While countless talented creators build and sell cigar box guitars online and at craft fairs, there’s only one place in the world solely dedicated to these unique instruments: The Cigar Box Guitar Store. Located within a brick-and-mortar shop, we offer an unparalleled selection of around 40 handcrafted cigar box guitars and other distinctive cigar box instruments at any given time.
Explore Our Range of CBG Instruments
At The Cigar Box Guitar Store, you’ll find a diverse array of instruments meticulously crafted with passion and ingenuity. Our specialty lies in three and four-string cigar box guitars, each with its own character and voice. We also create resonant cigar box bass guitars, compact cigar box amplifiers perfect for practice or small gigs, and rhythmic cigar box tambourines to complete your sound.
Our Cbg Guitars start at accessible prices from $175, making these unique instruments available to everyone. Many are tuned to Open G, a popular tuning that simplifies learning for beginners while still offering depth and complexity for experienced guitarists. Whether you prefer the raw acoustic sound or want to plug in and amplify your playing, every guitar we offer can be played both acoustically and electrically. Each instrument is a unique piece of playable art, blending visual appeal with musical functionality.
Interestingly, cigar box guitars have a rich history and have been embraced by legendary musicians across genres. Icons like Bo Diddley, Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, Ed King of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top have all explored the distinctive sounds of cbg guitars. Closer to home in Huntsville, talented local musicians such as John Nickel, John Savage, and Microwave Dave are known for incorporating cigar box guitars into their music.
Free Weekly CBG Guitar Lessons
Want to try your hand at playing a cbg guitar? Join us every Saturday for FREE cigar box guitar lessons! From noon to 2:00 pm, simply drop in and immerse yourself in the world of cbg guitars. Whether you stay for a few minutes or the entire two hours, all skill levels are welcome – no prior experience is necessary. We provide free loaner guitars, so you can start playing right away, and there’s absolutely no pressure to make a purchase.
Come and discover just how easy and rewarding it can be to create joyful music with a cigar box guitar!
Celebrating the Longest-Running CBG Guitar Festival
The Cigar Box Guitar Store is proud to be located in Lowe Mill A&E, the venue for the world’s longest-running cigar box guitar festival! The 20th Annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival took place from May 30th to June 2nd, 2024, across five locations in Huntsville, Alabama. This vibrant and free festival showcased 12 musical acts and raised over $6,000 to support music education. Mark your calendars for the 21st annual festival, scheduled for May 30th – June 1st, 2025, and click here to learn more and sign up for updates.
Home of Mad Sci Innovations CBGs
The Cigar Box Guitar Store is the exclusive physical retail location for the innovative and artistic creations of Mad Sci Innovations. Jeff Mello, luthier and co-owner of the store with his wife Tara, displays his exceptional “playable art” here. Jeff’s instruments include three and four-string guitars crafted not only from cigar boxes but also from repurposed materials like lunchboxes, tins, and even baseball bats. His creativity extends to other musical items made from recycled resources, such as unique tambourines, amplifiers, Bluetooth music players, bass guitars, and washboards. Explore the imaginative world of playable art from Mad Sci Innovations here.
Visit Us or Shop CBG Guitars Online
We invite you to visit The Cigar Box Guitar Store in person at Studio 106 within the historic Lowe Mill A&E, located at 2211 Seminole Dr. SW, Huntsville, AL 35805. Click here for a map and directions to our studio. Our hours are Wednesday & Thursday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, and Saturday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm. Lowe Mill is closed to the public on Sunday – Tuesday, but private appointments can be arranged by calling 256-886-8554.
Can’t make it to Huntsville? You can still experience The Cigar Box Guitar Store online! Learn about online shopping, browse our current inventory, or even custom design your own cbg guitar.
Connect with us by subscribing to our monthly newsletter or requesting more information. We look forward to sharing the joy of cbg guitars with you!
