Blogs

Weird Instruments and Random News...
Check out the freakish copper pipe guitar (CopperGuitars.com) from Timothy Dlugasz!  The entire thing is made from welded copper pipes with a wooden fretboard affixed to the top.  Apparently it's one of his early prototypes (the new ones have a cool guitar body outline).  I received it on Wednesday and used it at my gig on Saturday night.  The crowd loved it.

Thanks to Lance Weiler and Ted Van Pelt for taking some great photos of that gig.  You can see them all at the Shane Speal's Snake Oil Fan Page on Facebook.  (We have a couple Facebook pages, but this one is the best because it allows you to post on the timeline and interact with us.)

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Wrench Xylophone
I found this picture of a Wrench Xylophone somewhere on the internet and fell in love with the concept.  I need to haunt some flea markets and start collecting old rusty wrenches based on their tones.  Anyone ever build an instrument out of trash like this?  Do they work?  Email pics!

Or post your ideas on the Snake Oil Fans page...

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Homemade Steam Whistle
Here's my friend and business partner, Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker and the homemade 'steam whistle' he built from an antique bicycle pump and air compressor.  The handle of the pump acts as a slide whistle as air is forced into the pump via compressor.  It's loud... about 116 decibels!

Ben will be bringing this contraption to York PA for our concert at Liquid Hero Brewery this Friday night at 7pm.  I will play it during the show and we will film it as the final segment for the Chasing Steam Documentary I am working on. 

A note about the documentary: The one-hour film will be aired locally on WRCT-TV community access Channel 18 in York PA starting on December 18th.  I also hope to have the doc uploaded to Youtube so everybody gets a chance to watch it before Christmas. 

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Stray thoughts and ideas...

• The Chasing Steam documentary is actually a precursor to other possible TV things.  I don't say much about it because there is so much involved.  If things start to develop, you'll be the first to know.

• My friends at Musicvox have a new, improved website:  www.musicvox.com They have a coupon code to get 20% off 12 string guitars and 12 string basses (Yes, they make an ungodly evil 12 string bass!) Just use the code 20OFF12 when you check out.
• What if I recorded a solo album tribute to R. L. Burnside?
• Oh, and Mark at Copperphone Microphones has a new one, too.  www.placidaudio.com  (Mark actually consulted with me as he built the site.  I was honored to help.)
• Friday will mark the official end to the Holler! tour. It will also be Ronn's last show before he leaves for Las Vegas. (He promises to return in March.) We'll be performing at Liquid Hero Brewery in York from 7-10. Agin Cajun will have his Gumbo food truck outside selling the best damn gumbo you've ever had.  This show will be the biggest of the year. No cover. Just show up and drink with us.

One final note:  There's two days left to reserve a "The Speal" 3 string electric cigar box guitar at the discounted price of $179.  All the info is below.   I'm headed back out to the woodshed today to build more instruments.  Keep checking www.shanespeal.bigcartel.com in the next couple weeks to see what I create.

I hope you're all doing great.  Stay in touch. 
And stay primal.

Shane

 

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"The Speal" Pro-Model cigar box guitar!

As seen in concert, this is the model known as "The Speal," a three-string electric cigar box guitar loaded with a screaming P90 'soapbar' pickup.  Each one comes with a free Mother Leeds guitar slide and a CD copy of Shane Speal's Snake Oil Band's new album, Holler!     The Speal: just $179 until Wednesday evening.

Need a stocking stuffer that they'll never expect? 

Get a Rust-O-Phonic Beer Can Mic for just $39!

Rust-O-Phonic Mics deliver nasty, gritty, lo-fi sounds. Totally handmade in York, PA (USA) by Shane Speal and members of his Snake Oil Band.

Perfect for vocals. Friggin' fantastic for harmonica.

Our microphones are a primitive setup using a special contact mic system secured to internal metal membrane and housed within all-steel antique beer cans. Each one has a distinct personality in sound.

Rust-O-Phonic Mics - $39

"THE BARITONE HOLLER"

This cigar box guitar is so bombastic, it makes the fillings in your mouth rattle.  As heard on the songs "Holler" and "49 Years" and now available for just $249 (save $50). 

