The Cigar Box Guitar Builder Podcast

Jason London and Billiboxfest 2026

14 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Jason London is the organisor of this year's Billiboxfest which highlights some of Australia's best performers and cigar box guitar builders. Jason is...

Why Don't We Like AI? Are we just a bunch of old farts?!

28 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It seems we don't like AI. WHO KNEW! Please share this episode with a friend. We need your support! Thank you to CBGitty and KILLER STRINGS for suppor...

Why does Adam not like bolt on necks and less controversial stuff.

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ok, I don't like ready made, bolt on necks. I may be wrong but it's my opinion and I can't be silenced :) I welcome your feedback friends. This week w...

The 4 Horsemen of the Rockapocalypse Return!

17 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We are back! Joe, Jesse, Dazza and I discuss what we would like to achieve in this coming year. Thank you to CBGitty and KILLER STRINGS for supporting...

What you need to start your first build.

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week Darren and Adam discuss the ins and outs of starting your first cigar box guitar builds. What do you need? Where can you build? What boxes a...

Merry Christmas and thanks for all the Fun

30 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thank you for supporting our group podcast. Remember, if you want to support the show the best way to do it is to tell your friends! We need your supp...

What's Up!?

08 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thank you for supporting our group podcast. Remember, if you want to support the show the best way to do it is to tell your friends! We need your supp...

The Primitive Build Challenge

26 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wow it feels like ages since we had the four riders of the Rockapocalypse back in the studio talking all things CBG. We have a new challenge that we a...

CBG Swaps, Challenges and News with Adam and Jesse

18 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Jesse and I discuss some ideas revolving around some cool challenges for the group which should be a lot of fun. We also discuss t...

Festival Round up and the Mass Produced CBG

05 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Darren and I discuss what it was like to be a part of a CBG festival. We also discuss the emergence of Far East, mass produced CBGs. R...

What Happens in Grumpy's Shed Stays in Grumpy's Shed

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks for joining us on another fun filled adventure in CBG land. We just love talking about our builds and other fun stuff. We really just wanted to...

American Heritage Guitars. The Unbreakable Brayden!

14 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brayden from American heritage Guitars has overcome a huge motorcycle accident and overcome many adversities to get back to recording his Youtube prog...

Steve Arvey Return of the CBG Jedi Master

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rarely in the annuls of cigar box guitar history has a player been so inspirational and supportive. Steve Arvey is that man. Darren and I had the hono...

How to be the Worlds Greatest Soldererer

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to another scintillating - nay, titillating episode of 'The Cigar Box Guitar Builder' PODCAST!!!! In this episode, Darren and I grab a firm ho...

A Catch Up with Alex Lechner of ALX Guitars

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes a person comes along that makes you totally rethink your build method or challenges your expectations on what a cigar box guitar or CBG is. ...

How do you play this damn thing!!

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, your four messengers of the Rockapocalypse discuss a range of CBG related goodies including how to play the damn things. Tips and tricks ab...

Jesse and the Oompa Loompas. His secret revealed!

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week 'The Four Amigos' talk about how to work with problem clients, build tips and we finally find out how Jesse manages to squeeze a 48 hour bui...

'Colagular' Jessie's Awesome creation and using CNC machines

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Colagular was a guitar created by Jesse and is now being used by an up and coming MetaL band Between Monsters and Mercy. Watch the clip here! https://...

The Small Wooden Box Guitar Builder

01 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One of the things that I love so much about our FB group is that people are so supportive and encouraging. When Randy Underwood made a post stating th...

Primal CBG builds and Model Kits.

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Firstly, a HUGE apology for the lack of podcasts over the last month. We have had video content via You Tube and Facebook but things got quite hectic ...

Geoff Saunders from Crazy Possum Box Guitars

26 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Well this episode is a few weeks old but , as happens in life, things got hectic. There is a you Tube version of this episode available at 'The Cigar ...

Talking Shop and Answering Your Questions

13 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode the team and I talk about being a grandparent (not me), me being the oldest team member (I know right!!!) and we answer your group que...

Jesse and Alex Lechner talk Sound makers and piezo pickups

02 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Oh my gosh! So much happened today! I promise I tried to do the video casting today but it didn't work. My WIFI is too slow for me to connect with Mes...

License Plate guitars what are the cons.

22 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I don't like license plate guitars. I've never been happy with the sound of them when I've built them. The team and I have a chat about the problems a...

Is it Fair to Compare Piezo and Magnetic pickups?

