See the business listing for this bass builder here
The feature bass this week proves you can have fun with just 1 string.
Builder Tracy La Rue writes:
I build cigar box guitars. This is a one string fretless low E string. It is a full 34 inch scale. The body is Acid brand cigar box, hollow.
Full 34 inch Scale Bass Diddley Bow/One String Fretless Bass
Acid Cigar Box
34 inch scale Peruvian hardwood fretless fretboard
Low E string
Hand drawn frets w/ fret marker inlays
Dark stained Red Oak thru body neck
Giant chrome bass tuner
Black painted wood star sound hole cover with chrome screws
Chrome mandolin style tailpiece
Black painted hand cut hardwood bridge and nut
Recycled rubber foot on end for stand up play
Acoustic or electric, piezo pick-up and black volume knob, jack input
Although it is hollow w/ a sound hole, this bass is designed primarily for electric play
Can be played as a slide guitar or as a fretless bass
Well done!
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Cool. One of those things you don’t see that often
I’m sorry; I must have missed the point about why anyone would want one. Unless you can’t play. Or as a novelty for display. ??
My stomach hurt after watching this one, on bass of the week, i think this forum is more serious than this, i understand this bass is way different, but, come on!!!!
This guy must be a Split Lip Rayfield fan, check out their one string upright bass made out of a Ford LTD gas tank!
Sometimes a minimalist approach elicits creativity. In “It might get Loud” the film makers followed Jack White while he cobbled together a pickup, jack, stick and a wire into an instrument which he then started wailing out a great lead on.
Found it on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_F7aiOvdwE
I like it. It would be fun to experiment with, and I would buy one. Any idea how to contact the builder?
This is me, Tracy La Rue the builder. Check out my website at tlrcigarboxguitars.com
I appreciate that you liked my bass.
I believe it just goes to prove that you can play bass with just a single string. Well crafted, great job! Would love to hear a clip of it being played!
This is a work of art; a fine example of creating a handmade musical instrument from re-purposed parts from everyday sources, much like how instruments have been made for many years by people with limited resources.
Great job, Tracy! What you’ve done here is inspired me, and silent others, to remember that I can work within my means to make art (the cigar box bass) that makes art (music).