About Us – MSG
Music. Soul. Grit.
We’re MSG, a small, family-run company founded in 2025 by a father-and-son duo with a simple dream: to build unique, great-sounding Cigar Box Guitars and Basses — and get them into the hands of people who love music as much as we do.
Where It All Began
It all started with a drive to create what has not been created before. A take on a classic idea and create something new. A few builds turned into a few dozen. Friends started asking for their own. And just like that, MSG was born.
We didn’t set out to build a company. We just loved the process — selecting the wood, finding the right box, wiring up the pickups, and seeing someone light up the first time they played one. That feeling never gets old.
What We Do
At MSG, we make handcrafted cigar box guitars and basses that are simple, playable, and full of character. Every instrument is made by hand in our small shop, using a mix of traditional techniques and modern tools. No two are exactly alike — and that’s the point.
Our focus is on:
- Quality craftsmanship – Every build is carefully made using solid woods like poplar, oak, maple, and occasionally some rare stuff for limited editions.
- Playability – Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been playing for years, our guitars are built to feel great and sound even better.
- Unique style – We work with authentic cigar boxes and pay attention to the little details that make an instrument feel personal.
We offer both ready-to-ship models and custom builds if you’re after something more specific — different tunings, fretless necks, custom art, your choice of pickups, and more.
Inside the Workshop
Our shop is tucked away in the quiet neighborhood of Winter Park — peaceful, quiet, and perfect for building guitars. We use a blend of hand tools, precision machines, and a whole lot of patience to make sure every MSG guitar sounds as good as it looks.
We also open the doors a few times a year for shop tours, build-your-own-guitar workshops, and jam nights. If you’re ever in the area, stop by and say hi.
Community First
We’re not just here to build instruments — we’re here to be part of something bigger. From day one, we’ve been committed to supporting:
- Local musicians and artists
- Schools and music programs
- Sustainable practices, like using reclaimed materials whenever we can
We also run an active online community where players share their builds, tips, and tunes — it’s a fun, welcoming space, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.
Looking Ahead
Our goal is to grow, but not just for the sake of it. We want to stay hands-on, keep improving our builds, and continue exploring what’s possible with these simple but soulful instruments.
We’re working on some exciting things, including:
- 4-string and fretless basses
- Limited-run collaborations with artists
- Online how-to videos and build kits
- A new signature series inspired by the roots of blues, rock, and folk