Handcrafted cigar box guitars by Mike Snowden.

Testimonials from Satisfied Customers!

Mike,

I received the Cap'n Jack a while back, and it is my favorite CBG!

I've purchased few CBG online over the past few years and most of them were disappointments. This is by far the best purchases I have ever made. The instrument is better than I ever could have imagined. I've playing this thing plugged and unplugged and have had an awesome time. Your craftsmanship is without a doubt superb, extremely easy to play, the action is just right for fingering or slide! I really couldn't be more pleased or say enough about the quality of this instrument. As said by another owner, you have a first class operation and deliver what you promise. If anyone considering buying their first CBG I would say look no further. From start to finish you will be extremely happy with your experience.

Thanks again and best wishes for your campany,

Steve

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Mike,

Got the guitar, looks and sounds great as promised.

I'm a novice player and not accustomed to the thicker strings but I'm getting the hang of it.

I'm into finger picking right now so my finger tips are toughening up quickly.

I got a thumb pick and that really helps with the bass string - although I've always resisted using a pick in the past.

One unexpected surprise was how well the box can be used for percussion - I'm getting some fantastic sound. The thick walls in the robusto box makes it good mini cajon. In fact I might buy the same box and just make a mini cajon or stomp box out of it, maybe put a part of an old snare inside.

The sustain is so good on the strings/bridge, I can thump them every once and while and get this great long-lasting bass hum as I lay down a drum beat - I would love to see a real percussion guitar player take a turn on this instrument. Makes me want to get a looper pedal to use with this guitar - lay down a couple of percussion and bass lines to get the one man band effect - "a la" Snowden.

Take Care,

Jay

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Hi Mike,

I came home from Australia today all the way knowing that the Red Rocker would be at my doorstep! Got home, didn't unpack, but just went to the shipping box. Thank you for the great packing! Considerate job. Nice. Now, that Red Rocker is Sweet as! It is a little ripper! I am in awe of the build. It shows you are one big hearted, dedicated craftsman. I sat down and played it for an hour, now after the unpacking I am going to jam on it through the jet lag baby! Sticking the Snowden Decal on my 1970 F100 proudly.

Thanks for the CD... going in my system now.

and lastly, would you ever build me a CBG with a magnetic pickup?

Respect,

Sion

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WOW!! is all I can say Mike,

Received my CBG, and I must say it is beyond all of my expectations.

I have to take a moment and thank you for:

The very careful packing

The expedient shipping

Great customer service

Copy of Legend of Boondock CD

Case Candy including personalized pick

The smile on my face when I opened up the box.

Truly a wonderful instrument and piece of art.

Man you really do go out of your way to make this a great experience.

This is my very first CBG & I can honestly say I'm thrilled with the purchase.

I am 100% sure I will be purchasing more from you as the years go bye.

I'm absolutely blown away by the quality of your work. Your attention to detail shows in everything from the woods you choose to the way you layout the fret wire. Its all perfect. and the sound!! oh man! what a sound..just awesome!

Thank you again and keep rockin'!

Brent

Sunset Beach, CA

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Wow man, this guitar is sick. Such sonic vibe & character, many songs sitting in this thing, first one I record I'll send it to you.

Love it!

Thanks so much,

Bryant.

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Mike,

The Rocky Patel has arrived DownUnder, safe and sound! It is a beautiful piece of work and shows what a talented young bloke (guy) you are, I am very happy and proud to own it. I will be using at gigs as soon as I get the hang of it and will tell the story of Rocky Patel and will also promote your business wherever possible. I cannot thank you enough for building such a beautiful instrument and then helping it come to my hands from around the globe in such a friendly, helpful and efficient manner. It was a trouble free transaction and I would happily assure anyone that they can feel confident in doing business with Mike Snowden Guitars. Great attitude, great guy, great product and great service! Who could ask for anything more?

All the very best to you mate!

