Bone FISH Creations

Bone FISH Creations Handcrafted stringed instruments made from cigar boxes, fuel cans, license plates, and more. Playable art with a rustic soul. Custom orders available!

Custom builds, unique designs, and one-of-a-kind sound. Bone Fish Creations specializes in handcrafted, one-of-a-kind stringed instruments made from repurposed materials like cigar boxes, fuel cans, and license plates. Each build is a playable work of art, designed for musicians, collectors, and those who appreciate rustic craftsmanship. No two guitars are the same, but every piece is built with soul and passion.

08/13/2026

Starting to look like a mandolin…

The body of the Bill Monroe tribute is finally coming together. The old-growth redwood soundboard has been sanded and wiped down for a preview of what the Tru-Oil will bring out, while the sides retain the weathered character of salvaged poplar from the original Music Barn at the Bill Monroe Music Park.

Even the saw marks, nail holes and imperfections are being left wherever possible. They’re part of the story.

And after cutting those F-holes by hand, I now remember exactly why I was avoiding them. 😂

Still plenty to do, but this one is really starting to take shape.

Bone FISH Creations — Playable Art.

Starting to look like a mandolin…The body of the Bill Monroe tribute is finally coming together. The old-growth redwood ...
08/13/2026

Starting to look like a mandolin…

The body of the Bill Monroe tribute is finally coming together. The old-growth redwood soundboard has been sanded and wiped down for a preview of what the Tru-Oil will bring out, while the sides retain the weathered character of salvaged poplar from the original Music Barn at the Bill Monroe Music Park.

Even the saw marks, nail holes and imperfections are being left wherever possible. They’re part of the story.

And after cutting those F-holes by hand, I now remember exactly why I was avoiding them. 😂

Still plenty to do, but this one is really starting to take shape.

Bone FISH Creations — Playable Art.

08/08/2026

Another sound check on the ol’ louvered VW Pulley Cover 3-string guitar.

This one was built for the Circle City VW Volktoberfest auction this October. Always fun to hear how these unique builds come to life.

08/08/2026

Just strummin’ the ol’ louvered VW Pulley Cover 3-string.

08/03/2026

Sometimes the best inspiration comes from the most unexpected places.

This one began with an original chrome Volkswagen louvered pulley cover and became one of my favorite builds yet.

Handcrafted. One of a kind. Playable art.

Wrapping up a build I’ve been working on in the background this summer.This handcrafted 3-string sign tin resonator guit...
08/02/2026

Wrapping up a build I’ve been working on in the background this summer.

This handcrafted 3-string sign tin resonator guitar was built from the ground up.

Rather than starting with a cigar box, I built the body from scratch using mahogany sides, an old-growth book-matched redwood back with a contrasting red oak skunk stripe, and a vintage Pabst Blue Ribbon sign tin integrated as the resonator. The laminated, tapered neck is crafted from mahogany and red oak and hand-finished with multiple coats of Tru-Oil.

Features include:
• Ghosted neck humbucker
• Floating bridge
• Zero fret with string separator
• Bottle opener tailpiece
• Black hardware throughout

Every Bone Fish Creations instrument is built one at a time, combining traditional woodworking with reclaimed and unexpected materials to create something that’s as enjoyable to play as it is to admire.

Bone Fish Creations — Playable Art.b

There’s just something about red, white, and blue on a handmade instrument.These two builds were created to celebrate th...
07/04/2026

There’s just something about red, white, and blue on a handmade instrument.

These two builds were created to celebrate the country that has given so many of us the freedom to create, build, and chase the things we love.

Happy Independence Day from Bone Fish Creations. 🇺🇸

May your Fourth be filled with family, friends, good music, and the freedom to make something with your own hands.

Apparently waiting for finish to dry has become a new instrument category…Tonight’s shop distraction is another one-stri...
06/28/2026

Apparently waiting for finish to dry has become a new instrument category…

Tonight’s shop distraction is another one-string Canjo.

This one started with a vintage Havoline motor oil can and a red oak stair baluster. Rather than stain the wood, I torched it to bring out the grain and give it some age before branding the Bone Fish logo into the headstock.

The main fret positions are marked with solder burns, while the remaining positions were burned in using the edge of a cherry-red putty knife. Rivets serve as the string ferrule, an eyelet becomes the nut, and a leather strap holds the copper coupling slide while doubling as a hanger when it’s not being played.

Finished with a 25.5” scale, it’s another reminder that just about anything can become a musical instrument with a little imagination.

Playable Art.

Address

Bloomington, IN
47408

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