Handmade from an ultra-large cigar box and a shovel handle...just like the one Shane plays in concert.

The Baritone Holler:  $249

Actual 4-string Guitar/Bass Hybrid
Played by Shane Speal in Concert
On Sale: $395

The Shane Speal email is sponsored by C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply, your cigar box guitar superstore.  Visit them at www.cbgitty.com

Cigar Box Guitars Have Soul - The look and sound of every CBG is unique and as different as the people playing them. So what may work great for me may not be the best fit for you. 
Here are some basics that may be helpful in finding your perfect CBG. 

Scale Size Matters - I have seen 5 year old children playing huge classical guitars like pros. So it is possible to adjust to the size and fret spacing of any guitar, but why should you? As a person with smaller hands I have always struggled with standard 6 string guitars. The frets are far apart and I have a hard time reaching. The scale of a guitar is the distance between the nut up by the head or tuners and the bridge usually located on top of the box that the strings go over or attach to. The longer the scale the further apart the frets are from each other. Many people have tried to play guitars in the past only to get frustrated because of the difficulty in reaching the right spots on the fret board.  
On a typical store bought guitar this scale length is usually between 24 3/4 to 25 1/2 or somewhere in-between. This is kind of a standard developed by Gibson, Martin and Fender and is ok for most folks with normal to large hands. But what about a youth player, lady or someone with smaller hands. Or those who play mandolin or ukulele? 
A shorter scale is one of the advantages that can be realized when purchasing a custom built instrument and can be the difference between struggling and easy to play. Even those big giant dudes that ride big motorcycles or big mud trucks will notice how easy a shorter scale can be to play. 
A shorter scale may be for you, so consider the scale when buying a CBG. I have found a 20" to 22" scale to be just perfect for most small hands players. 

Frets or No Frets? - CBG's can be purchased with or without frets. Frets are the narrow metal pieces on the neck that your fingers push your strings down on. 
Most common store bought guitars have frets but you don't have to have them to be able to get the individual notes you want out of the strings. Take the violin and chello for instance, these are examples of fret-less stringed instruments. 
There are advantages and disadvantages to both that can be considered and this topic alone can bring up much debate depending on who you ask. However there has always been something of a general rule regarding fretted or fretless. If you want to play primarily individual notes as in the lead of a song go with frets. If you want to use a slide go fretless. In my humble opinion, if the neck of a CBG is built well you can do both with either. So there is no right or wrong answer here. If you are used to frets buy a CBG with frets. If you have no preference, fretless may be a good option for your first CBG because they are usually less expensive. Typically the luthier has less time in the assembly of a fretless instrument. A good fret job takes some time and must be done right.

Action or String Height - The action of a guitar refers to the distance between the bottom of the strings and the frets or neck. A stringed instruments action or string height determines how much downward pressure must be applied to the strings in order to make solid contact with the fret or fret board. Like the decision for frets or fretless there are players that like both. Here are a couple of considerations regarding whether a low or high action may be best for you. 
If you have strong calloused fingers the action will not be as critical for you. If you are a new player, you can look forward to developing those much needed finger muscles and callouses and, you would want the action to be as low as possible starting out. Typically a guitar set up for slide play tends to be just a bit higher and this is normally what you see with fretless instruments. I have always been one to try and get the action as low as possible. The straightness of the neck and the fret job determines how low you can get the action on any guitar. If the action gets to low the strings can rattle on the frets. This is called fret buzz and its not a good thing. Fret buzz can also happen if the neck has a bend or twist, or if the frets are not correct. If you desire a low action you may want to look closely at the construction of the guitars neck. Hardwoods or necks made of 2 pieces (neck & fretboard) glued together are usually stronger and straighter possibly allowing for a lower action setting.

