Shane Speal: The King of the Cigar Box Guitar

Shane Speal is a name that has become synonymous with the cigar box guitar. Known as “The King of the Cigar Box Guitar,” Speal has dedicated his life to playing, teaching, and promoting this unique instrument, and has played a major role in its resurgence in recent years.

Speal’s love for the cigar box guitar began in the early 1990s when he stumbled upon a book about building the instrument. Intrigued by the idea of making music with something as humble as a cigar box, Speal began experimenting with building his own guitars and quickly fell in love with the instrument’s raw, primal sound.

In the years that followed, Speal became a fixture in the cigar box guitar community, playing at festivals and events around the country and sharing his knowledge and passion for the instrument with anyone who would listen. He also founded the website CigarBoxNation.com, which has become one of the largest online communities of cigar box guitar enthusiasts, with thousands of members from around the world.

But it’s not just Speal’s enthusiasm for the instrument that has made him a respected figure in the cigar box guitar community – it’s his talent as a musician. Speal is a master of the slide guitar, and his playing style is steeped in the traditions of blues and rock ‘n’ roll. He has released multiple albums of original music, including “Holler!” and “King of the Cigar Box Guitar,” which showcase his skills as a songwriter, singer, and guitarist.

In addition to his work as a performer and teacher, Speal is also an accomplished builder of cigar box guitars. He has created hundreds of instruments over the years, each one unique and infused with his own creative vision. Many of his guitars are made using found objects and other unconventional materials, such as license plates, hubcaps, and scrap metal, which only adds to their charm and character.

Perhaps what is most impressive about Speal’s contributions to the cigar box guitar community is the way he has helped to bring the instrument back into the mainstream. What was once a novelty item has now become a legitimate musical instrument, and Speal has played a significant role in that transformation. His performances and workshops have introduced countless people to the joys of playing the cigar box guitar, and his advocacy for the instrument has helped to elevate its status in the music world.

In short, Shane Speal is a true ambassador for the cigar box guitar, and his passion and talent have helped to bring this unique instrument to a whole new generation of musicians and music fans. Whether he’s on stage, in the workshop, or online, Speal’s love for the cigar box guitar shines through, and it’s clear that he will continue to be a driving force in the instrument’s continued evolution for years to come.