Chris, Batemans Bay, Australia

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Just received my Beautiful 3 string "Brick House" CBG. what can I say? I unwrapped it from its immaculate packaging to unveil what can only be described as a "heavenly delight". It looks simply stunning as a piece of art even before I picked it up and held it. The guitar is a prime piece of craftsmenship, the attention to detail is truly amazing. The cigar box is resplendent in its burgundy livery with gold trim, the mahogany spliced neck and fretboard is perfectly shaped and sits in the palm of my hand like a glove. The frets are dressed to perfection, the action is balanced perfectly for fretting as well as slide, only a musician of Mike's standing would intuitively know where that sweet spot was. All this and I hadn't even played it! With absolutely no buzz or hiss as I plugged in the jack I knew the pick up was top quality. As I picked the strings it felt like an old friend, the action, choice of strings, and neck design made this a dream to play. I plugged in my tubescreamer, added a little delay and then strummed the strings and it purred into life with a majestic roar, wow! The tone of this guitar is amazing for such a small instrument, a sweet blues tone with lots of depth and sustain, it is unlike any CBG I've played before. Thank you Mike you are a true craftsmen and gentlemen, and a copy of our new cd was a great personal touch too :-)

Aron Radford, Essex, England.

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My wife Deborah surprised me tonight with an early Xmas present; a gorgeous cigar box guitar. I absolutely love it and want to thank you so much for helping her choose the ultimate gift! This thing is amazing! Thank you so much Mike

Brian

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Mike,

I just got the CBG.

What a piece of art!!!

Looks great and sound amazing.

Thank you Franck

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Mike,

I just wanted to let you known how much I am enjoying my new CBG that I bought this weekend at "Tunes from the Tombs". I have barely put it down to eat and sleep. Its amazing ! I still need to get a slide that fits better but I'm getting the hang of it. I have played it some like a lap steel with the bar I use on my Reso and it really growls. I will probably give you a call soon as I have a couple of questions. Thanks for the CD's I am enjoying them also.

Thanks,

Jim

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Mike,

I wanted to send a quick note and thank you for the outstanding guitar, I love it. I have a new favorite. It plays, sounds and looks great and I have had a hard time putting it down since it arrived on Friday. Your craftsmanship is outstanding and I definitely see more Snowden CBG's in my future.

Also, thank you for the awesome CD included with the guitar.

Thanks again,

Thom

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Dear Mike,

The old timer arrived right on time today and I have to say, WOW! Better than I expected. Plays and sounds great. Love the finish and the quality is better than any guitar I have ever owned. Thanks for making a great guitar. Also, thanks for the CD. Love it!

Ken

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Hello Mike,

Just wanted to let you know that Cap'n Jack has arrived Home and is in good hands!!!! Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't find enough words to describe how great this guitar is. Such an awesome job in the Craftsmanship. And it sounds so good. It was still in tune straight out of the box. It seemed only fit that the first song I played on it was The Porch Song. Sounded good!! Not as good as the Master Mike Snowden but still good!! I'm just blown away. As I said earlier I am planning on buying a 4 string model cbg from you later and another 3 string model after that. Looks like I'm going to be buying some more guitar hangers for the wall. The paper you sent me with the guitar answered my questions as to what strings you used. I won't have any problems with the tunings or anything now.Thank you so much for everything Mike. I'll be looking forward to doing more business with you in the future. All I can say is Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks again!!

Jim!!!!!!!

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Mike,

The guitar arrived and it exceeded my expectations. It's perfect, your craftsmanship is outstanding and it sounds awesome! The packing was top notch. When I'm ready for another one, it will be one of yours.

Thanks again,

Tim

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Mike,

Just wanted to let you know that Jeff is IN LOVE with the new CBG... He took it to bed and put it on his bedside table. He can't seem to put it down, he loves the way it sounds!!!.. He is still trying to figure it out though. I got him a little amp like the one you have and he really likes it too. I'm sure we will be "collecting" these things now. Thanks again!!!

