Handcrafted Tradition with a Modern Edge

The LOCO Story

Cigar box guitars are a true American original—born out of creativity and necessity in the mid-1800s. Built by passionate music lovers who couldn’t afford traditional instruments, the earliest cigar box guitars (or CBGs) were often crafted from discarded cigar boxes, salvaged barn wood, rusty nails, and bailing wire for strings.

As a lifelong music enthusiast, I discovered cigar box guitars in 2019—and it was love at first strum. I built my first one in April 2020 and was instantly hooked. After creating nearly twenty guitars, friends and family began asking me to build instruments for them. Their enthusiastic feedback—and repeated questions about when I'd start selling—led to the birth of LOCO Cigar Box Guitars.

The name “LOCO” is a nod to Loudoun County, Virginia, where I’ve proudly lived for 30 years!

My modern cigar box guitars blend rustic charm with refined craftsmanship. Having now built over seventy-five guitars, each one features a hand-carved hardwood neck and fretboard, precision-placed frets, and high-quality tuners and strings. For players who want to plug in and turn it up, my electric CBGs include magnetic or piezo pickups—built to rock with a unique voice all their own.

Every guitar is meticulously handcrafted, resulting in a unique, one-of-a-kind instrument with its own character and soul.

Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or a beginner looking for a fun and approachable instrument, you'll love the sound, style, and soul of a LOCO Cigar Box Guitar.

Thanks,
LOCO Dave