yup , here's my entry specifically made for the contest .

The ACME Corporation 1918 TWANG-A-GONG Diddly bow .

100% period materials . Including the string .

Dear Father , I hope this gift finds you well , I hasten to voice my concern of trust in the new pony express replacement “Parcel Post “ service. Nonetheless , I am anxious to exclaim my start of a new business venture in my own guitar company . Do accept this prototype model as a Yuletide gift . Mother is beside her self wondering where the badge went from the ACME stove . and it breaks my heart to witness her confusion as to why the clock won’t chime anymore . Yet I can’t bring myself to tell her .. lest I make the 100’s of dollars I expect from this business when it catches on. OH goodness , I must bid you farewell, Mother has just now noticed the keyhole cover missing from the front door.

Best Regards ,

Lil Pick

MATERIALS;

Antique box

Clock Gong (Finally found the secret to making this work well and sound like church bells)

BRASS KEY HOLE BRASS HARDWARE

Acme badge from period stove.

Hand made tuner…carved wood and a bolt.

ALL SCREWS ARE PERIOD ( slotted and Robertson . only available at the time .)

Pop rivit is period.

Even the string is period material . (catgut and silver plated steel, I believe were the only strings available at the time .) I happen to have a pack of silver plated Martin strings . so I used one on this .

No pickup or any electrics ( not available at the time .) the gong coil makes its own reverb and reso .