Hi,
 
If you ever make a small scale bass guitar for the us lefties ... let me know ... I'll buy it! I'm keep 1K on the side just for fun and the super insane gifty stuff to oneself ... and that might just finally get me to play for good!
 
And plzzzzz ... don't copy a Fender ... so tired of that ugly look on 95% of all bases ... I would rather have one with no head ... something less "traditional" ...

I think a bass guitar would be a serious challenge, and beyond my current skills. One day, who knows, now I am retired I have time to improve.
 
Next project will be another electric dulcimer building on the experience and lessons learned building the first two. I am thinking six strings in three double courses, the modern DAD tuning and neck and bridge pickups but nothing is finally decided yet.

As well as open E etc. try a C6/Am tuning - e.g. ACEGAC or CEGACE. I've an 8-string lap steel I tune ACEGACEG. Having the 6th of the scale in there opens up a lot of possibilities (like playing minor chords) and makes some runs easier as well. Then there's the trick of using a free finger on your left hand, e.g. the third or fourth, to pull on the string behind the steel bar to bend just that one note....
 
There's lots of lap steel stuff around the internet if you search for it. Have fun :-)

tlw
As well as open E etc. try a C6/Am tuning - e.g. ACEGAC or CEGACE. I've an 8-string lap steel I tune ACEGACEG. Having the 6th of the scale in there opens up a lot of possibilities (like playing minor chords) and makes some runs easier as well. Then there's the trick of using a free finger on your left hand, e.g. the third or fourth, to pull on the string behind the steel bar to bend just that one note....
 
There's lots of lap steel stuff around the internet if you search for it. Have fun :-)

Thanks for the tips. I am back on course now after correcting a few problems caused by poor design of the output socket and I have also received a decent guitar steel and picks along with at tutor book.
 
Meanwhile planning of the next project, another electric dulcimer, is well underway and the pickups etc. are ordered and on their way from Germany. This will one will be far from a cheap!