Well, I finally got the 'cigar box' fiddle built. Everything looked good, the instrument tuned up well and seemed to remain in tune. The bridge was a bit out but as easily adjusted although a new one would have been better as the one used was a reclaimed item from a 3/4 violin.

So, new bridge and some fine tuners were ordered and ,when they arrived, were quickly fitted to the fiddle. All seemed good for a second time and the fiddle seemed to play well. I sat down this morning and the tail piece broke. Cracked across the tail strap mounting holes. Startled me I can tell you!

A standard, black tail piece was quickly fitted. The ones that have fine tuners built into the tail piece. Not my idea of style or elegance, but the only style that I have in my spares box.

Also this week I have managed to get two foot pedals from an old drum kit. The hi-hat style has been fitted with a tambourine whilst a vertical 'stomp box' has been fitted to the drum pedal.

Drumming is something that I've done a little of (a long time ago) but playing an instrument whilst keeping a rhythm is not as easy as it sounds - well not for me at the moment at the moment - although I'm improving with each song.