Based in Sheffield, England I make folk/roots instruments from old cigar boxes, vintage tins and all kinds of custom made bits and pieces.
You can usually find me working on mountain banjos, 3 and 4 string cigar box guitars, ukuleles, and diddley bows.
The banjos I currently make are based on the old time mountain banjo plans found in Foxfire, the magazine documenting rural Appalachian culture. The standard design is fretless with nylon strings. This combination produces a warm, mellow tone, perfect for the old folk tunes.
How to order?
I can accept payments via PayPal using either your own account or a credit card. This is a secure method and you do not need a PayPal account to use this service.
Best way is to send me an email and I’ll sort you an invoice with a payment link.
Cigar box guitars are usually 3 or 4 string and most often used for playing raw primitive blues styles. They can be played fingerstyle, with a pick or with a slide for the dirty sound of the Mississippi delta. They are well suited to country blues and fit in well with the latest folk revival. Fretless instruments pose a different challenge to the player but with a bit of patience are not difficult to get the hang of.
My cigar box ukuleles are made to feel and play just like a ‘standard’ instrument. They have carefully shaped and carved neck profiles, feature quality timbers and have dovetailed neck joints. Again all have properly dressed frets and are set up to play easily.
Email – jw@thefilthydon.com
Phone number is – 0780 523 1377
My workshop is in Sheffield, England. I’m always happy to have visitors but contact me first to check I will be there.