John Bernyk, a talented musician and craftsman, has made a significant impact in the world of music with his unique creations. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of cigar box guitars and explore John’s remarkable journey:
John Bernyk is passionate about crafting cigar box guitars, which are homemade instruments with a rich history. The affordability and availability of these boxes made them ideal for creating low-cost, DIY instruments. During the Great Depression, people turned to cigar box guitars because they couldn’t afford store-bought ones. John’s interest in these three-stringed instruments was sparked during his childhood when he would stretch rubber bands over empty tissue or cigar boxes, pretending they were guitars. He has since made and sold over 500 cigar box guitars, each with a unique sound based on the material used (wooden cigar boxes, empty gas and oil cans, washboards, and more). The Lazy B Guitars:
John’s passion led him to create his own brand of cigar box guitars called Lazy B Cigar Box Guitars, named after his family’s ranch in Phoenix, Arizona. The basic model of the Lazy B guitar typically features three strings, paying homage to the strings used on Depression-era cigar boxes (which were made from whatever materials were available, like screen wire). Workshops and Community:
John shares his passion by conducting cigar box guitar building workshops. Participants can create their own unique instruments under his guidance. His dedication to preserving this musical tradition and spreading its joy is truly inspiring.