Amy & Jeff

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Mike,

- Wow! It is truly better than what I had ever anticipated or expected - everything from the meticulous packing to the incredible quality of the craftsmanship! Indeed, the price for this instrument is reasonable and most fair, and a real jewel!

- Your packing job was so good, Mike, that it would have protected the "Hope" Diamond should it had been in there. I was amazed at the amount of packing material you used and how it was all laid out and put together!

- I thought that, if the way you packed it was any indication of what the CBG looked like and would be, I was in for a real treat. Indeed, when I got to it and unwrapped it, I was totally amazed! As a long-time woodworker hobbyist and stringed-instrument restorationist, I was very impressed at the quality of your work. Your attention to detail is laudatory! Again, I never expected or anticipated it to be that good!

-I liked the walnut laminated on the heel of the maple neck...and the walnut fret board, too. It is all well-coordinated in appearance and color. The neck lines are clean and smooth, not gouged or amateur-looking. The frets are straight, level, and even. The string height is good. The neck finish is classy, not gaudy or over-done. The single sound hole is clean and perfectly round. The bridge with its metal saddle looks distinctive and adds to the beautiful tonal quality of the instrument. The nut - an actual metal screw, is a unique touch of the past. And, the tonal quality far surpasses what I had ever expected or dreamed it to actually sound like! Without a doubt, one pluck of the string resonates for minutes and provides that bluesy tone unlike any other! I tuned it down to FCF and does it ever deliver a beautiful, bell-sounding "Amazing Grace"! It makes you think you're somewhere at a church in the deep south back in 1850...

- Mike, indeed...you have mastered your product. I am truly impressed - as it's not only a piece of fine art, but also a playable instrument. And, what a great combination it is! Thank you for everything!

Regards,

Pappy

"Mydaddysguitars"

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Mike,

I purchased a 4 string guitar from you about a month ago and have hardly put it down since you shipped it to me!!!!! I saw your new guitars on the internet and love the "worn" look....great idea and very eye catching!!!!!! I am trying hard to resist the urge!!!!!!! By the way, I am playing the CBG I purchased from you with a glass slide using a blues driver pedal and my valve special amp!

Again....love that worn look on your new guitars!

Mike

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Hi Mike,

I bought one of your CBGs at Stomp & Chomp yesterday (the "Ashton") and I just wanted to tell you how much I love it! I can't put it down (and better yet my wife loves the look and wants to put it on the wall)!

Keep up the great work!

David

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Hi Mike,

Just wanted to let you know there was a box waiting for me when I got home for lunch. WOW ! She looks and sounds fantastic !! Now how am I suppose to go back to work ? You really do a great job with these. Thank you my friend for bringing untold hours of joy into my world. Best wishes to you and yours for the holiday season and a Happy New Year !!

Angelo

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"I've been a full-time professional guitarist/entertainer for 20 years.......with the inspiration & SOUL I've found in my new "Mike Snowden Cigar Box Guitar" - I've almost guaranteed myself another 20." ~ Jay Memory (Memory Dean)

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Hay Mike,

La Fleur Dominicana cigar box guitar is such a great instrument! It was one of the best birthday presents I’ve ever received. I can’t believe the level of craftsmanship you obviously put into it. Tonally, it just rings like a bell—even without amplification. The intonation is true, and the fret board and frets are so finger-friendly. What did you use for the neck/tailpiece? It looks like a fine ash baseball bat! I half expected to see “Louisville Slugger” on it somewhere. And the deep red box itself is gorgeous—a great contrast to the white neck.

I’m using the open G tuning you suggested. I’m working on some blues licks, and also just figuring out the best way to make chords, especially the minors. For Em I just fret the bass D string on the second fret, and for Am I use the regular six-string Am fingering except I fret the tenor D string on the second fret with my little finger. And then I can just slide that fingering up the frets to may any minor chord. When I’m changing around quickly, it’s nice to have those open chords there as backup! This box is great for that “Appalachian” sound of Gillian Welch and other “roots” players. I can’t wait to use it in a gig.

