People have been making instruments out of household items for ages or modify them. I am not sure if this first instrument will be your learning instrument or maybe research and development..I always believe that an experienced musician can make anything sound better than a beginner.. I think it is always neat to try new things with a base model intstrument or anything for that matter...I was looking at the hilo, I believe the holes are too
small, of course you could add more holes on the other side of the A string side to make it symetricial..
or even a side sound port...put better strings on and try it out... you never know..who knows you may
stumble on something...then put some bone nut and saddle and do a set up on it...it might be intresting and
fun...on the other side, here is an analolgy....if I bought a corvair and put in a better suspension, brakes,
tires, and improve the steering..it has been done, and some swear they are improved...I guess it all depends
on you and what you are trying to acheive and you have a good plan..at the end you will be spending more
to acheive this, and spend many many many hours to do this without an idea if it will work..but who am I to
say, maybe you like the challenge and enjoy this sorta thing..and you are good with your hands..on the other
hand all the money you spent and time, you can get a better instrument for the amount you invested..hee hee
Welcome to the UU...I am sure you knew well enough, you would get our honest opinions here..Good Luck on
whatever you plan to do...