2nd March 2011

LYME REGIS: Creating the world's first ever cheesebox ukele!

When Marshall Stapleton, renowned Lyme Regis guitar-maker, and Justin Tunstall of the Town Mill Cheesemonger met last week to discuss Marshall’s upcoming event at the Town Mill, little did they realise that they’d be inventing a new musical instrument.

Among the many instruments that Marshall will be demonstrating at the Mill’s Malthouse on March 27th are cigar Box guitar’, made from smokers’ cast-offs. This type of instrument has been showcased by Seasick Steve on Later with Jools Holland.

Looking around Justin’s cheese shop, they realised that wooden cheese boxes might be used to the same effect as cigar boxes. They settled on a box from a delicious Camembert with Calvados that already had a sound-hole shaped aperture.

Four days later, Marshall had produced the world’s first cheese box resonator ukulele! As a founding member of The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Marshall certainly knows his ukulele chops - Justin’s rather more hesitant. However, he did serenade his wife on the ukulele at their wedding in 2007.

The instrument can be seen in The Town Mill Cheesemonger (open Thursday to Sunday in March) and at “Guitar Magic”, which is billed as a one-day celebration of the luthier’s art.

During the day ukuleles, acoustic guitars (and their construction), resonators, cigar-box guitars, the ‘Tele’ project and more will be on show, while Marshall describes the processes and influences that have inspired his creations. He’ll also demonstrate their unique sounds.

“Guitar Magic” will be held from 12 to 6pm on Sunday, March 27th at he Town Mill Malthouse. At 8pm that evening there will be a performance from Marshall and some special guests.

PICTURE: Cheesemonger Justin Tunstall with luthier Martin Stapleton and the first ever cheesebox ukele

LYME REGIS: Creating the world's first ever cheesebox ukele!

LYME REGIS: Creating the world's first ever cheesebox ukele!

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