09 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode your Four Amigos discuss our latest builds and whether or not it is fair to compare piezo pickups to magnetic pickups. What do you thi...

Burt Philbrick, Doom musician and CBG Builder

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Make no bones about it, Burt Philbrick is a VERY busy man. He builds an amazing array of 3 and 4 string guitars and CBGs, records amazing doom metal s...

Brayden Finchum from American Heritage Guitars

25 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thank you for tuning in to this week's episode with Brayden Finchum from American Heritage Guitars. Brayden is an inspiring builder who makes one of a...

You tube Influencers, websites and Competitions.

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back! It's 2025 and I can't believe how quickly last year flew past. It's been a hectic time for everyone and I hope this year brings all of y...

The Christmas Catch Up.

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For the first time the Four Horsemen of the Rockapocalypse are together to spread Christmas cheer and shoot the breeze about all things CBG. We don't ...

Catch up with Jesse Thomas and Dazza

07 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we have a catch up with moderator and all round good guy, Jesse Thomas. Jesse has been a constantly busy group member who specialises in bui...

Bill Jagitsch of Blues Boy Jag

01 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Blues Boy Jag, AKA Bill Jagitsch is an elder statesman of the CBG movement. I've followed his builds and videos for years. He has some fantastic advic...

Joe Oltean Master Builder

24 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I don't use the term 'master builder' often but it perfectly suits today's guest. Joe Oltean is as humble as he is talented. His use of laminating, fi...

Marketing, refunds and Frustrations

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are days when I really think that I should never have started selling my guitars. I look at my Facebook group friends and marvel at the work the...

The AMAZING Rusty Taylor

26 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rusty Taylor is one of my go to guys for great ideas and awesome builds. He builds for the love of it and does so with a great deal of gusto! He is hu...

A Conversation with Alex Lechner from ALX GTRS

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We had so much fun talking to Alex. He is the genuine article, a builder who builds using whatever he can get his hands onto. His traditional building...

A Conversation with Louie La Manna

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Darren and I had a conversation with Loui La MAnna CBG builder and all round good guy. Louie lives and breathes music and loves to share hi...

8 Ball Aitken

15 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Darren and I had the pleasure of speaking with the very cool 8 Ball Aitken. 8 Ball is one of the hardest working musicians to sling a CBG a...

Cindy Morris CBG Advocate and Promotor

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Cindy Morris has to be one of the busiest people in our cigar box guitar community. She and her partner Steve Arvey are tireless advocates and ambassa...

Workshops and CBGs

25 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we were meant to be joined by Cindy Morris. However a scheduling problem arose so we will reschedule for next week. Thank you for your patie...

Steve Arvey

28 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week Darren and I had the pleasure of speaking with Steve Arvey. Steve has been a tireless advocate and ambassador for the cigar box guitar commu...

CBG Cover Band Challenge

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Darren and I were blown away by the awesome videos that the group put up on the CBG Cover Band Challenge. This week was AC/DC and the winner was Georg...

Michael Pinkerton from 'The Fretless Cigar Box Guitar Group'

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I have been a big fan of Michael Pinkerton and his Facebook group, 'Fretless Cigar Box Guitars'. He is what I would refer to as an inspiring and humbl...

What To Do???

23 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What do you do when you hit the doldrums? When inspiration dies? When everything just sucks??? That is what has afflicted both Darren and myself over ...

Selling Your Cigar Box Guitars. Do's and Don'ts

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Darren and I discuss the ins and outs of building a cigar box guitar business. Of course, our points of view are just that. Please feel free to...

William 'Bill' Jehle

02 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I got the opportunity to interview another one of my CBG heroes! William 'Bill' Jehle is an author and CBG enthusiast who is also a physicist! ...

Junksville Guitars

25 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Oh wow this episode was fun!! Jim and I have been trying to catch up for an episode for a couple of years now and he certainly didn't disapoint! Jim b...

Del Puckett

12 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Del Puckett has been an inspiration to so many cigar box guitar builders, including Darren and myself. He is bristling with energy and positivity and ...

Tips And Tricks for Building Cigar Box Guitars

28 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Well I'm alone today. Our interview fell through this week due to unforeseen circumstances and Darren is out of action due to the dreaded man-flu. I t...

Don't Bite Your Friends

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to another episode of the world's numkber one, most favorite CBG podcast!!  Darren and I are joining you today to chat about all the int...

Pete Veevers from Buzzard Guitars

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I've known Pete for about ten years now. He is an incredibly kind and generous person who always gave excellent feedback on my builds and helped me to...