How Many Strings ? - Cigar box guitars are available with any number of strings from only one to six or even more. 
Certainly there are no rules, however the most common are the 3 and 4 string CBG's.
If you currently play a 6 string you may consider the 4 string. It may also be a good choice for the mandolin or ukulele player as well because it can be tuned and played the same. Both 3 and 4 string CBG's are well represented on YouTube with help-full teaching videos and this is a great resource. 
With exception to the above folks, I would recommend the 3 string to everyone because of the great sound you can achieve and the way it can be tuned making it easy to learn. There are many different ways to tune a guitar. The most common tuning for CBG's is open chord tuning.  Strumming all 3 strings makes a chord without pushing any down or in the open position. Depending on the size of the strings you can tune it to any chord you like, allowing you to play in different keys. 
3 strings will allow you to combine 3 separate notes to make a chord. The more notes you include in a chord the better it will sound. While many chords really need more than 3 notes, you can learn tricks to cheat just enough with 3 strings to make it work. So a 3 string is an all-around great choice.

Well there you have it! It’s all just my opinion and what I try to convey to the folks who have chosen to play one of the CBG’s I built. Hope it helps. 

I have been building guitars for 3 years now and have benefited from all the knowledge shared here and elsewhere on the web.  I still can't get over how unlike most other special-interest forums Cigar Box Nation is.

Since I am not working full time at the moment and I'm half-time getting my Masters degree so I can teach high school chemistry next fall, I started up my guitar building as a small business.  Last weekend I set up a website at www.badfingerguitar.com and also started a couple Pinterest boards, hoping to snag in some new-new customers who are not already perfectly familiar with CBGs and the like.  If you have a Pinterest account, follow me if you like.  I put up some in-progress pics as guitars are being built as well as finished instruments.

You can find me on Facebook too.  Stop by and throw me a like, if you want.  :)  A lot of pics get loaded on my FB page since it is fast and easy with my phone.  I try to catch up from the desktop on CBN when I can.

I also have a couple guitars ready for shipping on the website.  Click here to check out some of my Roadhouse blues guitars, including an original Sawzall box guitar for sale.  

Thanks for taking a look.

Bluesboy Jag Christmas CBG Sale!

Bluesboy Jag le Bijou Deluxe Humidor Acoustic/Electric

* Gorgeous, Durable Humidor Style box

* 3 or 4 Stringer

* Red Oak Neck

* Gibson/Fender Style Wire Frets

* Hand Wound Magnetic (NOT Transducer pickup)

* Tuned A E a C# (open A, but you can tune it however you like).

* Strap Buttons

* Weighted For Perfect Balance

* Perfectly Intonated

* Sound Hole For Acoustic Playing

* Rounded Neck For Easy Playing

Each CBG Comes with a FREE Bluesboy Jag "How To Play A CBG" DVD and Guitar Slide.

This is one of my hot sellers, I have several available, but they'll go fast!

Order Now For Christmas Delivery

SALE! $189.99 +$20 Shipping NOW AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME

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Bluesboy Jag Jaime Garcia Acoustic/Electric

* Wood Box, Great Resonation

* 3 or 4 Stringer

* Red Oak Neck

* Gibson/Fender Style Wire Frets

* Hand Wound Magnetic (NOT Transducer pickup)

* Tuned A E a C# (open A, but you can tune it however you like).

* Strap Buttons

* Weighted For Perfect Balance

* Perfectly Intonated

* Sound Hole For Acoustic Playing

* Rounded Neck For Easy Playing

Each CBG Comes with a FREE Bluesboy Jag "How To Play A CBG" DVD and Guitar Slide.

This is one of my hot sellers, I have several available, but they'll go fast!

Order Now For Christmas Delivery

SALE! $189.99 +$20 Shipping NOW AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME

If anyone is interested in the nylon-strung three string guitar I now have the construction print available at my website.  I've also added 40 photos of the building process and I'll be adding verbiage as time permits.  At least I've got it up!

http://www.bluestemstrings.com/pageGuitarThreeString.html

Thanks for lookin! 

http://registerguard.com/rg/life/lifestyles/32162377-74/spirit-unbroken.html.csp

http://www.bluestemstrings.com/pageGuitarThreeString.html

Let me introduce to You Mr. Leopold Fijałkowski from Kielce, POLAND. Ingenious inventor of cosmic items like suspenders shock absorbers, bike on suspension, canned food actually made in bottle without the neck, eternal flytrap made with wire and sticky liquid. In 1906, in Kielce (south-east of Poland) Mr. Leopold engineered the first in Poland cigar box guitar made of wooden box and neck taken off of the Russian 7-string guitar.