Thanks again, and good luck with your CBGs!

Rodney

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Hey Mike,

I got the Padron today. First off, I was amazed at how well it was packed! Once I got to the guitar it was exactly how I pictured it. Anyways yours is awesome. I strummed it. It was in tune! I went ahead and plugged it in and that's when I was really blown way. It's such a nice CBG. You really do VERY nice work.

I'll be going back to your page from time to time because I definitely want to get another one for sure. Thanks for the t-shirt and picks and stuff. The sticker on the back of the CBG is nice,,,all very professional. thanks Mike and I'll be in touch from time to time.

Ham

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Mike,

Received the Troya today and all I can say is WOW!

I’ve purchased numerous guitars (acoustic and electric) online over the years and so many of them were disappointments. This is one of the best purchases I have ever made.

The instrument is better than I ever imagined. I’ve playing this thing plugged into my Micro Cube for about an hour and have had an absolute blast. Craftsmanship is outstanding, extremely well packaged and that cherry wood even smells good! I really couldn’t be more pleased. You have a first class operation and deliver what you promise.

Thanks,

Steve

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Dear Mike,

I love music but learning how to play a six string has always been too frustrating for me. I was thrilled that I taught myself how to play one of these babies in about two weeks. Trust me -- you don't have to know ANYTHING about playing music to make great sounds on this thing. Now I play my cigarbox guitar every night. It's a great way to unwind before going to bed.

Thank you!

Juliet

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Hi Mike,

My wife bought me the Sancho Panza for me for Christmas. I just want to let you know how much I love this instrument. It stays in tune wonderfully and the intonation is spot on. In my former life, I was on the road playing every night, so I just want folks to know that this is a very real, very playable instrument. The Cigar Box Guitar has revealed many of the mysteries of the blues that had previously escaped me. Having only three strings forces you to make the most of every note. Anyhow, I’m telling and showing everyone I know and I usually have it here in my office.

Thanks!

Ian

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Mike,

I love the impulse buy. It is with out a doubt the best purchase I have made this year. As you know, I have no idea how to play but I am well on my way. I have only put old three holes down to go to sleep and work. I can eat with her over my shoulder.

Bro Thanks for being at chomp and stomp.

Some time after I learn a little more I want to come by your shop and show you what I can do with old three holes. You are the man.

Thanks again Mike.

I will keep in touch with my progress.

Chris Spoo

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Hi Mike,

I love the guitar. Truly one of the best things I've bought in a long time. I immediately fell in love with it and I'll definitely be purchasing another one soon.

Thanks for the shirt too! That was very cool of you.

Have a good one Mike and thanks again.

Eric

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Mike,

Yee Hah! It's beautiful and understated, sounds fantastic. Great substitute for my old cigar habit too. I've got some music buddies that I'll let know about your product. Thanks for the t-shirts, nice bonus.

Marc

A satisfied customer

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Mike,

Sorry it's taken awhile to get back. Received the guitar a couple weeks back and it's been hard to pry from my hands. Excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. Thanks for the shirt as well.

Patrick

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Hey Mike,

Received the guitar today. Excellent packing job. Everyone here at the office was impressed with the instrument (and my virtuoso playing... NOT). My boss even gave me a Cuban cigar to go with it -- there's a marketing move for you.

Thanks for the t-shirts too. Class act. I was gonna ask if you sold shirts. One for me, one for my dad. You got us covered.

Sincerely,

Sean

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Mike,

The guitar arrived yesterday late. I love it !! I hooked it up to my small Crate amp and it's really cool. Also ran it through my various effects. Very pleased.

Thanks,

Phil

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Hi Mike:

Got the new Git-box. Love it. It's beautiful and everybody I showed it to in the office really dug it. Thanks also for the t-shirts. You make a really nice presentation.

Thanks again. I'll probably buy another one of these for my brother-in-law later in the year.

Rock on,

David

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