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So many questions...I'm thinking of building something that resembles a miniature lap steel guitar . Here's what I'm thinking -

* 6 string instrument tuned open D 

* very short scale length (roundabouts a concert/tenor ukulele size - around 23 - 26"

* no electrics, just a deep resonator box made from very thin plywood.

It's more of an experiment than anything else but I'm really stuck with what gauge strings to use. I've always used medium-light strings on my guitars but would these still be too heavy for such a small instrument? Would I have to use ukulele or classical guitar nylon strings to get the right tension without snapping the thing in half?

My thinking is that steel strings are better at sustaining the note played on them than nylon - especially important with a small acoustic instrument.

Am I mad or is this imaginary instrument do-able? :P

If anyone could share any insight on any of this I'd be very very grateful!!

So while I was sitting at my favorite workbench the other night (2x4 across my knees while I sit on an overturned 5 gallon bucket) I was thinking about what I've learned over 10 or so partial and complete builds.  And the major thing comes down to these hard and fast RULES of making a CBG.

1. Keep sanding.
2. When you think you're done sanding, put it down for a day.  Then come back and start over with 180 grit.
3. See rule 1, jackazz.
4. No, you are not done sanding yet.
5. See rule 1.
6. If, by some miracle, you have decided to finish sanding and all the large scratches and misaligned joints are more or less flush to one another, then you may start applying finish.
7. You forgot to remove all the dust, didn't you?
8. Sand 'em wood.
9. Try number 7 again.
10. Now, if you have somehow managed to have a beautiful guitar neck with no scratches and a nice finish, go ahead and give it a whack against something hard to get that first ding out of the way.  You know, the one where you lean the neck up against something while you reach for the box, tuners, or something else?
11. Don't worry about the scratch.  You were never going to sell this guitar anyway.

And the progress to date on this guitar is below.  It isn't perfect, but I wasn't going to sell it anyway.  :)

I still have to figure out a bridge/saddle and tailpiece design.  The bridge and saddle sit between the Star Wars logo and Vader's head.

There will be no fret inlays on the face of the neck.  The Force will guide your hands to the right notes.  I hope.