A Podcast with Adam Harrison and Darren McDonald

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join me, Adam Harrison and Darren McDonald as we talk about recent activity in the cigar box guitar world. The conversation ranges from appreciating s...

Welcome back it’s 2024

23 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to a fascinating episode of the Cigarbox Guitar Builder podcast. In this episode, we jump back into the world of Cigar Box Guitar Building by ...

Jason Heskins from JLee Guitars

16 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It feels so good to be back in the interviers seat. Talk about rusty!! A huge thank you to Jason Heskins from JLee Guitars for agreeing to be intervie...

Building a Del Puckett Style Guitar

24 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ok, in all honesty, I have to admit that I am a HUGE Del Puckett fan! I always wait eagerly for his Youtube channel uploads and I have learnt heaps fr...

Ep 73 Dazza Builds a Uke

01 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's been a while but Darren and I are back with another fun filled episode of cbg building. There are many more episodes in the pipeline so thank you...

Episode 64 Pricey Boxes and a Resonating Vibrator.

31 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ok, the resonating vibrator is a guitar that Darren made using a spring and a milo tin lid on the inside as a natural reverb. I'm just being cheeky. I...

Why Shouldn’t You Go Fulltime

16 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

OK, this is a contentious statement. However, I've been lucky to have had the chance to build CBGs as a full time job. I certainly haven't done everyt...

John Nickel. Builder and player.

12 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ok, doing this podcast was more important to me than I realised. It's back. This first episode is with John Nickel. John taught me more in one episode...

Episode 70 Pickups, Friends and Fun

19 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Darren and I discuss whether handmade pickups are a financially viable alternative to ready made pups, the passing of Ted Crocker and ...

Introducing Darren MCDonald

11 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I've known Darren McDonald for a couple of years. He builds roots instruments from reclaimed timbers and recycled boxes with an integrity that totally...

Jesse Thomas from Hummingbird Guitars

30 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jesse is a guitar and cigar box guitar builder from Randolph Nebraska. He builds a variety of awesome instruments ranging from ukuleles to 6 string he...

Mella Miante from Barreldawg Band

24 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today I got to interview Mella Miante from Barreldawg Band. These guys have been ripping it up on the central coast of NSW and really pushing the ciga...

Mick Verco

17 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I've known Mick ever since I started building CBGs back in 2012. He has always been a positive voice urging people to build and enjoy cigar box guitar...

Catching Up With Mike Snowden

13 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks for tuning in again. This week I was able to catch up with the wonderful Mike Snowden. Mike has been doing a weekly You tube show called Three ...

I Want My Money Back!!

06 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is part of our 'business talk' episodes. After having a chat with a guitar building friend of mine who had a less than perfect experience...

Joe Oltean from Clutch Creations

02 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Firstly, thanks for tuning in to the show. Secondly, please excuse the very ordinary recording of this episode. I am struggling with a mixture of agei...

taking care of your cbg.

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hi it’s been a little while. This episode is in response to a customer question about how best to clean a cbg. I thought it might also be a good top...

Episode 61 Interview with Keith Crumbly of Crumblycaster CBGs

16 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We are back for 2020!  This week I am interviewing Keith Crumbly of Crumblycaster CBGs. There is no intro music this week as I have had to switch to ...

interview with Darren Pizel

20 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I talk with Darren Pizel about his experiences building a cbg for a worthy charity. Darren is a new builder with a huge amount of enth...

Ep 59 Try Something Different but be Original.

25 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Mark and I discuss how cool it is that there are so many different builders out there doing cool things with their builds. Using ideas...

Ep 58 How Much is it Worth?

07 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Mark and I (Adam) discuss why some CBGs are worth a lot of money. Some CBGs are worth well over the 1K mark and we chat about some rea...

No, THIS is episode 57!

02 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today the team is back!  Mark Wilmot and I talk about all things CBG. Which do you prefer? rod or disc piezo. bandsaw or table saw? We also discuss a...

ep 57 One year in the shop. so what next?

24 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 55 Rob Wrobel

10 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week I have a chance to speak with Rob Wrobel from Rob's Cigar Box Guitars. We discuss his building history and what happened with Lace Pickups. ...

Ep 54 The Little Guy and Big Business

05 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Well obviously you would be expecting a comprehensive round up of all things NAMM. Nope:) Facebook has been burning with one topic all week, You know ...

Ep 53 To Relic or Not to Relic

26 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I speak about a recent FB conversation about relic finished guitars. The feedback regarding relic guitars was definitely not pro-relic...

