This book serves both as a coffee book and as an instructional book.
The instructions are very clear, and although I haven't tried the projects (yet), there are pictures and lots of details to guide and help.

It is very clear that this book was written by someone who is passionate about creating instruments from other pieces.

The book also has stories about certain special guitars and pictures of the author's own collection.

Besides the guitar instructions, some projects are also included.
These projects don't have that much detail, but the logic for the decisions is explained, and the reader can take inspiration from them.

I have planned a journey to Gettysburg for years, and when I finally do make it to that historical location, I have added one additional stop – Speal’s Tavern, in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania.

Speal’s Tavern is owned by author Shane Speal’s father, and along with a serving of beer, one can also visit the museum display of cigar box guitars, with builders from all around the world contributing. After reading Mr. Speal’s book, it would be fun to see the handiwork of other creators.

I had envisioned a book of a down-and-dirty collection of hand-made guitars, a combination of Appalachian style instruments made from whatever materials were at hand. The author’s book was far more interesting than anything I could have imagined. Although Mr. Speal entertains us with quirky stories from his personal history, the meat and potatoes are the pictures and descriptions of the guitars and other items.

The descriptions don’t stop with the physical details of the instruments. This is a how-to, get-your-hands-involved book, and includes lists of materials and tools needed along with step-by-step instructions on crafting a guitar of your very own. Be ready to be instructed, amused, and wowed, as the author moves from cigar boxes to wine containers to using the old metal ham containers! Readers are encouraged to get involved, and let your imagination take you to new ideas. There are plenty of color pictures, and most people will have the necessary tools already at hand.

The book moves on to other creations, teaching us how to build a washtub bass, foot stompers, lap steel guitars, and other interesting variations (gotta mention the beer can microphone). If your buddies are playing their instruments too loud, never fear, as there are instructions how to build homemade pre-amps as well as adding pick-ups to all your new instruments.

Whether or not this book turns you into a fan or a DIY cigar box guitar-building fanatic, it’s a fun and entertaining read written by someone who enjoys what he is doing. Five stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing for an advance complimentary ebook of this title.

My son plays any instrument with strings and my husband builds cigar box guitars. This is an interesting book with plans and ideas, but also has stories and anecdotes. I will definitely be purchasing this book for them.

This delightful book by Blues musician Shane Speal not only contains detailed instructions for how to make your own cigar box guitar, but wonderful stories about the Blues musicians that Speal has played with during his career and their handmade instruments. Speal carefully explains the why and how these instruments work, in spite of being made of inexpensive, common materials. Want to make an electric instrument? Speal also includes a section on electric guitars. The book has many crisp, clear photographs to guide interested crafters. A must-buy for public libraries that host MakerSpaces.

This was a very fascinating  book, my oldest daughter loves music, taught herself keyboard, and she wants to learn as many instruments as she can. I showed her this book and I think I created a monster lol. My daughter wants to make a cigar box guitar now, and a wash board to play. I'm  glad I got to review this because I never knew you could make so many diffrent kinds of guitars

I first heard about cigar box guitars as a kid, but never saw one until just about 3 years ago when I was on a trip to West Virginia and happened on a store selling odd musical instruments. I bought one- a single string canjo! I's amazing what one can play on one string! Kept me entertained for weeks! Made all my friends and their kids laugh, too! And now there's a book on building them from scratch. Well, it's a keeper! I want to make one of my own. Anyone interested in folk music and old time music should pick up this book! It's crazy fun!