The Only CBG Store In The World!
We make three and four string cigar box guitars, cigar box bass guitars, as well as cigar box amplifiers and tambourines. Guitars start at $175. Guitars are tuned to Open G making them easy for beginners to learn to play, while more advanced guitarists can play them in more complex ways. All guitars can be played acoustic or electric and feature unique designs making them playable art. Well-known guitarists that have played cigar box guitars include Bo Diddley, Paul McCartney, Jimmy Hendrix, The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards, Lynyrd Skynrd’s Ed King and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons. In Huntsville, local musicians John Nickel, John Savage and Microwave Dave play cigar box guitars. We also offer build-your-own CBG classes with lessons for team building events, school curriculum/after-school clubs and Scouts.
Try It This Week For Free!
Join us every Saturday from 12-2 pm for FREE cigar box guitar lessons. Come for a few minutes or stay for the whole two hours. No experience is required! We always offer free loaner guitars and there's never any obligation to buy.
On the 1st, 3rd & 5th Saturdays, instructor Pat Nickel hosts lessons for beginners. Pat considers teaching his superpower and, if you stay for the whole two hours, you'll play about 30 songs.
On the 2nd & 4th Saturdays, instructor Chris Muller hosts lessons from Noon-1:00. These lessons are designed for those who have attended Pat Nickel's instruction at least once or who have experience with a fretted instrument, though all are welcome. From 1:00-2:00, there are drop-in lessons designed just for kids and their parents. Lasting about 15 minutes, you'll hear a little bit about the history of these instruments, learn how they are made, the science behind the sound (including why they all sound different) and then you'll get to play songs on one of our loaner guitars.
Come see how easy it is to make a joyful noise with us!
VISIT US
Hours:
Weds: 11:00a- at least 3:00p
Thurs: 11:00a- at least 3:00p
Fri: 1:00p- at least 5:00p
Sat: 11:00a- at least 6:00p
Sun.-Tues: Lowe Mill is closed to the public. Call 256-886-8554 for a private appointment.
CONNECT WITH US
FIND US
The Cigar Box Guitar Store is located in Studio 106 at historic Lowe Mill A&E.
2211 Seminole Dr. SW
Huntsville, AL 35805
Enter through the main gate by the guard shack. Drive straight past the building and park in the rear by the water tower. Enter through door #15. Walk straight to the end. We are around the corner to the right.
Longest-Running Cigar Box Guitar Festival In The World!
The Cigar Box Guitar Store is located at Lowe Mill A&E, home to the longest-running cigar box guitar festival in the world. The 18th Annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival was held on June 4, 2022 at Lowe Mill A&E in Huntsville, Alabama. This free festival featured seven music acts and raised over $1,500 for music education. Click here to learn more and sign up for updates for the 2023 festival, scheduled for June 2-3.
Home to Mad Sci Innovations
The Cigar Box Guitar Store is the exclusive brick-and-mortar location of cigar box guitars and other musical creations from Mad Sci Innovations. Luthier Jeff Mello, who owns the store with his wife Tara, showcases his works of playable art, which include three- and four-string guitars made out of cigar boxes and other recycled materials, such as lunchboxes, tins and even baseball bats. He also builds other music items from recycled materials including tambourines, amplifiers, Bluetooth music players, bass guitars and washboards. Click here to see examples of playable art from Mad Sci Innovations.
