Reclaimed

to recover (substances) in a pure or usable form from refuse, discarded articles, etc. to bring back to a preferable manner of living, sound principles, ideas, etc.

I’ve been making cigar box guitars (CBG) for a couple of years.

The first one I ever saw was played by Glenn Kaiser in 2012 when I was in Chicago on a mission trip with his ministry; “Jesus People USA”. Glenn came over to the house I was staying at and spent some time playing a CBG that he had made using a cigar box, a few bolts, a piezo pick up, some guitar strings. 

I was fascinated by what I saw and heard and the quest to make one was launched; with a little technical help from fellow CBG builders Glenn Kaiser, Shane Speal, Jason Farthing, and Rick McKeon. Thanks guys!

Historically, CBG were made using an old cigar box, a piece of broom handle and a couple wires and bolts. They were made, oftentimes, by people who couldn’t afford a “real” guitar, but still had a song in their hearts to play.

CBGs (generally) use “open tuning” of three strings: for example A – e – a  or G – d – g; although I do, occasionally make CBGs that use four strings.

What intrigues me about making CBG’s is the idea of using found objects and reclaiming them for something new. I especially love to use antique and discarded parts. 

My custom-made CBG necks are oftentimes made from barn wood that is two to three hundred years old. The tuners and pick-ups have come from old broken guitars that were beyond repairing; so I stripped them for parts. I prefer cigar boxes that are seventy to a hundred years old. I have been using pick ups from electric guitars, but someday may build some the traditional way using a piezo pick up. 

As an artist and musician I am fascinated with the idea of taking items that were seen as “rubbish” or “junk” and fashioning these items together in a way in which they not only become something new, but they affect those who hear their songs. 

I love the transformation of discarded parts long ago forgotten in the back of a garage that become instruments to play to the crowds; or at least used by a garage band or on the front porch!

Philosophically, I like to make them because this process of reclaiming old, discarded junk and making it into something glorious reminds me of how the Lord sees value in those who this world sees as useless. 

Some of His “cigar boxes” were tossed away because they had flaws: Noah was a drunk. Abraham and Sarah were too old, lied, and doubted His ability to provide. Jacob was a liar. Leah was ugly. Gideon and Thomas both doubted. Rahab was a prostitute and Hosea's wife was a prostitute. Jeremiah and Timothy were too young. David was an adulterer and a murderer. Elijah was suicidal. Jonah ran from God. Peter denied Christ. One of His best evangelists previously had been so demonized that he ran around naked, cutting himself. The disciples fell asleep while praying. Martha worried about everything. The Samaritan woman was divorced many times. Paul was too religious. John was self-righteous. Moses stuttered and had a hot-temper. So did Peter, Paul and lots of people He used.  

In fact most of His prize “instruments” were individuals that would never be considered as “Gibsons” or “Fenders” until He reclaimed their lives for His purposes. He took them from the junk pile and fashioned them into instruments that sang songs that today we still talk about.

So don’t be discouraged if today you see yourself sitting on a shelf in some garage wondering if there is any purpose for your life. You are not limited by what others have said about you; what matters is what He says about you. The Lord has great purpose for you! He wants to reclaim you and fashion you into something great! He is simply waiting for you to say; “yes”.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

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Get ready; God has great songs that He wants to play thru you!