Episode 52 Todd Sigmier from ROCKY MOUNTAIN SLIDE COMPANY

02 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Wow what a treat to speak with Todd 'Doc' Sigmier from Rocky Mountain Slide Company. Big thanks to Doc for being such a great guest. Really had fun wi...

Episode 51 Blake Saban from The Urban Chiefs

26 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode, I speak with Blake Saban from the band The Urban Chiefs. Blake has been playing a CBG (built by the famed Arthur Moody) for a good few y...

New Products To Try and Crazy Soviet Plank Guitars

19 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Well here we are at episode 50!!! Wow!!! Our interview with the wonderfully tallented Rob Wrobel has had to be postphoned for a couple of weeks due to...

Episode 49 The return of The Cigar Box Guitar Builder

12 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Hi CBG fiends. The CBGBuilder is back!!  We are back to the ideals and vision that made TCBGBP a worldwide success!!!!! OK thats a bit of an exagerat...

Episode 48 Your Brand

25 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have a brand? Share in the comments if you do. Don't forget to join the FB group too!  Adam

episode 47 ive been busy

13 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Hi wonderful people, I’m uploading from my phone this time so I hope this works. i’ve been setting up the shop for the last couple of weeks so I h...

Episode 46 Shop talk, boards tuners and ply

26 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Mark and I set out to talk about soldering and all the things that entailed. However we got sidetracked with other topics. As some of ...

Episode 45 Scott Osborne from Dirty Bird Guitars

14 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I speak with Scott Osborne fron Dirty Bird Guitars. Scot is an independent builder who loves Van Halen and Washburn Guitars. Definatel...

Fighting Fit and Ready to go!!!

08 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We are back! After a break from regular broadcasts Mark and I are back to talk about all things guitar related. As usual we will be coming from a home...

I'm NOT a snob, well not really:)

19 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It has been a while since the last episode and it is totally my fault. I've had a few issues occuring that have impacted on my ability to produce thes...

Episode 42 Brookwood Guitars

29 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sorry for the delay. Today's episode is with Greg from Brookwood Guitars. Greg is based in Victoria and builds 3 string fretless electric box guitars ...

Episode 41 Pat Keegan from Pat Keegan Guitars

21 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week we recieved our first patron. It was a huge boost for me to realise that someone out there liked the show enough to do that. So, a huge than...

Ep 40 Tom Holben from Tomzflippinguitarshop

17 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Tom is a down to earth guitar builder who uses reclaimed timber and licence plates to build fantastic guitars. We talk about learning about the craft ...

Are handmade guitars too expensive?

03 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Firstly, I'm not saying that they ARE too expensive, I'm just playing devil's adjocate. This podcast is in response to a youtube clip that was uploade...

Episode 38 Don't be Afraid to Sell Your Guitars

26 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is about selling your guitars. I have almost 20 years of retail sales experience and I thought I'd share my experiences in a couple of mu...

Episode 37 What's Happening ?

07 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A new name and a new picture. There will be more interviews and all the fun stuff plus more in the next couple of weeks.  Regards Adam Harrison

Episode 36. 4 piezo Pickup test

15 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Ok, things got a little crazy on this episode. A lot of people have asked me about the best place to put piezo pickups. I love to experiment so I lear...

Episode 35 The Right Saw

10 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Wow we are over 4000 plays!!! A huge thankyou to all of our listeners. Don't forget to sign up for the Facebook group. In this episode I discuss the d...

Episode 34 My Fave Influences

17 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I talk about my favorite builders and companies. I try to give examples of what I like about their businesses and instruments. All of ...

Episode 33 Pat Procter Patron Content

10 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks for being a patron of the show. Enjoy this extra information about fretting from Pat Procter. Adam Harrison

Episode 33 Pat Procter

10 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This week I chat with Pat Procter about his amazing parquetry CBGs. Big thanks to Pat for being patient with me as I was having some tech difficulties...

Episode 32 Building Boo Boos

03 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I am joined by regular contributor, Mark Wilmot from MRWS instrument supplies. We discuss new builds and problems that new and experie...

Episode 31 File Those Frets!!!

26 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Hi all and thanks for listening. This week's episode has been made because of the question I asked on the FB group. Fretting is a skill that I am cons...

EPISODE 30!!! Ben (C.B. Gitty) Baker

20 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This week I speak with Ben Baker, the man behind C.B.Gitty. We talk about how he discovered cigar box guitars and how he started his business. We also...