Based on information provided by Mr. Leopold’s heirs, the instrument was electric from the beginning. But this is a risky thesis. In 1906 electricity was widely used for lighting but not for the acoustic purposes. The same year, in New York, the first loudspeaker was invented, but it’s unlikely that this technology was known in Kielce, Poland. Probably Radio inspired Mr. Leopold to build his electric instrument few years later.

Due to witnesses and local Kielce’s press, Mr. Leopold performed with his instrument which was described as “organ sound”. Hence we can presume that the instrument had installed sound modulator that is the first electric guitar effect unit ever. Unfortunately even though the instrument is still exists in collection of Kielce’s History Museum, there are no attempts to play the instrument and record the sound. It is because the bridge is missing. I suppose that the bridge was a stick protruding from the pickup gathering the strings vibrations as in an gramophone.

On the picture: complete instrument. Guitar is installed to the stand which also plays to role of the base for the pedal effect unit.

The first electric pickup in Poland up close. I would risk to say: the first in the world.

Control pedal

Mr. Leopold and his gear (1920 - 1930)

All pictures are from Kielce’s History Museum collection and are Its property. All rights reserved. Any copying, sharing, public use prohibited.

Source: www.cigarboxguitar.pl

The Shane Speal Newsletter: Ronn Benway and his Magical Washboard, the bombastic Baritone Cigar Box Guitar is now on sale, FREE CONCERT SATURDAY, more...

AC/DC has Angus Young running on stage, dressed as a schoolboy and stealing the limelight from the lead singer.  I have Ronn Benway.

Anyone who has seen Shane Speal's Snake Oil Band in concert knows that Ronn is the washboard-wielding star.  From his clown tights and colored Doc Martins to the insane dancing he does all over the stage, Ronn is everything I could ever want in a bandmate.  He plays the washboard with such ferocity that he wears thru thimbles in just a couple months of playing.  He also dances on the stage, runs thru the crowd and brings every bit of mayhem a rock and roll show needs.

He's the star and I love it.

Even his washboard is a work of art.  Ronn haunts thrift stores for old metal ashtrays, Jello molds and measuring cups that he uses as his bells and clangers.  He also has a deep appreciation for Acme wolf whistles (the same ones used in Bugs Bunny cartoons) and hand cranked sirens.  He's also learned that budget cymbals will only last one single gig on his washboard.

When we added confetti cannons and the Toilet Paper Gun to the stage props, it made Ronn a true maniac. 

When people find out he's almost 50 years old, they stare in disbelief.

I write this appreciation because Ronn is going on hiatus from the Snake Oil Band sometime in Mid-December for a few months.  He's starring in the new film, Find Your Way: A Busker's Documentary and it documents his time spent as a street performer in Seattle.  He also has a new album out, Shine Me Up Pretty.  You see, Ronn is a true Renaissance man...more than a washboard player.  He's an incredible singer/songwriter, all around entertainer and one of the best friends I have. 

BUT HE'S NOT LEAVING YET AND WE HAVE MORE SHOWS TO PLAY!  This Saturday night, we are performing a free concert for the public at IUP, Indiana University of PA.   (Info below.)  The concert will be one of the high points of the current Holler! tour and is not to be missed. 

Let's tear it up these next few shows...
And let's stay primal!

Shane Speal

SHANE SPEAL'S SNAKE OIL BAND
FREE CONCERT SATURDAY NIGHT
NOV 15 @ 8PM:
IUP (Indiana University of PA)
McVitty Auditorium in Sprowls Hall, IUP Campus
470 S 11th St (11th and Grant--enter off 11th)
Indiana, PA 15701

Here is the Facebook event page for this concert.  Please click it and share with your friends!!!
 

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THE HOLLER! BARITONE CIGAR BOX GUITAR

This is it. This is the axe everyone's been begging me to make again. It's that 28" scale baritone cigar box guitar just like I used on the HOLLER! album...except it's better.

