Handmade Music Factory Slideshow

Handmade Music Factory: the Ultimate Guide to Making Foot-Stomping-Good Instruments

A detailed guide for those interested in building string instruments from recycled materials. The book includes highly detailed instructions and many photographs of beautifully completed projects by the author, Mike Orr, and by many other enthusiasts.

Read more about this book or order a copy for yourself at www.foxchapelpublishing.com.

Step-by-step instructions are clear, detailed and attractive.

Canjo

Depending on how elegant you want the final result to be, these projects are both simple and inexpensive ways to get playing. Nine-year-old Ethan Walak made this instrument with his father using scraps from the garage.

Barn Wood "Cigar Box" Guitar

On the other end of the spectrum is this project by Brian Walak (Ethan’s dad). Instead of using a cigar box for the resonator, he made his own box from reclaimed barn wood and hand carved custom grooves for each antique nail along the fretboard.

Brick House Uke

Some cigar boxes like this one have hinged lids, which are great for making internal electronics accessible.

Don Thomas CBG

Fretted four-string tenor guitar.

Turpentine Guitar

Add character by experimenting with materials. It will also change the quality of sound produced.

"Crapocaster"

Make a splash playing on stage with a guitar made from a bedpan.

Junkyard Dog

A featured creation by Wade Costenbader stays true to an automotive theme.

One-String Washtub Bass

Doesn't take long to make and is an ideal accompaniment to the cigar box guitar.

Backgammon Ukulele

This instrument, made from a thrift store game by Rainer Schmidt, is playable in two ways.

Ammo Box Guitar

Maker Ken Gaffney says it sounds great and can still store a few cans of lager.

Hubcap Banjo

A very popular Mike Orr model.

Give Making Music
a Try!

Each issue of Making Music offers inspiration, instruction, and information for the amateur musician. Read stories about music makers from all walks of life, learn about the latest medical research into the benefits of making music, discover tips to make you learn better and get the most out of your hobby, and much more.