Cigarbox Henri (NL)
March 8, 2025
CIGARBOX HENRI
Reviving the Spirit of the Cigar Box Guitar in the Netherlands
The cigar box guitar is a versatile instrument, still relatively unknown in the Netherlands, but steeped in rich history. Originating in the early 1900s among the impoverished communities of the Mississippi Delta, these guitars were born out of necessity. With no money for conventional instruments, people crafted their own from cigar boxes and broomsticks, creating the often three-stringed guitars that became integral to the birth of blues music in the juke joints of the time.
Cigarbox Henri, hailing from Dalfsen, carries on this tradition through his company, Dutch Instruments 4 U. He handcrafts these authentic guitars with a strong emphasis on circular material use, preserving the spirit of resourcefulness that defines the instrument’s origins. Henri is also the driving force behind several festivals, including the Dutch National Cigar Box Guitar Festival, ‘Delta Calluna.’
In addition to making instruments, Henri organizes cigar box guitar-building workshops across the country and abroad, sharing his passion and expertise. His musical journey extends beyond craftsmanship; he brings the raw, hard-hitting energy of garage blues to life with his bands, The New American Farmers and The Boothill Stompers. Henri also performs solo, both in the Netherlands and internationally, delivering captivating performances on his cigar box guitars and other homemade instruments.
As a solo artist, Henri blends roots and blues into a compelling mix, drawing inspiration from the likes of Seasick Steve and vintage Delta blues legends such as Son House, R.L. Burnside, and Robert Johnson. His repertoire, largely self-written, explores themes of booze, blues, women, cars, and the myriad of experiences that occupy a man’s life. Electrically amplified, his various cigar box guitars provide a powerful, resonant sound. While his band performances are known for their loud, raw intensity, his solo gigs offer a more nuanced, yet equally engaging, musical experience.
