These 10 cigar box guitars (CBGs) comprise a silent auction to benefit the Music Therapy program at Huntsville Hospital. Luthier Jeff Mello, owner of The Cigar Box Guitar Store, the only store of its kind in the world, built 10“blank canvas” guitars for local artists to work their magic. Not only are these guitars works of art, they are fully playable cigar box guitars tuned in Open G that can be played acoustic or electric by plugging them into an amplifier.

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This fundraiser was created to pay homage to local Blues legend Microwave Dave, who passed away in February. A professional musician for over 60 years, Dave didn’t just perform; he uplifted. He regularly referred to Blues music as “America’s first self-help program,” and he approached every gig as an opportunity to help people feel a little less alone.

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See the guitars and place a bid.​​

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This auction concludes at 9pm Central on Sunday, May 31. Auction winners will be contacted to make arrangements to pick up their guitar from us in the store or to have them shipped anywhere in the continental U.S. for actual shipping costs ($30-$50 depending on the guitar and shipping address).

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See the guitars in person at:

• Now through May 28: Huntsville Hospital Main in the gallery near the cafeteria

• May 29 & 30: At The Festival at Lowe Mill A&E in Studio 1003 across from Starlight Pinball. Click here for a map.

• May 31: At the Festival at The Orion, just inside Gate B. Click here for a map.

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Can't make it in person? Check out this virtual tour.