Doctor Oakroot

The diddley bow is a traditional one string instrument fundamental to the early blues.

How to Make a Diddley Bow

The diddley bow is a traditional one string instrument fundamental to the early blues.

You can easily make a diddley bow using a cardboard cigar box, a guitar tuner, and a few other things.

Here's what you need:

Tools

Drill with small bits for screw starters plus 3/8” bit.
Screw driver.
Files and sandpaper for shaping the neck (optional)
Serrated kitchen knife or small saw (X-acto with saw blade).
Super glue or other hi-tech glue. (E-6000, a jewelry glue available at hobby stores, works well).

Parts

Cardboard cigar box
Guitar tuner with small screws for mounting
A 3 foot 1”x 2” poplar project board (available at Home Depot, Lowes, etc. (the stick)
2 screws (large, for attaching neck)
1 small diameter 2” bolt (for the nut). May substitute a 1/8” dowel.
1 large eye bolt (for the bridge). May substitute a 3/8” dowel.
A string. Fishing line works well. Music wire is available at hardware stores. Or you can just use a guitar string.
A small washer (to tie the string to).

Now just follow the figures below:

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Reader Responses:

Response from: doomtown jug slugger
this is just great. I have built a number od cbgs but this will be my first one stringer. Love the plans they are clear and easy to follow. Thanks for posting them for us to use.
Post #: 46

Response from: Doctor Oakroot
You're welcome.
Post #: 5504

Response from: Arthur Renwick
What is the best pickup to install in this for playing on a stage?

piezo?
Post #: 5519

Response from: Mike Fagan
Try a piezo speaker and save a few bucks. Just superglue it in and wire it up.
Post #: 5523

Response from: Wes Yates
Can't get much simpler that this. Good job Doc.
Post #: 5606

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