Diddly Bow - 1 string Canjo Guitar Build

Here's a one-string slide guitar that you can build in less than a day with basic woodworking tools.
I learned to build this Diddly Bow from The Handmade Music Factory Book.
Link to the book:
www.amazon.com/Handmade-Music...
Some call it a Canjo. It's a stick with a soup or vegetable can attached with a single guitar tuner and string.
I used a brass bolt for the nut and tuned the D guitar string to a G. It's a fun project to teach to children to introduce them to instrument building and slide guitar.
Keep Rocking and we'll talk later.
-Ray

[@bposey69]

I think I'm gonna build one. But with 2 strings so I can hit them power chords 🤘🎸

[@TheAngryMushroom]

very cool, would love to see it. Thanks for watching.

[@HunnypopStardildo]

Thank you for sharing this video and god bless you, good sir!

[@TheAngryMushroom]

You are most welcome. I Appreciate the kind words.

[@kilogram064]

That's just great. Now I gotta make one of those for myself. 😊😊😊

[@TheAngryMushroom]

Thanks for watching, it’s a fun build.

[@Liesl_Cigarboxguitar]

Great build..canjos are the greatest fun 😊

[@TheAngryMushroom]

Thank you for checking it out.

[@jacobsteel]

wonderful! thank you! :)

[@TheAngryMushroom]

Thank you for watching.

[@sgmac4230]

Nifty canjo. 😁

[@TheAngryMushroom]

Thank you

[@towpathguitars]

You want the gear on the post on the can side, so the string tension pulls the gears together, but otherwise looks good. Sounds good.

[@TheAngryMushroom]

Thanks for the tip. Appreciate the comment.

[@johnfletcher7437]

I really enjoyed this, unfortunately I am left handed. please will you show me how to convert this instrument so that I would be able to play it?

[@TheAngryMushroom]

At around 3:00 on the timeline you could have the tuner peg face the opposite way. That way the tuner is facing up for easy reach. Since it’s only one string, you could hold left hand style without any alteration. Excellent question to address in future videos for left handed players. Thanks for watching :)

[@pimcramer2569]

Hey nice vid. Why do you have the bottom of the can facing upward? And why do you have part of the can sticking out?

[@TheAngryMushroom]

Thanks for checking it out. In answer to your questions: I followed the instructions from the book Handmade Music Factory by Mike Orr. Link below. It's one of my first ones. If I had to guess why the bottom of the can faces the neck, I'd say it was easier to mark the scale length. Not sure why he has the can over the end of the neck. The book doesn't really say. It's a great book for building Cigar Box guitars too. Link: www.amazon.com/dp/1565235592?tag=sa-sym-new-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1&geo=us&locale=en_us&doi=2020-12-30&cmpgn=nov20&o=APN12175&p2=%5EEQ%5Enov20%5E

[@kilogram064]

For something to tie the string into and the overhang is for a sound hole of sorts. At least that's what I think.

[@tonyakinkelaar2964]

What is holding the string in the can?

[@TheAngryMushroom]

Hi, the hole in bottom of can is just big enough for the string and too small for the ball on the end of the string to pass through. I believe I used one of the thicker strings like a D string and it’s a regular acoustic guitar steel string. The string is wound tight on the tuner to hold. Like the can and string telephone. The bottom of the can catches string vibration and bounces like a speaker.

[@michaelkibble740]

Broken guitars are still useful as parts.

[@TheAngryMushroom]

thanks for checking it out

[@royzview6254]

Brilliant, love it.............But don't give up your day job or try to make a buisness out of it, lol!

[@TheAngryMushroom]

too late, we did try selling cigar box guitars and canjos at art fairs and music festivals. I did sell CBGs but never sold a canjo. :( was fun to make. I would say 25% off if you can guess what veggies came in the can.

[@royzview6254]

@@TheAngryMushroom Oh noo,I can see your doomed!.....Doomed to a life of fun inventing new Canjo's in the garage. As for the can, my wife says beans I say peas.