art decorations or unique structural modifications by the builder.

How to Identify Cigar Box Guitar?

• Look for authentic vintage cigar boxes made of cedar or plywood with original lithographed labels.
• Examine the neck construction, which often utilizes repurposed materials like broom handles or simple hardwood slats.
• Check for traditional hardware substitutes, such as fence wire for strings or metal bolts used as bridges and nuts.
• Verify the string count, as most authentic folk examples feature a minimalist three or four-string configuration.

History of Cigar Box Guitar

The cigar box guitar has a rich history, primarily originating in the American South among impoverished musicians who couldn't afford traditional instruments. These resourceful individuals fashioned guitars from readily available materials like cigar boxes, broom handles, and fence wire. The instrument gained popularity during the Great Depression and is deeply rooted in blues and folk music traditions. Today, it is celebrated for its distinctive sound and DIY aesthetic, inspiring a vibrant community of builders and players worldwide.