The Folk Art Instrument Builders Reference

I've been an amateur luthier and CBG builder for the past several years and have read several books on topics relating to it. I found the title of this book to be a bit misleading. I would not call this a reference book at all, but it does have good and easy to follow plans for about a half-dozen typical roots instruments such as the CBG, hubcap banjo, and washtub bass. I wish it featured more instruments. For example, there are no plans for instruments one would expect given the title. No fiddles or bows, no dulcimers, no gourd banjos, no flutes or whistles.The biggest issue I have with the book is the lack of color pictures. There are plenty of photos showing important steps in the construction of the given instruments, but it would be much more helpful if they were in color instead of B&W. I would have given the book 4 stars instead of 3 if the pictures had been in color.On the plus side, there is a good description of how to carve wooden tuning pegs, which some readers might be interested in that isn't covered in most CBG books.

As a cigar box guitar builder, this is an excellent reference. Plan on following his steps to build hub cap banjo.

Very well written, I have learned more tricks of the trade in Charles book... Which ones you ask? You will have to read the book... his building is much like all the rest of the books out there...Like Cigar Box Guitar, Handmade Music Factory, Picken Stick Building... BUT at the end of the book the trick of making a bridge or some of the setup are very good resources.... Well done Charle...

A truly Great book . As a cigar box guitar builder , this book has become my builders bible . Besides all the wonderful instruments to build and the informaton provided to do so , it reminds me that it doesn't have to be complicated to be wonderful . I recommend this book definitely for anyone beginning or allready at it , you won't be mad :)) .

An awesome book to add to my collection about making cigar box guitars. Also gives some out of the norm thinking and opens you up to more possibilities when building. I recommend addinformation this book to your collection if you are into roots style instruments. Thanks Charles, hope you come out with a Second book.

The book content is very good, but it suffers from the same problems of most self published books, the photo quality is poor.

The book is really amazing, a must have for everyone that loves CBG or hand made musical instruments. A step by step guide with a lot of good b/w photoes.

I just started making homemade instruments and this book has saved me a lot of steps. Well written.

thinking that it would a normal book, but was very surprised on the contents, the brief history ,and how to make them, will try to make one later in the year.

Great book, easy to understand directions with illustrations. Also appreciated the website links for further information. Plan to build one of these unique instruments very soon.

Rare book on folk instrument. Lots of information and easy step by step indication. Love it!