Black Diamond Cigar Box Guitars: Handcrafted Blues Now Resonating Across Tasmania
Down in the heart of the southern wilds, where the air is clean and the spirit of independence runs deep, something special is taking root. The unmistakable, gritty twang of the cigar box guitar is finding its home across Tasmania—from the artist enclaves of Hobart to the back sheds of Burnie. Welcome to Black Diamond Cigar Box Guitars, where each instrument is a hand-built piece of soul, now ready to amplify the Tasmanian voice.
Crafted by the legendary John Stax, former bassist of the iconic UK rhythm and blues band The Pretty Things, every cigar box guitar that leaves the Black Diamond workshop carries decades of passion, craftsmanship, and musical heritage. Now, that bluesy legacy is making waves across Tasmania.
A Raw Sound for a Rugged Island
There’s something about Tasmania—its untouched landscapes, its creative heartbeat, its quiet strength—that pairs perfectly with the sound of a cigar box guitar. These instruments, originally born of hardship in the American South, share a kindred spirit with this island. They’re rough around the edges, full of character, and endlessly expressive.
From the Huon Valley to Launceston, musicians are discovering the unique charm of the cigar box guitar. It’s an instrument that doesn’t ask for perfection—it rewards feeling. Whether you're playing slide blues on a front porch in Devonport or composing an experimental piece in a Hobart studio, a cigar box guitar fits naturally into Tasmania’s eclectic music scene.
The Man Behind the Magic
The story of Black Diamond Cigar Box Guitars begins with John Stax—a name known to blues aficionados around the globe. After touring the world with The Pretty Things, John found a new rhythm in life: crafting instruments by hand. From his workshop in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges, he now builds each cigar box guitar one at a time—meticulously, lovingly, and with the kind of wisdom only decades in the music world can bring.
Now, Tasmania is becoming a new chapter in the Black Diamond story. Musicians across the island are embracing the unique energy these guitars offer—an energy that combines history, grit, and soul.
Why Tasmania is Embracing the Cigar Box Guitar
In a world of factory-made instruments and digital noise, Tasmania stands apart. Here, authenticity still matters. Locals know the value of craft, of story, of legacy—and the cigar box guitar delivers all three. It’s an instrument with humble beginnings, but a powerful voice.
For the woodworker in Deloraine, the pub musician in Penguin, the festival performer in Cygnet, or the beginner just picking up their first instrument in Bellerive—a cigar box guitar is a gateway to something deeper. It’s not just about playing music. It’s about making music that matters.
These instruments are deeply rooted in tradition but designed for the present. With three-string slide models that scream Delta blues and four-string fretted versions perfect for jazz, folk, or rock, there’s a Black Diamond cigar box guitar for every Tasmanian voice.
Instruments with Soul, Built to Last
Each cigar box guitar is made using a blend of reclaimed timber, vintage components, and carefully selected cigar boxes—no two are ever the same. They are as visually stunning as they are sonically rich. And they’re not just beautiful—they’re playable, gig-ready, and built to last.
That attention to detail resonates with Tasmanian values. Here, people care about what they own and who made it. When you pick up a Black Diamond cigar box guitar in Tasmania, you’re holding an heirloom in the making—something you’ll pass down, not put down.
From Hobart to the Highlands—A Sound That Travels
Whether you’re jamming with mates in Sandy Bay, performing at MONA, or playing a quiet tune on the edge of Cradle Mountain, a cigar box guitar fits in seamlessly. It’s compact, portable, and loud enough to carry your message through the wind-swept forests and coastlines of Tasmania.
And the best part? The community of cigar box guitar lovers is growing fast across Tasmania. Workshops, jam sessions, and local markets are starting to see more and more of these rustic beauties show up—and for good reason. People want something different. Something real.
Make Your Own Music History in Tasmania
There’s never been a better time to join the movement. If you’re in Tasmania and you’re craving a musical experience that’s both deeply personal and historically rich, a Black Diamond Cigar Box Guitar is waiting for you.
These aren’t instruments for the masses—they’re for the bold. For the curious. For the ones who know music doesn’t come from buttons on a screen—it comes from hands, from heart, from soul.
So whether you’re a seasoned blues veteran in Richmond, a singer-songwriter in Latrobe, or a young gun just getting started in Queenstown, your next great sound might just come from a cigar box guitar.
Order Your Black Diamond Cigar Box Guitar Today
Getting your hands on a handcrafted cigar box guitar in Tasmania has never been easier. Connect directly with John Stax and explore the range of available Black Diamond cigar box guitars right here on our website.
Let Tasmania’s wild spirit meet the untamed sound of a cigar box guitar. Let your fingers find the rhythm. Let your story begin.
Because here in Tasmania, we don’t just play music—we feel it.