Hey d,
A VERY cool build! How do the mini and lipstick tube get along? Would love a video. I always think it's great to make an instrument with or for your kids. They'll remember you through it forever.
That neck burn reminds me of Peter Frampton's black LP that he just got back after thinking it was burned up in a plane crash in South America I think in the early 80's. It's the one on the cover of the "Frampton Comes Alive" album. Your neck has that "to hell and back and got the singes to prove it" look.
Rob