My old "shovel handle" baritone has gotten so beat up from throwing it across the stage at the end of shows, so I made a new one for myself. I also made two others for you. They feature the low grumbling baritone scale with half of a bass pickup.

You'll notice that I did not put a resonating tin into these. That's because the resonator in my original baritone SUCKED. These new ones are louder than the original and they have more sustain. I've also improved the hand crafted Corian nut.  Other details

* a KING B box from Arturo Fuente
* Mandolin tailpiece
* shovel handle neck with fret markers drawn in pencil on the side
* Shane Speal signature tuners
* Shane Speal signature Southbound strings.
* Pennsylvania license plate on the back

Played with a slide. Meant to be plugged into the loudest amp you own.

Two available for sale now.
The Holler Baritone - $295

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The Shane Speal newsletter is sponsored by C. B. Gitty - the cigar box guitar parts superstore.

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...and one final note:

 

Hi all,

Thought I'd join in the fray after a friend recommended CBN to me.  I've had a longtime interest in musical instrument construction and have been engaged in building for something in the neighborhood of 30 years.  I've done various types of guitars, a few Cajun accordions, various kalimbas, a few wood flutes, and banjos in the past, but mostly banjos at present.  I do like to do the occasional fun project and I'm finishing up a nylon-strung three string short scale acoustic guitar that's designed to be made by someone who might wish to progress beyond the level of a rank beginner.

I'll be doing a dedicated webpage for it on my website here:

www.Bluestemstrings.com

More later, I'll have to throw up some pics!

Maple neck, ply finger board, Lego bridge, wing nits hold box together

Here´s a video I made for my project Blues In The Box, it was shot at barcelona metro facilities. Yes it´s the blues, jack knife and trains!

http://vimeo.com/91288728

The Shane Speal Newsletter:  Shane films new documentary on the World's Loudest Acoustic Concert + TOUR DATES for the next three weeks

Ever since I built my first cigar box guitar in 1993, I've searched out other strange musical instruments.  Sometimes they're things that were never intended to play songs such as a washtub or a washboard.  One good example of this is the 100 year old steam whistle in York PA that plays Christmas carols at 134 decibels.

I've been given the opportunity to film a one-hour documentary on the Factory Steam Whistle Concert, an event that has happened at 12:15am every Christmas morning in my hometown city of York PA.   Guiness Book of World Records declares it "The World's Loudest Music Without Amplification by a Non-Musical Instrument" and the concert can be heard 12 miles away.  The sound is eerie, like Christmas at a prison break.  It's also one of the most fascinating things I've ever heard.  Here's a Youtube video filmed by someone on the street.  People pull to the side of the road in their cars, listen and honk as applause.

I'm not raising money for this project and I have no Kickstarter.  The documentary is being financed and filmed by York PA's community access TV station, WRCT.  I simply want to invite you to the film's Facebook page so you can keep up-to-date on our filming and news.  This stuff is just fascinating to me.  I want to take you on the journey.

Next up...we're bringing the show to you:

SHANE SPEAL CONCERT DATES THE NEXT THREE WEEKS!
(Presented by www.CBGitty.com and www.CigarBoxNation.com)

Thu. Oct 30 - FREDERICK MD - Cafe Nola 9:30pm   info
Fri.  Oct 31 - CAMP HILL/HARRISBURG PA - Gullifty's  9:30pm  info
Sat. Nov 1 - SKI ROUNDTOP, Lewisberry PA - 2-4pm  info

Thu. Nov 6 - WASHINGTON DC - Gypsy Sally's 8:30pm  info
              (w/The Dirty River Boys)
Fri.  Nov 7 - ALTOONA PA - McGarvey's (a.k.a. Aldos) 9:30pm info
Sat. Nov 8 - PHILADELPHIA - Kung Fu Necktie  8pm  info
              (w/The Bloodshots & Black Flamingo)

Sat. Nov 15 - IUP Indiana University of PA  7pm... details coming soon!


Well, that's about it around here.  I'm spending the day restringing all my instruments for the tour. I've just been sent some top-secret guitar strings by Southbound Strings.  We're gonna try 'em out! 

