Well done Midge, congratulations on building you first guitar.

If you are only going to play slide, the string height will be O.K.  You do not have to press hard on the strings with the slide.

If it's a 3 string and the G is really strung hard you can always use a lower tuning. You could try D A D.( key of D)   A lot of people try this. or E B E (key of E)

I often use G B D (key of G) for the type of tunes I play but I also have a lower D string as my 4th string.

I'm so happy that you've found a slide.

Well have to get together to  give you a lesson and try out the guitar.

By the way, you can always 'pad out' a slide if it's a bit big with some thin foam or whatever that is glued inside the slide.

You could find some at a scrap yard or breakers, a car boot or an autojumble. I unfortunately threw away some because of a proposed house move.

They cut easily with a good hacksaw.

All the modern stuff is aluminium which you can use, but in my opinium doesn't compate with steel or brass. I believe some people have used copper pipe

Have you thought about motorcycle or bicycle handlebars, preferably steel and probably chromed?

It sounds as if you've got a good plan. Good luck to to you.

Hi  fella,

just wondered if you have managed any progress with your first build? 

Thank you Hep Cat for joining my group. Feel free to add to the discussions or ask questions. Please check out my instructional video CDs. Let me know if I can be of further assistance. Enjoy, Keni Lee  http://www.ebay.com/sch/njmikeb/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

Like any skill, it becomes easier and better the more you do it?

Everyone on the 'nation' was at your  stage when they built their first instrument so don't worry. There is plenty of advice available and plenty of support.

In the words of someone - the longest journey starts with one step.

Have  you had a look at the "free plans" page on the 'Nation'?

You'll be fine with your first build. Just think about what you are going to do. Make a plan if you want and TAKE YOUR TIME. Almost every mistake has been made by most of us on the nation and they are usually fixable. If the worst comes to the worst, it is an excellent way of learning. Keep the first one simple.

Yes, through the main door (just down from the drill hall box office) and turn left.

n.b. thanks friend.

Hello there,

thanks for your enquiry, yes, a really good night. Took my packing case bass drum, my tambourine hi hat, cigar box cigar (4 string tuned Chicago) Harmonica and kazoo.

Playing was a bit iffy as the cigar box guitar - new strings - went off key a little. I played 3 new self penned blues pop  numbers and was asked for an encore. Unfortunately no time for that as there was a full line up of artists.

Gonna be playing similar at the 'Write Note' at Lincoln central library. 12:00 to 14:00  on Saturday with a free entry. Using 4 string acoustic instruments as amplification is not allowed at these events.

There is a video of me playing at last years Cambridge cigar box guitar festival on Cigar box nation or on my face book page - yellowbelly flatt

Thanks for invite. I charge a small fee for instructions. Best to email me for details on smojoguitars@yahoo.co.uk cheers

Hi there Hep Cat,

I've just been invited to play a couple of numbers at an open mic night on Monday 18 March.

If you are interested I will be taking some cigar box instruments to play and will be playing some 'blues'

The event is usually fun and although there are a lot of students, there are some good performers of all sorts of music.

The evening is free to get into and kicks off at about 9.00 p.m. with drinks at reasonable prices and is at the "L4" bar on Guildhall street (just along from the Stonebow ).