Black Diamond Cigar Box Guitars: Bringing Blues Soul to Brisbane’s Creative Beat
Brisbane has always marched to the beat of its own drum. With sun-drenched days, a thriving local music scene, and a laid-back yet adventurous culture, the city is a haven for artists, musicians, and creators. And now, a new sound is catching fire in Brisbane’s laneways, studios, and live venues—the unmistakable, raw, and deeply soulful sound of the cigar box guitar.
Crafted by the legendary John Stax, former bassist for the iconic British blues band The Pretty Things, Black Diamond Cigar Box Guitars are no ordinary instruments. They’re living pieces of music history, handmade with love, soul, and precision. And they’re finding a passionate following right here in Brisbane.
The Brisbane Blues Revival Starts Here
In a city where indie gigs at The Zoo sit comfortably beside jazz nights at Doo-Bop and open mic sessions at West End’s Boundary Hotel, music diversity is in Brisbane’s DNA. Enter the cigar box guitar—an instrument that’s as unconventional as Brisbane’s creative scene, and twice as gritty.
With roots stretching back to the 1800s American South, the cigar box guitar began as a tool of necessity. Built from scraps—cigar boxes, broomsticks, wire—by African-American musicians who couldn’t afford traditional guitars, these instruments captured something money couldn’t buy: soul. That same soul now resonates in Brisbane’s jam rooms and backyard sessions.
Meet the Maker: John Stax
At the heart of Black Diamond Cigar Box Guitars is John Stax, a true legend of the rhythm and blues world. After touring globally in the 1960s with The Pretty Things, John relocated to Australia and turned his musical energy toward craftsmanship. In his workshop in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges, John handcrafts each cigar box guitar, blending vintage character with modern playability.
Every instrument tells a story—John’s story, the blues’ story, and now, Brisbane’s story. Musicians across Brisbane, from South Bank buskers to Fortitude Valley rockers, are discovering just how expressive a cigar box guitar can be.
Why Brisbane Musicians Love the Cigar Box Guitar
So, what’s behind the rising popularity of the cigar box guitar in Brisbane? Simple: it breaks the rules in the best possible way.
Brisbane is a city that celebrates individuality. Here, creativity thrives in laneways, cafes, home studios, and riverside bars. The cigar box guitar fits this vibe perfectly—it’s unpolished but powerful, humble yet full of character. Whether you’re jamming solo by the Brisbane River or sharing the stage at a local festival, it brings an edge and authenticity that’s impossible to fake.
And unlike traditional guitars, each cigar box guitar is a one-off. John uses reclaimed wood, authentic cigar boxes, and time-honoured techniques to create instruments that are as visually striking as they are sonically rich.
Play Your Way: Slide, Strum, or Shred
The beauty of the cigar box guitar lies in its simplicity. John offers a variety of models, from gritty three-string slide guitars perfect for raw Delta blues licks, to fretted four-string models that open up melodic possibilities for folk, country, and even indie rock.
For Brisbane musicians looking to stand out and inject some old-school soul into their sound, there’s no better choice. These guitars are compact, travel-friendly, and made for live performance. Whether you're playing at a backyard party in Paddington or recording an EP in New Farm, a cigar box guitar is a perfect companion.
A New Sound in an Old City
Brisbane’s music roots run deep, from the early punk scene to today’s folk, funk, and hip-hop resurgence. A cigar box guitar bridges the past and the present—bringing the blues into the sunshine. It's an instrument that feels right at home beside a cold beer and a Brisbane sunset.
Artists across the city are already embracing it. Whether you’re a seasoned player or picking up your first instrument, a Black Diamond Cigar Box Guitar offers something rare: the chance to make music that’s entirely your own.
More Than a Guitar—A Legacy
A Black Diamond Cigar Box Guitar isn’t just a piece of wood and strings. It’s a celebration of musical resilience and creativity. It’s a symbol of Brisbane’s rising blues spirit and a tribute to music that doesn’t need perfection to be powerful.
John Stax builds every cigar box guitar with a craftsman’s hands and a musician’s heart. And now, those guitars are finding new homes and new voices in Brisbane. As John says, “These guitars are machines to generate happiness.” And Brisbane, with its sun, soul, and sound, is the perfect place for that happiness to echo.
Get Yours in Brisbane Today
If you’re a Brisbane local looking to explore new musical territory, now’s your chance to get your hands on a genuine cigar box guitar from Black Diamond. These are not mass-produced pieces—they’re bespoke instruments built for expression.
Ready to join the movement? Whether you want to purchase an existing piece or commission a custom build, your perfect cigar box guitar is just a message away.
Let Brisbane Hear Your Story
Brisbane is a city that thrives on authenticity. And with a cigar box guitar in hand, you can add your voice to its ever-evolving musical tapestry. Let your sound be as unique as your story—and let Black Diamond Cigar Box Guitars help you tell it.
Because in Brisbane, we don’t just play music. We feel it.