Come out and see the shows! 
And stay primal,
Shane Speal

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IN STOCK NOW!
"THE SPEAL"
Electric cigar box guitar loaded with a fat & creamy P90 pickup.

I introduced "The Speal" electric cigar box guitar two weeks ago and immediately sold out.  This new version has a few improvements such as a dark oak fretboard with brass fret markers, brass corners and a gorgeous Arturo Fuente Box.

Click the pic to see the demo video I just filmed.  I'm not sure why, but this new version has a really "Chicago smooth" tone to it...very uptown slide guitar sounds.  I'm in love with it.

"The Speal"
3-string Electric Cigar Box Guitar
$199.00
 

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Shane Speal Newsletter is sponsored by C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply, the cigar box guitar parts superstore.

 

I love the creativity and inginuity of the folks that call this place home.  The first cbg's  seem to have been made out of the only available materials.  I was wondering if anyone would be interested in a minimalist build challenge.  Rules and such outta be determined by greater minds than me. Just a thought from a rookie. 

This is a simple kit I´m perfecting with a friend so we can do workshops with kids so they can personalize and assemble a working guitar.

It needs to be very economical (bellow10€ for production cost) and some how easy for the kids to put together.I think we are getting there.

I will post the final result once its done.

A thesis statement is usually explained in one sentence and appears at the end of the introductory paragraph. It must limit your subject in a single idea and emphasize something significant and specific about your topic. A thesis statement should not be a general statement of the fact; it must be incredibly focused. An effective thesis statement is specifically describing the topic you have addressed, and explain your goal and claim about the topic.

Characteristics of Effective thesis statement

• An effective thesis statement is directly answering the questions of the assignment.

• It discusses only one subject instead of many.

• A strong thesis statement joins the paper by describing the most specific point of view of the writer on the topic.

• It usually forecasts the content of the essay.

• A strong thesis statement usually evolves as the thesis progresses.

• A good thesis statement serves as a planning tool and assists the writers to determine the proper focus and clarify the relationship between ideas.

• It keeps the reader focused and engaged in the arguments and helps them to spot out the main ideas.

• It tells the reader about the purpose, scope and direction of the paper.

• A good thesis statement identifies the relationship between the evidences, which you have used to support your argument.

• It can appear anywhere in the paper but should have a good reason of placement.

• A strong thesis statement makes a claim that requires analysis to support and evolve it.

Characteristics of ineffective thesis statement

• The thesis statement worded as a question and incomplete.

• An ineffective thesis statement is always broad and too vague.

• The statement contains many dissimilar ideas and does not include the main points.

• The thesis statement is not provable.

• It discusses many ideas and unfocused.

• A weak thesis has not made any claim and does not need to prove.

Some basic guidelines for identifying and fixing weak thesis statements:

• Make a claim in your thesis which provides the possibility of arguments for the reader.

• Try to avoid conservative ideas unless you can introduce a fresh perception on it.

• Convert broad ideas and arguments to more specific statement.

• Daily observes your questions and key terms instead of simply accepting them.

• Assess your statement by yourself, that your statement requires any further development or go to the next level or not.

• Avoid those words which explain any personal opinions such as accurate, real, believable, good etc. it makes your thesis doubtful.

• Qualify your claims as the paper progressing.

I lost my bridge, I then spied the Lego box under my desk that has amused children of all ages for years.  Why not I thought so there it was right on top.

This one was a gift for a violist.  I 'finished' at 9 PM and it was gifted at 9 AM the next day.

The sound hole is a  "f" hole, the tail suggest the bridge from a string section instrument, the headstock has a scroll profile, and for novelty I used a wine cork for the volume knob.

When I started this one, my band-saw decided it had enough of the old tires and threw them like a horse throws a shoe. I did what I could with my table saw and hand tools, but some bits just work better with a band saw.  3 days later the new tires arrived in the mail and I was back in business.

side note: putting new tires on a bandsaw is an adventure all of its own...

Check out The Art of Manliness website this week and see the building of The Art of Manliness Cigar Box Guitar.  Check it out here: http://www.artofmanliness.com/2014/10/13/how-to-make-a-cigar-box-guitar/

Should i seal the fret board before fretting?